In "Traplines," a short story by Eden Robinson, we are introduced to Will, a young Indigenous man living in a small town in British Columbia. Will is struggling to find his place in the world and to come to terms with the trauma of his past. The story follows him as he tries to make a living by setting and tending to a series of traps for fur-bearing animals, a tradition passed down through his family for generations.
One of the themes of the story is the importance of tradition and cultural heritage. Will's grandfather, who has since passed away, was a skilled trapper and taught Will everything he knows about the trade. Will takes pride in carrying on this tradition and tries to honor his grandfather's memory by doing the best job he can. However, Will also feels a sense of isolation and disconnection from his culture, as he is one of the few Indigenous people left in the town and often feels like an outsider.
Another theme of the story is the impact of trauma on an individual's life. Will has experienced a lot of pain and loss in his young life, including the death of his mother and the absence of his father. He has also witnessed violence and abuse within his community. These experiences have left him with deep emotional wounds that he struggles to heal. The traplines serve as a way for Will to cope with this trauma and find some sense of purpose and direction in his life.
Despite the challenges he faces, Will is a resilient and determined young man. He works hard to set and maintain his traps and takes great care in skinning and preparing the animals he catches. He is also kind and compassionate, as shown when he helps a lost and injured dog he finds on the side of the road.
Overall, "Traplines" is a poignant and thought-provoking story that highlights the importance of cultural heritage and the impact of trauma on an individual's life. Through the character of Will, the author presents a nuanced and complex portrayal of Indigenous identity and the challenges faced by Indigenous people in contemporary society.
