Saul Indian Horse Sparknotes

The establishment of residential schools marks a dark chapter in Canadian history. The residential school system was a nationwide network of boarding schools with the purpose of destroying the Indigenous identity and assimilating children into the dominant European-Canadian culture. The schools were known for their harsh environments, abuse, and mistreatment, which led to generational trauma and long-lasting effects. Indian Horse by Richard Wagamese, narrates the life story of Saul Indian Horse, a young Ojibwe boy whose identity is stripped away and who is taken from his family to attend one of these schools. The book examines Saul’s journey, from his traumatic school experiences to his love for hockey. It explains how Saul found solace in

After experiencing a dangerous seizure incident, Saul was sent to a hospital, where doctors recommended that he seek treatment at the New Dawn Centre. Rehabilitation helped Saul quit drinking and gain enough courage to move on and heal. Saul said, “I’ve been here a month, after six weeks in the hospital, and that’s the longest I’ve been without a drink for years, so I guess there’s some use to it. My body feels stronger. My head is clear. I eat heartily” (Wagamese, 2-3). Rehabilitation empowered Saul to overcome his alcohol addiction and improve his physical and mental health. It also helped Saul restore his mental clarity and appetite, which had been lost during his struggle with alcoholism. With sobriety, Saul regained control of his life and made better decisions for his future, leading to healing. Furthermore, the rehabilitation centre provided Saul with a safe and supportive environment to work through his emotional trauma. Saul invested his time in sharing circles, listening to others share their experiences, and writing down his memories on paper. According to Saul, “If we want to live at peace with ourselves, we need to tell our stories” (Wagamese, 3). This suggests that sharing stories is crucial for the healing of people who have experienced trauma. By writing his story, Saul was able to let go of some of the shame and guilt he carried, which helped him move toward healing. In addition, the treatment facility offered Saul a peaceful land to rediscover his indigenous roots and reclaim his cultural identity. While at the New Dawn Centre, Saul walked daily and explored the nature behind the facility. One night, after he finished his memoir, he spent some time outside in the woods. For the first time in many years, Saul had a vision similar to the one he had during his childhood, marking a significant