Colonialism in "Moon of the Crusted Snow"

Overview of Colonialism in "Moon of the Crusted Snow"

  • Colonialism as a Central Theme

    • Significant impact of colonial policies and practices on Indigenous communities.
    • Issues include:
    • Land theft
    • Displacement
    • Loss of Indigenous languages
    • Residential schools

  • Community's Relationship with the South

    • Characters from the South symbolize broader colonial legacy.
    • Reflects historical context for the struggles of Indigenous peoples in Canada.

  • Curriculum Connections

    • Colonialism influences multiple academic fields:
    • History
    • Literature Studies
    • Indigenous Studies
    • Law Studies
    • Sociology
    • Anthropology

Key Quotes and Perspectives from the Author

  • Andrew Wilmot's Interview with Waubgeshig Rice

    • Evan as a Rez “Everyman”:
    • Represents the paradox of modern Indigenous life.
    • Affected by intergenerational trauma from colonial impacts.
    • Struggles to connect with Anishinaabe identity amidst cultural loss.
    • Importance of ‘old ways’ surface during crises.

  • Waubgeshig Rice's Reflections on Truth and Reconciliation

    • Historical truths are emerging:
    • Recognition of violent history of residential schools.
    • Need for greater awareness about treaty history and cultural diversity.
    • Consequences of Settler Colonialism:
    • Designed to keep non-Indigenous people uninformed about Indigenous issues.

Depictions of Life in the Novel

  • Alcohol Use and Community Issues

    • Historical ban on alcohol due to suicides and domestic violence.
    • Importance of addressing the root causes: displacement and cultural erasure.

  • Quote Example:

    • “Our world isn’t ending. It already ended. It ended when the Zhaagnaash came into our original home… That was our world” (page 149).
    • Highlights loss of homelands and cultural continuance despite displacement.

Media and Resources for Further Understanding

  • Indigenous Perspectives:
    • Video on appropriate language regarding Indigenous Peoples.
    • Show First Contact:
    • Follows non-Indigenous Canadians interacting with Indigenous experiences.
    • Highlights the pain of sharing Indigenous histories for educational purposes.

Discussion Questions

  1. In what ways does Justin Scott symbolize colonizers and the act of colonization in the novel?
  2. Do you agree with Aileen’s assertion that their community has already faced an apocalypse? Justify your response.