Turtle Mountain Band of the Chippewa Tribe
This means we are at least 1/4 Native American
As defined by the Blood Quantum Laws of the United States
Neither of really have a clue of the significance of that
Not having found out until we were in our 20's
The "Why?" of that is here:
Chippewa Princess
Yes, it is likely true that all 30,00 enrolled members
Of the Turtle Mountain Band
Would like to think that their Mothers were princesses
And that is ok - it is a title that fits most mothers
Without regard to nationality right?!
The point here is
Neither David nor I
Know of details about day to day life
On a reservation
Or anywhere around a band of Chippewa
So, it is probably natural that curiosity
Would drive us to books and articles on the subject
We have found there is not much out there
Some (actually very little) history
But nothing that really tells us
What life was like on a homestead in Montana
During the Depression
Or what life was like on the reservation before that
That is part of what makes a book like
"Round House" by Louise Erdrich so special
Her book has the gritty ring of authenticity
That tells me she has been there and knows
And that she has talked to others who know
For more, this link includes a New York Times review that refers
To the book as "Flawed but powerful."
I didn't notice the "flawed" part
But sure did notice the powerful part
Louise also wraps a story of rape and murder
Around this that makes me certain it will make a terrific film
And I hope that comes across as a compliment
Thank you Louise... for a great story
And some compelling insight into
Life on the "res."
Note: "Round House" is the thirteenth of Louise's novels. It won the 2012 National Book Award for fiction.
