Summary

Alexie continued to consider his Indian heritage and ancestry and how he has descended from a tradition of violence. This sentiment is exemplified when he writes, “My children are The great-grandchild Of rape. All of these descendants Exist Because of rape. Rape is Our ancestor. Rape is Our creator” (408). Despite the profound impact that violence has had upon his community, hope still remains and he states: “We continue Lovingly Despite The crimes Committed Against any And all Of us” (409).

In consideration of his heritage, Alexie affirms that the Spokane Indian word for salmon is pronounced shim-schleets and the Spokane Indian word for a male’s mother is pronounced skoo-ee. Although he is aware that he will never be fluent in the tribal language, he believes that these are the two most important words to know.

One morning while in Bellingham, Alexie confessed to...