The Crusted Snow And Mary Two-Axe Earley: I Am Indian Again

How Do We Behave As Good Relatives? In times of crisis where strength and resilience of a community is tested, the importance of mutual support and cultural preservation is significant for survival. Different media, including literature and films, demonstrate the experiences of these communities and principles of being a good relative. The novel, “Moon of the Crusted Snow” and short film “Mary Two-Axe Earley: I Am Indian Again” explore the theme of good relations and how different forms of media are able to address how we behave as good relatives. This is shown through the lens of community and cultural preservation while in crisis. Comparison of these two media pieces allows for a discussion of indigenous experiences and highlights the importance

This is evident in when the author states, "Evan always had a way of making the community laugh, which helped them forget about their struggles for a moment" (Rice 70). This quote shows Evan’s commitment to contributing to the community in unique ways. By providing emotional support, Evan uplifts their moods during a difficult time, emphasizing the character of this individual. Highlighting the community having a good time despite challenges shows a good contrast to struggles heavily focused on in the text. This passage underscores the importance of emotional well-being when fighting to survive. Likewise, building on the topic of community support, the short film “Mary Two-Axe Earley: I Am Indian Again”, embodies the importance of promoting community empowerment through collective empowerment. Mary’s efforts to gather a community of indigenous women shows her support for her community and exemplifies her dedication to the cause, ensuring there is community solidarity. “Mary Earley would have meetings during the daytime and some women attending wouldn’t come in until sunset because they didn’t want to be seen attending

This reflects their responsibility to future and current generations, therefore being good relatives, ensuring the continuity of cultural practices. Despite the harsh realities of this passage, the character has a quiet and hopeful tone showing optimism that the “beautiful ways” will re-emerge. Comparably, the film “Mary Two-Axe Earley: I Am Indian Again” shows Mary’s fight against laws blocking women and their descendants from preserving their cultural identity. Mary’s relentlessness to advocate and fight against discriminatory clauses of the Indian Act underscores her dedication to women in indigenous communities. “The Indian Act law was a way to slowly break down the people and lose their citizens by making women leave. It is a genocidal act to make the numbers of indigenous people shrink. The goal was to lead to extinction” (Montour). The evidence highlights the oppressive nature of the Indian Act by revealing its attempt to erase female indigenous identities and forcing women to