Saturday, February 2, 2013

"Round House"

My brother, David Claud William and I are enrolled members of  the
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
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.

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