In today’s world, many students have had some sort of tragedy happen to them or their families. In his novel, “Indian Horse”, Richard Wagamese tells the story of one man’s journey through his troubled life. He uses descriptive language to present painful memories of loss and abuse. Although “Indian Horse” uses graphic and explicit language intended for a more mature audience, its way of bringing awareness to the effects of alcohol and the abuse that happened in Residential Schools combined with an inspiring story of overcoming tragedy that gives students who can relate a sense of hope, shows that this novel should be taught in classrooms across Canada.
Richard Wagamese displays the