ilience Richard Wagamese's "Indian Horse," is a story about Saul Indian Horse, a residential school student. Throughout most of the novel, he goes by the name Saul. The book revolves around Saul's life journey and the profound impact that his Indigenous heritage and experiences, thereof have had on him. “I was sore inside” (Wagamese 48) After being forcibly taken from his family, “ The tearing away of the bush and my people was like ripped flesh in my belly.” (Wagamese48), Saul endures the harsh and abusive environment of St. Jerome's Indian Residential School. He finds hockey and discovers that he excels in the sport, which leads to opportunities beyond the school. Resilience is the prevailing theme throughout the book. Saul navigates …show more content…
Beginning with his time at the residential school where he is called names and forced assimilation, he practices the traditional prayers he learned from his grandmother; instead of falling apart, "I was grateful for the strength [Grandmother] had given me, for the teachings she had offered me in the light of a fire, for the nights I had slept beside her in the warmth of her love. I held onto those things as if they were a long rope down a dark hole.” (Wagamese 26). These traditions and teachings provide Saul with an unbreakable connection to his Indigenous culture, giving him the strength to survive the traumatic experiences of residential school. At the onset of the Indian Horse, Saul's life is marked by profound loss and the harsh reality of living on the fringe of society. From the harrowing experiences at school to the racism he encounters in the hockey world, Saul's will to persevere emerges strong. The novel portrays Saul's unwavering determination to withstand adversities, evident in his ability to find light even in the darkest moments. He learns to adapt to the strict routines and harsh living conditions of the school, clinging to the newfound love that helps him cope with the trauma; playing hockey. Wagamese writes, "I played and the game soothed me. It enveloped me in its embrace and let me feel alive even in the midst of the horror" (Wagamese 47). Saul's resilience is rooted in his ability to find hope in the despairing moments, allowing him to cope with the pain and trauma he experiences. Being called “ Zhaunagush” (Wagamese 48) by the children of his people, and name calling ”Shrimp” (Wagamese 75).“Is he a squirt?” and heckling “Thirteen’s their papoose” (Wagamese