Medicine River

Thomas King is a half white, half Native Canadian who grew up in Northern California. His novel, Medicine River, relates a lot to his own personal life. King writes about a half white, half Native main character named Will, whose mother was Native. Government legislation states that a native woman and her children will loose their Native status if the woman marries a white man. By this rule, Will, his brother, and his mother were kicked of the reserve and moved to Calgary. Growing up outside a Native community can get lonely in comparison to a tight knit native community who work together as one. Some Natives (Will) who live in Canada feel alienated due to the fact they do not live in a tight community filled with unity and togetherness. When one tries to re-enter into the community, he/she might feel left out. Adjusting and accepting change can be difficult for the community as well as the Native who is trying to enter back to the community. Will is a photographer and he is used to ob...