Summary

The Night Watchman opens with a note from the author explaining House Concurrent Resolution 108, a 1953 bill ending treaties between American Indian Nations and the U.S. The author’s grandfather fought against “termination” as the tribal chairman of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa, and the novel is loosely based on his experiences.

Thomas Wazhashk arrives at the Turtle Mountain Jewel Bearing Plant for his job as its night watchman. This plant has provided the first manufacturing jobs near the reservation, and almost all the employees are women, who tested higher for manual dexterity. Thomas is reliable, but not young, and he is lucky to have his job. He dances to wake himself up, walks the perimeter, then returns to his desk to think and write. “Wazhashk” means “muskrat.” These are ordinary and hardworking rodents, but they are important, making them the perfect...