The history of Indigenous literature is a lineage that runs deep throughout the American continent. From tales shared through oral traditions to modern poetry and prose, these narratives have often sought to illuminate the lived experiences of contemporary Indigenous reality while covering themes of heritage, nature, community, and preservation.
For this Native American History Month, I invite you to explore these recommended titles from four unique voices, spanning a myriad of genres such as family saga, fantasy, dystopian, and more.
There There by Tommy Orange
A finalist for the Pulitzer Prize, There There was acclaimed upon release for its kaleidoscopic realism, portraying the intertwining lives of several Native characters as they navigate both personal and external struggles. At the heart of the novel is the ostensible conflict between urban assimilation and cultural authenticity, tackling the complicated dilemma of self-identity and the implications of attempting to claim it.
Never Whistle at Night: an Indigenous Dark Fiction Anthology / edited by Shane Hawk & Theodore C. Van Alst Jr.
Folklore and urban legends are hallmarks of many regional subcultures, and in few places do these cautionary tales resonate more strongly than within Indigenous societies. Taking its title from a popular ancient superstition, Never Whistle at Night is an anthology of short stories drawing from a robust rogues gallery of ghosts, curses, and cryptids. Highlighted in this collection is the diversity of beliefs (and fears) from people and tribes throughout the Americas.
Moon of the Crusted Snow by Waubgeshig Rice
A post-apocalyptic thriller from First Nations author Waubgeshig Rice, Moon of the Crusted Snow follows a small reserve in Northern Canada in the aftermath of a major power-grid failure, resulting in global catastrophe. Though this work at first presents itself as a story about a group of survivors facing dystopian conditions, what unfolds is an allegory for Indigenous history in the Americas. Topics such as forced relocation, resource scarcity, and isolationism are recontextualized within the frame of horror fiction, adding a depth of perspective to the struggles and perseverance of First Nations communities.
The Marrow Thieves by Cherie Dimaline
The relationship between humans and nature is one of the most recurring and pertinent themes found throughout the wide spectrum of Indigenous worldviews, often existing at an intersection between natural science and spirituality. The Marrow Thieves speculates on a world where this connection is fractured. After years of continuous environmental harm, most of humanity is left without the ability to dream during sleep, with the sole group immune to this plague being the Indigenous people of North America, who are now being hunted for the healing properties of their bone marrow. With a stylistic blend of sci-fi and magical realism, this work serves as a sharp commentary on the resilience of Native American communities and what it means to dream of a better future.
