Early Indigenous Literatures

Tusee as holder of cultural belonging and survivance through connection

In the opening pages of "A Warrior's Daughter," Tusee as a child is connected to key aspects of Dakota national culture--here depicted through her moccasins, her belt, her beads, and the rhythms of her father's voice. As we saw in "The School Days," Bonnin puts emphasis on moccasins as the key clothing which the young narrator connects to her freedom of movement and connection to her reservation. The father's voice is depicted here as also integral to Tusee's sense of self and she is set up for success by the power of that shared rhythm. The verbal connection accentuates a familial and national one.

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