"The Rez Sisters"

Paper Summary:

This paper examines how through a group of seven native women, Tomson Highway's "The Rez Sisters" portrays themes of empowerment and community development. It looks at how a group of six native women, all sisters in one way or another, develop from the animosity of bickering "bitches" to a close community, tied together by their gender, circumstances and ancestry. It explores how through their journey to The Biggest Bingo in the World the women are empowered to achieve a common goal, taking responsibility for themselves and for each other.

From the Paper:

"United with a common goal they are then faced with a common problem. Emily points out they "are all welfare cases" and have no money (58,59). They turn to Pelajia, who does have some money, to help (59). Pelajia suggests they apply to the band office to ask the chief for a loan to fund their trip because the winnings could go towards paving the roads and solving all the problems of the band (59). The "grand and ridiculous march" to the band office that encompasses the entire stage, is the women's first surge of communal energy and self-empowerment (60, Pell paper). Again, Nanabush, the spirit of Native Culture, trails merrily along with the women as they march (60). Elated by their newfound empowerment the women are shocked at the chief's refusal (60)."

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