Indian Horse is a novel by Canadian author Richard Wagamese that tells the story of Saul Indian Horse, a young Indigenous man who is taken from his home and family in Northern Ontario and placed in a residential school for Indigenous children. The novel follows Saul as he struggles to come to terms with the trauma he experiences at the residential school and the loss of his culture, and as he finds solace and purpose through his love of hockey.
Throughout the novel, Wagamese explores themes of loss, trauma, and the ongoing impact of colonialism on Indigenous peoples. The residential school system, which operated in Canada for over a century, was a tool of cultural assimilation that sought to erase Indigenous cultures and identities. Many of the children who were sent to these schools suffered physical, sexual, and emotional abuse, and the effects of this trauma continue to be felt by Indigenous communities today.
Despite the challenges he faces, Saul is able to find hope and healing through his love of hockey. The game becomes a source of pride and connection for him, and it helps him to find his own identity and purpose. However, even as he excels at hockey, Saul must confront the racism and discrimination that he encounters both on and off the ice.
Ultimately, Indian Horse is a powerful and poignant exploration of the intergenerational impact of trauma and the resilience of the human spirit. Through the story of Saul Indian Horse, Wagamese shines a light on the ongoing struggles of Indigenous peoples and the importance of acknowledging and addressing the wrongs of the past in order to move forward.
