Characters
What is the name of the author of the book?
Bev Sellars
When did Bev enter St. Joseph’s Mission residential school?
Bev Sellars entered St. Joseph’s Mission residential school when she was about six years old.
What is the Indian Act?
They are residential schools that were created by the government to assimilate Indigenous people.
Who would whip the students at the residential schools?
The nuns
What figure (other than a grandmother) did Bev's grandmother represented for her? And why?
She played the ROLE OF A MOTHER, since she is the one who mainly took care of her when she was young. Her grandmother was the one who taught her their traditions, mannerisms, how to take care of a house to keep it clean and in a good state, and who made sure she was safe.
What does the narrator of the book call her grandfather
Xp’e7e
What was the only gum they had access to?
The only gum the children had access to was tar from trees. They would chew on it as a substitute for regular gum since they were deprived of many basic treats at the residential school.
Who are the Secwepeme?
Bev Sellars, the author of the book, is part of them. The Secwepeme is an Indigenous group from British Columbia.
Did the children receive enough food and care while at the schools?
No
What are the names of Bev's siblings mentioned in the book? (6)
Their names are RAY, MIKE, BOBBY, JEAN, MORRIS AND PEEWEE
One of the narrator’s brothers died at eighteen
Bobby
Why did some student became jealous of Bev?
People were jealous of Bev and her friends because they brought deer meat and moose meat from the mission to exchange for small amounts of money or other valuable items. This access to extra food and trade opportunities gave them an advantage over others.
What is Williams Lake?
Bev Sellars attended a school called St Joseph’s Mission, located near William’s Lake.
Why did Bev’s dad abuse her mom?
He was a big alcoholic and that usually led to violent behaviour and loss of control.
What kind of relationship did Bev and her grandfather shared?
They had a very GOOD and CARING relationship. Her grandfather always looked after her (for example, when he took her in his arms when she got hurt) and she loved him. They also DID NOT CONVERSATE A LOT.
She was a teacher, who is admired by the main character
Miss Norri
At what age did Bev start driving?
Bev Sellars started driving when she was fourteen years old, but she didn’t get a driving license at that time.
How did the abuse in the home impact Bev and her siblings emotional wellbeing?
They experienced fear and anxiety and helplessness, which affected their ability to trust others.
What was the full name of Bev's first boyfriend?
His name was DANNY ARCHIE
At the mission, there were several supervisors but this one was the most productive
Cyril Aucoin
What happened to Bev Sellars during her hospitalization, and how was she treated?
During her hospitalization, Bev Sellars and others were subjected to mistreatment instead of receiving proper care. They were neglected and experienced abuse while they were supposed to be getting treatment.
What is the Indian Residential Schools Apology?
The Canadian Prime Minister (Stephan Harper) issued a formal apology acknowledging the harm residential schools caused Indigenous people.
How did the community respond to the domestic abuse happening within Bev’s family?
The community’s response was often characterised by silence.
How was Bev and Miss Norris' relationship? Did they like each other or not? Explain.
They had a GOOD RELATIONSHIP. Miss Norris was one of the only teachers Bev liked at the Mission. One of the only adults, matter of fact. Miss Norris was "good to all the kids". Bev respected her and thought she was firm but not mean. Miss Norris had a preference for Bev Sellars than the other students. Finally, Miss Norris was never physically abusive towards Bev.