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1959: 15-year-old Nipishish returns to his reserve in northern Quebec after being kicked out of residential school
Good for Nothing
What you need to know before your trail
15-year-old Nipishish returns to his reserve in northern Quebec after being kicked out of residential school, where the principal tells him he’s a good-for-nothing who, like all Indians, can look forward to a life of drunkenness, prison and despair. The reserve, however, offers nothing to Nipishish. He remembers little of his late mother and father. In fact, he seems to know less about himself than the people at the band office. He must try to rediscover the old ways, face the officials who find him a threat, and learn the truth about his father’s death.
Travel Guide
Quebec
Northern Quebec
The principal tells him he’s a good-for-nothing who, like all Indians, can look forward to a life of drunkenness, prison and despair. The reserve, however, offers nothing to Nipishish. He remembers little of his late mother and father. In fact, he seems to know less about himself than the people at the band office. He must try to rediscover the old ways, face the officials who find him a threat, and learn the truth about his father’s death.
Nipishish must help and save his community from the Canadian Government who want to tear down the trees in the forest where they live.
This story is very similar to the real life story of Rigoberta Menchu – who has fought for the political and human rights of Guatemala’s indigenous feminists.
Booktrail Boarding Pass: Good for Nothing
Destination : Quebec Author/Guide: Michel Noel Departure Time: 1959
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