Options and Opportunities in Indigenizing Curricula

Question: Discuss about the Options and Opportunities in Indigenizing Curricula. Answer: Introduction The famous Canadian writer Joseph Boyden is known for his to defend the aboriginal Canadian Identity in his works. In Turtle Island also the indigenous identity of the narrator is mentioned. In this story, the characteristic transformation of the eleven years old narrator has been revealed amidst the harsh reality of the gangs. It is the story of an eleven years old narrator, caught between the harsh world of the urban gangsters and the childlike affection for its brothers turtle pet, named Island. The narrator is insisted on going back to the rez, a reserved place for North American Indian where probably his mother stays. The narrator seems to come from a troublesome childhood where his mother is possibly a drug-addict, and there is no mention of his father. The whole story evidences the young boys arrogant nature and abusive language, used for everyone along with his deep hatred for the stingy turtle. In this essay, the characteristic transformation of this little narrator has been critically described to indicate his changing attitude to the turtle even amidst the harsh circumstances. Discussion The narrator works as a white powder' supplier for a gangster whom he addressed as Wolf. Among the troublesome situation when the cops are in search of providers of drugs along with the users, this boy is supposed to deliver the cigarette packet full of the powder to some Indians'. The mention of the term Indian' seems to be restricted to the legal sector in Canada, and its usage in other places is considered to be offensive (Arias, Rachel, et al.). At the time of placing the packet into his pocket, the boy is reminded of the existence of the turtle in his pocket which becomes as cold as ice. The boy begins to repent for the possible death of the poor turtle that has not done any wrong to him. He even begins to feel guilty for its death and also fears to face his brother, Francis who is the owner of this pet. The conscience of the narrator becomes so awakened that he starts to give the turtle warmth with both his hands in this pocket and try to feel the sensation of life by touching its little cold feet. The indigenous people are supposed to possess their cultural beliefs along with having a strong bond with their surrounding natural resources and environment (Ariss, Rachel, et al.). In Turtle Island, when the narrator gets stuck among a challenging situation when the cops brutally beat the Indians', the narrator chooses to save the life of the pet turtle. To protect himself, the narrator attempts to throw the cigarette packet away but takes the turtle out of his pocket instead. He discovers the beauty of the turtle which reflects ringed yellow, red, green and black rays in the sunlight. The process of characteristic transformation seems to be evidenced in the narrator from this moment. The narrator, a self-centered boy who used to find the turtle to be a nasty and stingy piece of waste, now starts to bring back the life into this little turtle, ignoring his harsh consequences shortly (Theglobeandmail.com). When the boy feels the presence of the cops behind him and discovers the ray of life in the turtle, he does not hesitate for a second to come out his hoodie, disclosing his identity to the cops. By pointing the turtle up, the boy expects help from the cops for saving the life of the turtle, forgetting about the existence of the packet in his pocket as now he regards the saving of the turtle's life more than saving his life. He deliberately chooses the life of a saviour, instead of saving his life like a coward. The indigenous nature of the narrator is clearly reflected in this transformation which seems to be his real self. Conclusion In this way, the transformational journey of the eleven years old boy from its selfish nature to the overwhelming exposure of humanity has been elaborated in Joseph Boydens story. At the beginning of the story, he claims himself to be a robust gangster who can take care of himself alone unlike his brother; but at the end of the story, he deliberately chooses to save the life of the turtle instead of saving his life. Through this process of characteristic evolution, he seems to regain his childlike innocence that he lacks due to his imperfect childhood. Reference list Ariss, Rachel, et al. "UOITs Role in Reconciliation: Options and Opportunities in Indigenizing Curricula." (2016) Theglobeandmail.com. "Stories For Summer: Turtle Island, By Joseph Boyden". The Globe And Mail, 2017, https://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/books-and-media/stories-for-summer-turtle-island-by-joseph-boyden/article4259378/