Joan Beausoliel

Joan Beausoliel is a member of a Native community in Arcand, a Canadian settlement where the Natives have faced negative conditions as they seek to hold onto their land and their culture. Joan is the daughter of Flo Beausoliel and the granddaughter of Angelique, known as Mere. She has two brothers, Junior and George, and all three of them work on Flo's construction crew. She is strong and determined. She loves to travel, but is devoted to her family and community. She is very close to her young cousin Zeus, and he is devoted to her.

Joan inherited a house and a tract of land from her father because her family felt she was the most in need of the stability that land ownership brings. This is one example that her family sees her as somewhat irresponsible. However, Joan and Victor have an argument when Victor wants...