Religion

The importance of religion and the tension between the religion of the Cree and the Catholic religion are seen throughout the novel. Niska and Xavier embody the religion of the Cree as they still live in the old ways. They pray to the spirits and pray to Gitchi Manitou for guidance and protection. This is seen again and again when Niska enters the shaking tent to gather her visions. Throughout the novel, Niska constantly prayers to the spirit animal that favors her the most, the lynx. She asks him for guidance and the spirit gives her visions of the future. The lynx also tells Niska the secrets to the forest, which allows her to live in harmony with nature unlike many other people. Niska's relationship with the spirit of the lynx shows how important and essential her religion is to her. Without it, she feels lost...