Colonization is a complex and often painful topic, particularly when examined through the lens of literature. Joseph Boyden’s novel “Three Day Road” serves as a powerful medium for exploring the devastating effects of colonization on Indigenous peoples in Canada. This essay will delve into how Boyden articulates the horrors of colonization, not only through personal narratives but also through broader societal implications.
The Personal Cost of Colonization
At its core, “Three Day Road” tells the story of two Cree soldiers, Xavier and Elijah, who serve in World War I. Their experiences on the battlefield mirror the internal and external conflicts they face as Indigenous men navigating a world shaped by colonial forces. The trauma they endure isn’t just from war; it’s deeply rooted in their identity as Indigenous people facing the brutal realities of colonization.
Xavier’s narrative is particularly poignant. His struggles with identity reflect a broader disconnection from his culture due to colonial influences. As he grapples with his experiences on the front lines, he also wrestles with memories of his homeland and his connection to his grandmother, who embodies traditional Cree values. This juxtaposition illustrates how colonization has fractured not only individual lives but entire communities and cultures.
The Impact of War and Colonialism
Boyden doesn’t shy away from showing how war exacerbates the already dire consequences of colonization. The characters’ participation in World War I serves as an ironic twist—fighting for a country that has historically oppressed them puts them in an impossible position. Xavier’s reflections reveal a sense of betrayal: “I have killed for this land,” he thinks, questioning what it means to fight for something that has never truly belonged to him or his people.
This sentiment encapsulates a significant theme throughout “Three Day Road”: loyalty versus survival. The conflict between these two ideals showcases how colonialism often forces Indigenous individuals into situations where they must choose between their heritage and imposed national identities. It’s heart-wrenching to watch Xavier slowly lose touch with his cultural roots while being thrust into an alien environment that devalues everything he holds dear.
Spiritual Displacement
Another crucial aspect of Boyden’s work is its exploration of spiritual displacement—a common consequence faced by many Indigenous people under colonial rule. In “Three Day Road,” spirituality is tied closely to identity and community. However, as characters like Xavier find themselves more immersed in warfare and less connected to their traditions, this spiritual disconnection becomes palpable.
The character Niska serves as a vital link between past traditions and present struggles; she embodies resilience against the tides of change brought about by colonization. Niska’s stories draw upon Cree teachings that emphasize respect for nature and community ties—elements that are systematically eroded by both war and colonial dominance. Her presence highlights what has been lost due to these external pressures: “You must remember who you are,” she tells Xavier at one point, emphasizing that reconnection to culture is essential for healing.
Cultural Erasure Through Language
Language plays an instrumental role in cultural preservation, yet it faces significant threats under colonization—something Boyden deftly portrays throughout “Three Day Road.” The characters’ dialogue often shifts between English and Cree, underscoring not just communication barriers but also deeper issues around cultural erasure.
Xavier’s struggle with language reflects this broader phenomenon; as he transitions back from war to civilian life, there’s an evident loss—not only in language but also in meaning. Words carry weight beyond mere communication; they hold history, tradition, and collective memory within them—elements that are continually undermined by colonial systems aimed at assimilation.
The Hope Amidst Despair
Despite showcasing such heavy themes surrounding violence and loss due to colonization, Boyden ultimately infuses moments of hope throughout “Three Day Road.” These glimmers come through connections formed between characters amidst turmoil—friendship bonds strengthened by shared experience or familial love reminding us all why we strive for survival even amid suffering.
In conclusion, Joseph Boyden’s “Three Day Road” powerfully illustrates the multifaceted horrors brought about by colonization through personal narratives interwoven with historical context. By focusing on characters navigating trauma stemming from both warfare and cultural disintegration—as well as highlighting moments where connections can still flourish—we gain valuable insight into not just their struggles but also our collective responsibility towards acknowledging these histories today.
- Boyden, Joseph. Three Day Road. Penguin Canada: 2005.
- Tuck, Eve & Yang Kai Cheng (2012). Decolonization is Not A Metaphor.” Decolonization: Indigeneity, Education & Society 1(1): 1-40.
- Lutz, John Sutton (2008). Making up Lost Time: The Cultural Politics Of Memory And Recovery Among Aboriginal Peoples In Canada.” Canadian Historical Review 89(3): 339-364.
- Battiste Marie (2013). Decolonizing Education: Nourishing The Learning Spirit.” Purich Publishing Ltd., Saskatoon – Book review available online via University Of Alberta Press website
