A powerful new book, 'We Survived the Night,' delves into the heart of Indigenous life, death, and survival, offering a unique perspective that will leave you questioning everything.
In 2021, a shocking discovery was made in British Columbia, Canada, where ground-penetrating radar revealed over 200 unmarked graves of Indigenous children near a former residential school. This revelation prompted a much-needed investigation into the dark legacy of Indian boarding schools in both Canada and the United States.
Amidst this historical reckoning, writer and filmmaker Julian Brave NoiseCat has penned a memoir that explores the impact of this era on his own family and community. NoiseCat's work, including the Oscar-nominated documentary 'Sugarcane,' shines a light on the intergenerational trauma inflicted by residential schools.
'We Survived the Night' begins with a gripping story - NoiseCat's father, Ed, was found hours after birth, mere moments away from death, in the trash incinerator of St. Joseph's Mission, an Indian residential school. Ed's story is a testament to resilience, as he grew up on a reserve, part of the first generation spared from the residential school system.
NoiseCat's book is more than just a personal memoir; it's a journey through Indigenous communities across North America, interweaving mythology and oral histories. Through the character of Coyote, a trickster figure from Salish culture, NoiseCat explores the complex dynamics of Indigenous life and the impact of colonization.
In an interview, NoiseCat reveals his motivation for writing the book, stating, "I was always trying to understand [my father] and why he left, and what it was to be Native... Reading and writing were my ways of sorting it out."
NoiseCat's writing is characterized by a profound sense of grace and understanding towards the people in his life. He explains, "I wanted to capture that truth and the way I see it as honestly as I can."
The book also challenges the notion of what it means to be Indigenous. NoiseCat shares, "Almost every Native person I know doesn't feel Native enough... The history of being Native is one of immense loss."
NoiseCat's use of the Coyote stories as a narrative device is a powerful choice. He explains, "It's hard not to look at the world right now and see it as deeply shaped by tricksters and their tricks."
NoiseCat hopes that readers will take away a deeper understanding of Indigenous peoples' central role in the story of this land. He believes that by understanding Indigenous stories, we can gain a deeper understanding of humanity itself.
'We Survived the Night' is a must-read for anyone seeking a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant exploration of Indigenous life and the ongoing impact of colonization.
What are your thoughts on NoiseCat's work and the importance of Indigenous stories? Let's discuss in the comments!
