In this paper I will discuss the facts about finding the own identity as a mixed race woman in Canada through out two books:
Halfbreed by Maria Campbell
In Search of April Raintree by Beatrice Culleton
Maria Campbell’s Halfbreed is the story of her own life and with it the book can be seen as a biography, whereas In Search of April Raintree by Beatrice Culleton is a novel about mixed blood sisters living in Winnipeg.
This essay will compare and contrast these two books as illustrations of life as a “half-breed” in western Canada. Most importantly, attention will be directed to their conclusions in finding the own identity. While reading this essay, you will notice that I have put my main focus on the book by Beatrice Culleton. For many Canadians the distinction is taken to be white or black, between ‘Status Indians’ legally recognized as native and the remainder of the population. Indians carry a status card and are entitled to exemption from sales tax, special education funding, a vote in band council elections and other legal rights that differentiate them from other Canadians. There are a lot of individuals who do not fall into either of theses categories, while the legal divisions between these two groups are clear. As a group the Métis are neither Europeans nor Natives, but in their bloodlines they contain the blood, of both of these two ethnic groups. Similar, with fur traders working throughout the Canadian wilderness for centuries, there are many people who share European and Native ancestry.
Both books end with a form of “healing”, finding their own identity, for the main characters, April and Maria. The roots and origins of these characters developments will be examined.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- A little bit of History, who are the Métis?
- Two brief summaries
- "In Search of April Raintree" by Beatrice Culleton
- "Halfbreed" by Maria Campbell
- Comparing the two books
- Conclusion
- Personal Comment
Objectives and Key Themes
This paper examines the process of finding one's identity as a Métis woman in Canada through the lens of two contrasting works: Maria Campbell's autobiography "Halfbreed" and Beatrice Culleton's novel "In Search of April Raintree." The essay compares and contrasts these books, focusing on the experiences and journeys of the protagonists, April and Maria, as they navigate a society that often fails to recognize and validate their Métis identity.
- Métis Identity and Self-Discovery
- The Impact of Discrimination and Racism on Métis Individuals
- The Role of Family and Community in Shaping Identity
- The Search for Healing and Acceptance
- The Significance of Cultural Heritage and Tradition
Chapter Summaries
- Introduction: The introduction sets the context for the paper, outlining the focus on Métis identity through the analysis of "Halfbreed" and "In Search of April Raintree." It highlights the challenge of navigating a society that often overlooks or misrepresents the Métis experience.
- A little bit of History, who are the Métis?: This chapter provides a brief historical overview of the Métis people in Canada, emphasizing their mixed ancestry and unique cultural heritage. It discusses the role of the fur trade in shaping Métis identity and the challenges they faced due to racism and marginalization.
- "In Search of April Raintree" by Beatrice Culleton: This chapter summarizes the story of April Raintree, a young Métis woman who struggles with her identity as a result of societal discrimination and personal trauma. The chapter highlights April's journey towards self-acceptance and the significance of reclaiming her Métis heritage.
- "Halfbreed" by Maria Campbell: This chapter outlines the life experiences of Maria Campbell, a Métis woman who navigates a world filled with adversity, abuse, and societal prejudice. It explores her resilience and her eventual embrace of her Métis identity.
Keywords
The main keywords and focus topics of this paper include: Métis identity, mixed race, discrimination, racism, self-discovery, cultural heritage, family, community, healing, acceptance, "Halfbreed," "In Search of April Raintree," Maria Campbell, Beatrice Culleton.
- Quote paper
- Anonym (Author), 2011, Search of identity, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/173165
