Indian Horse

Indian horse chapter 25

The beginning of chapter 25 opens with the explanation of the name manitouwadge. Throughout the novel thus far, saul has paid close attention to always include the family names to the children he meets in St. Jerome's. He does not call them by their newly assigned Christian names, but instead, always mentions their entire name. Like for example: Angelique Lynx leg, Lenny Mik, Perry White duck, Shane big Canoe, and more. Considering what you know about identity, What is the signfiicance of keeping part of the first nations' children's names so prevalent in the novel? What might the author be trying to say the reader?

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Part of assimilation at these schools meant a stripping of identity, Indian names were cast aside in place of Christian names. Saul's mother had given him a Christian name to begin with so he kept it. Saul makes sure to call every child at the school by their Indian name to preserve their Indian identity and their dignity. Using their native name is a rebuke of the school and a rebuke of assimilation.