Moon Of The Crusted Snow Character Analysis

Colonialism, a long-standing issue that originated centuries ago, continues to plague Indigenous populations today. One example is in Canada where Indigenous groups have experienced immense suffering as a result of the loss of their cultural heritage and forced assimilation into the mainstream society. Through "Moon of the Crusted Snow," Waubgeshig Rice presents a modern perspective on the history of colonialism, giving readers an insightful understanding of the ongoing trauma caused by oppression and violence in Anishinaabe communities.

In Waubgeshig Rice's novel "Moon of the Crusted Snow," the character of Justin Scott serves as a complex and nuanced representation of the ongoing effects of racism on the Anishinaabe community. Through his

One of the main themes of the novel is Justin's struggle to find his place in the world, both within his own community and in the larger white-dominated society. Justin is a mixed-race Anishinaabe man, and this creates a sense of alienation, mistrust and a deep sense of not belonging for him. Throughout the novel, Justin reflects on how he felt growing up in a mostly white school, where he was bullied and dehumanized for his heritage. On page 100, Justin states, "I had to constantly be on guard, to hide my culture, to suppress my language...I felt like a stranger in my own skin." (Rice 100)This powerful quote illustrates the damaging effects of forced assimilation on Indigenous peoples, who have been forced to abandon their own culture and adopt the culture of the colonizers. This process has led to a deep sense of alienation and cultural disconnection among Indigenous peoples. Moreover, on page 114, Justin notes that many members of his community have become "disconnected from their traditional ways" (Rice 114) as a result of the forced relocations, residential schools, and other government policies designed to assimilate Indigenous

For example, when Evan's community is confronted by a group of white hunters who are illegally poaching on their land, one of the hunters says, "We're just trying to make a living, same as you. We've been doing it for centuries. You people should just be grateful we're here to help you" (p. 78). This passage illustrates how Social Darwinism is used to justify the exploitation and domination of indigenous peoples and their resources. By implying that the white colonizers have been "doing it for centuries," the hunter justifies the continuation of their actions, and at the same time puts indigenous people in the position of being grateful for their actions. In this specific example, the white official suggests that the Anishinaabe people "need to learn how to farm like civilized people," implying that their traditional hunting and gathering are inferior and outdated. This attitude reflects the Eurocentric belief that European culture and ways of life are superior and should be imposed on other cultures. The white official also suggests that the Anishinaabe people "can't just rely on hunting and gathering as you have for centuries," implying that their traditional ways of life are unsustainable and that they need to adopt European ways of farming in order to survive. This attitude reflects the Eurocentric