what is the importance of the novel indian horse

The novel is narrated by Saul Indian Horse, an Ojibway youth who is forced into residential schools at an early age. Indian Horse deftly weaves together real historical detail, a coming-of-age narrative, and a rich account of the world of sports. It tells a grim story of institutional cruelty and individual bigotry while testifying to the power of community and the possibility of reclaiming one’s past. The novel underscores the tragedy of Canadian Residential Schools as well as the systemic racism that destroyed a young man with a rare gift for playing hockey.