Historical Fiction Book Club - Past Titles: "The Night Watchman" by Louise Erdrich

1. Impact of Legislation:

   • How does the U.S. government's proposed legislation, the Termination Act, impact the lives of the characters in the novel? Discuss the broader historical context and the effects of such policies on Native American communities.

2. Character Development:

   • Analyze the character development of Thomas Wazhashk, the night watchman, and other key characters. How do their personal stories contribute to the overall narrative?

3. Community Resilience:

   • Explore the theme of resilience within the Turtle Mountain community. How do the characters resist and navigate the challenges posed by external forces?

4. Cultural Identity:

   • Discuss the preservation and expression of cultural identity in the face of government policies. How do characters in the novel connect with and maintain their cultural heritage?

5. Role of Women:

   • Examine the roles of women in "The Night Watchman." How do characters like Patrice and others challenge traditional gender roles and contribute to the community's strength?

6. Intersectionality:

   • Consider the intersectionality of identity in the novel, including the intersections of race, gender, and class. How do characters navigate multiple aspects of their identity?

7. Spirituality and Tradition:

   • Explore the role of spirituality and traditional beliefs in the lives of the characters. How do these elements shape their perspectives and actions?

8. Thomas's Motivation:

   • Discuss Thomas Wazhashk's motivation for fighting against the Termination Act. What personal experiences and connections drive him to become a key figure in the community's resistance?

9. Narrative Structure:

   • The novel uses multiple perspectives and timelines. How does the narrative structure contribute to the reader's understanding of the characters and the historical context?

10. Economic Injustice:

    • Explore the economic injustices faced by the characters. How do economic challenges intersect with broader social and political issues?

11. Social Activism:

    • How do characters engage in social activism within the novel? Discuss the various forms of activism depicted and their impact on the community.

12. Title Significance:

    • Consider the significance of the title, "The Night Watchman." How does Thomas's role as the night watchman symbolize broader themes in the novel?

The history of Native Americans in North Dakota is rich and diverse, spanning thousands of years. Here is a brief timeline highlighting key events and periods:

• Prehistoric Period:

  • Thousands of years ago: Indigenous peoples, including ancestors of present-day Native American tribes, have inhabited the region that is now North Dakota for millennia. They lived a nomadic lifestyle, relying on hunting, gathering, and later, agriculture.

• Fur Trade Era (Late 17th to Early 19th Century):

  • The fur trade becomes a significant economic activity, bringing European traders and settlers into contact with Native American tribes. Tribes like the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara are key players in the fur trade.

• Lewis and Clark Expedition (1804-1806):

  • The Lewis and Clark Expedition explores the territory, documenting encounters with Native American tribes such as the Mandan and Hidatsa. This marks increased contact between Euro-American settlers and indigenous peoples.

• Treaties and Land Cessions (19th Century):

  • Various treaties are signed between the U.S. government and Native American tribes, leading to the cession of land and the establishment of reservations. Tribes, including the Dakota and Lakota Sioux, are affected by these agreements.

• Dakota War of 1862:

  • The Dakota War, also known as the Sioux Uprising, takes place in Minnesota. Many Dakota people are later exiled from the region, and some find refuge among the Lakota Sioux in North Dakota.

• Establishment of Reservations (Late 19th Century):

  • Reservations are established for several tribes, including the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation, Fort Berthold Indian Reservation, and others. These reservations become the primary areas where Native Americans live.

• Dawes Act (1887):

  • The Dawes Act is implemented, leading to the allotment of tribal lands to individual Native American households. This results in the loss of communal land and contributes to the fragmentation of tribal communities.

• 20th Century: Assimilation and Cultural Revival:

  • Federal policies in the early 20th century focus on assimilating Native Americans into mainstream American society. The mid-20th century sees a revival of indigenous cultures and activism for civil rights and tribal sovereignty.

• American Indian Movement (AIM) (Founded in 1968):

  • AIM is founded to address issues of civil rights, treaty rights, and the broader social and economic challenges faced by Native Americans. The movement gains prominence during the 1970s.

• Tribal Colleges (Established in Late 20th Century):

  • Tribal colleges, such as Sitting Bull College and Fort Berthold Community College, are established to provide higher education opportunities for Native American students.

• Present Day: Tribal Sovereignty and Challenges:

  • Native American tribes in North Dakota, including the Standing Rock Sioux, continue to assert their sovereignty and address ongoing challenges related to economic development, education, healthcare, and cultural preservation.

This timeline provides a broad overview of key events in the history of Native Americans in North Dakota. It's important to note that Native American history is diverse, and individual tribes have unique histories and experiences.

• Birth and Early Life:

  • Louise Erdrich was born on June 7, 1954, in Little Falls, Minnesota, USA. She is of Ojibwe, German, and French descent. Erdrich spent part of her childhood in Wahpeton, North Dakota, near the Turtle Mountain Reservation.

• Education:

  • Erdrich attended Dartmouth College, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English in 1976. She later pursued a Master of Arts in Creative Writing from Johns Hopkins University.

• Bookstore and Writing Career:

  • In 1984, Louise Erdrich, along with her sister Lise Erdrich, co-founded Birchbark Books, an independent bookstore in Minneapolis that focuses on Native American literature. This venture reflects her commitment to promoting indigenous voices.

• Literary Debut - "Love Medicine" (1984):

  • Louise Erdrich made her literary debut with the novel "Love Medicine," which explores the interconnected lives of characters from the Turtle Mountain Reservation. The novel received critical acclaim and won the National Book Critics Circle Award.

• Prolific Writing Career:

  • Louise Erdrich has since become a prolific and highly regarded author, producing a body of work that includes novels, poetry, and short stories. Her writing often delves into the complexities of identity, cultural heritage, and the impact of historical events on Native American communities.

• Key Works:

  • Some of Erdrich's notable works include "The Beet Queen," "Tracks," "The Bingo Palace," "The Plague of Doves," and "The Round House," among others. Her novels are often interconnected, sharing characters and settings.

• Awards and Recognition:

  • Louise Erdrich has received numerous awards for her contributions to literature, including the National Book Award for Fiction for "The Round House" in 2012. Her works have been celebrated for their lyrical prose, intricate storytelling, and exploration of Native American experiences.

• Family and Personal Life:

  • Louise Erdrich's family heritage and cultural background have had a profound influence on her writing. She has been married to author Michael Dorris, and they adopted three children. Dorris and Erdrich collaborated on some projects, including the novel "The Crown of Columbus."

• Advocacy and Activism:

  • In addition to her literary pursuits, Louise Erdrich has been an advocate for Native American rights and has addressed issues such as tribal sovereignty, cultural preservation, and social justice.