Brayden Mckinnon Mrs Turney ENG 2 D 1 22 March 2024 Freeing the Pike and Jaat Sdiihltl’lxa: the Woman Who Returns essay. In "Freeing the Pike" by Richard Wagamese and "Jaat Sdiihltl’lxa: the Woman Who Returns" by Heather Hatch, both works explore the many challenges First Nations Individuals face in forming or finding their identities. In spite of the different circumstances and main characters of each text, common themes appear regarding the ups and downs in the journey of discovering one's identity. Wagamese narrative emphasizes the individual emotional struggle of oneself trying to find comfort and connection within nature, whereas Hatch’s piece dives into the journey of reclaiming her indigenous heritage through the Haida community. Next, in "Freeing the Pike" Richard Wagamese, faced several …show more content…
He said “In my adopted home there were no fishermen. Nobody spends time outdoors. Camping for that family was a travel trailer parked on a cul-de-sac lot with a convenience store a short walk away, laundry facilities and public showers.” (Wagamese #1). Wagamese faces many challenges with the disconnect between his cultural values and those of modern society. He struggles to restore his Indigenous identity because he feels secluded in the modern environment forced upon him by his adoptive family. Which includes camping in a travel trailer and disengagement from traditional practices. On the other hand, in "Jaat Sdiihltl’lxa: the Woman Who Returns" by Heather Hatch, some of the challenges she faced when reconnecting with her culture are the exploration and forming of her identity after discovering her Haida background. She said “Growing up, I felt like something was missing, as if something was calling me. I can feel the raven in my blood. “ (Hatch #0:20). Ultimately, Heather Hatch's discovery of her Haida background starts a journey of identity exploration, as she deals with the realization of