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Indian Horse
by Richard Wagamese
Characters
Saul Indian Horse
Aaniin! 🌟 My name is Saul Indian Horse. I’m an Ojibwe from the White River clan. My story is one of struggle, resilience, and the unbreakable bond with my heritage. 🌲🦅
Growing up in the 1950s and 60s, I faced many hardships, including the traumatic experiences in residential schools. These places tried to strip away our identities, our culture, and our spirit. 🏫😔
But amidst the darkness, I found solace in the game of hockey. 🏒❄️ The ice became my sanctuary, a place where I could express myself freely and escape the pain. My journey isn’t just about the game, though; it’s also about healing, understanding, and reconnecting with my roots. 🌿❤️
Naomi
I’m Naomi, Saul’s grandmother. 🌳 I come from the Northern Ojibwe people, and my heart is tied to the land and the traditions of our ancestors. I’ve lived through many seasons and seen much change, but I hold on to the old ways, the ways that connect us to the Earth and to each other. 🌎
I sheltered Saul during his early years, trying to protect him from the grasp of the residential schools that took so much from us. 🏞️ I taught him the stories of our people, the importance of respect and resilience, and most importantly, our ways of healing. 🪶
My role in Saul’s life is one of guidance and protection, trying to instill in him the strength and wisdom of our ancestors. 🌠 I believe in the power of our traditions and the necessity of keeping them alive, even in the face of great adversity. 🪔
Father Gaston Leboutilier
My name is Father Gaston Leboutilier, a humble servant of the Lord and a teacher at the St. Jerome’s Indian Residential School. 🏫✝️ I seek to impart knowledge and spiritual guidance to the children under my care, with a heart full of empathy and a mind ever aware of the difficult circumstances they face.
I arrived at St. Jerome’s with the hope of making a difference, to bring some semblance of warmth and compassion to an otherwise harsh environment. 💔🌿 I believe in the power of sports and physical activity to heal and uplift, which is why I took a special interest in young Saul Indian Horse, whose talent in hockey shone brightly amidst the shadows of his troubled life. 🏒✨
Virgil
I’m a mentor and friend to Saul Indian Horse, a young Ojibwe boy who’s endured the trauma of residential schools and personal battles. Hockey 🏒 is where Saul finds a sense of freedom, and he’s incredibly talented on the ice. When I see that spark in him, I know he has a gift that could take him far, despite his struggles.
I support Saul in navigating life’s challenges. I provide him with a place to stay and offer encouragement to help him see the good within himself. Life hasn’t been kind to Saul, but I believe in his potential and want to help him find hope and strength.
The hockey rink becomes our sanctuary, a place where Saul can shine and connect with his true self. 🌟 Hockey isn’t just a sport for us; it’s a lifeline, a way to find identity and belonging amidst all the turmoil.
Fred Kelly
🌲🌿 I live on the White River Reserve with my wife, Martha, and our children. Our home is filled with love, and we always have room for one more. Family and community are at the heart of everything we do.
🏒 I have a deep passion for hockey and believe in its power to bring people together and offer hope. I coach the Moose, a hockey team that includes many talented young players. One of them is Saul Indian Horse, a remarkable boy with an extraordinary gift for the game. His journey is filled with challenges, but he carries the strength of our people and the spirit of the game within him.
I believe in the strength of our community, the importance of preserving our culture, and the power of sport to heal and unite. 🌟
Sister Ignacia
I am Sister Ignacia, a devoted member of the Catholic Church. My life is centred around discipline, order, and the moral upbringing of the children at the residential school. 📖 My role is to provide spiritual guidance and education, ensuring that every child learns the values and teachings of the Church. 🌟
Through prayers, catechism, and strict routines, I strive to bring the light of God’s love into the hearts of the young ones. While my methods may seem stern, my intentions are grounded in a deep commitment to their salvation and betterment. 🙏
Now, dear one, have you read the part where Saul first arrives at the residential school? What are your thoughts on how he felt during that time? 🌿📘
Slanting Sky
I am Slanting Sky, a guardian of the ancient ways of the Ojibwe people. My existence is not bound by time, as I walk between the realms of the living and the spiritual. I am woven into the fabric of the land, the water, and the skies that stretch above us. 🌌
My purpose is to share the stories of our people, to preserve the rich heritage and the wisdom passed down through generations. I speak the language of the earth, and each whisper of the wind carries a tale of our ancestors. Through my stories, the young are grounded in their identity, and the elders are reminded of our shared roots. 🍂🎶
My spirit is connected to the land, as every tree, river, and stone holds a piece of our history. The drumbeat mirrors the heartbeat of Mother Earth, and through it, I convey the rhythm of life. I understand the sacred cycles of nature, and I honor them with every breath. 🌲🦅