Having the opportunity to connect with and talk to Karen helped increase my knowledge further. The help that Hazel gets from her family and community members in these trying times is also a characteristic of the First Nations cultures. People might have changed and the work might move on to use to technology, but some cycles have a tendency to repeat and, should be broken. Touching upon some of the ways in which First Nations were mistreated when colonization first happened, Crow Winter portrays one girl’s attempt to keep her home intact and spiritual beliefs alive by making sure that past wrongs are not repeated again. She realizes that it is in her hands to take action and use the information that she has gathered to make her case. Through this journey, and their findings, Hazel is also able to uncover truths buried in time. Nanabush takes her back to the past and reminds her of the sacredness of the land. Karen teaches the reader about the First Nations cultures and history by weaving it in Hazel’s story in an intricate manner. This cooperation and faith in him leads the two of them to work together. She starts to believe that as much as helping her helps him, he might actually be genuine. After coming to terms with the fact that she can see and talk to him, and, hence, there must be a bigger reason for that to be possible, she becmoes more receptive to what he is saying. Hazel finds a friend in Nanabush, something she never imagined. Together, the two are able to heal each other, provide support to one another, and get closer to the life they are supposed to be lead. By helping Hazel, he rediscovers himself. Nanabush has always been talked about as the trickster and the world has forgotten his contributions. He wants to have roots in one place, while Hazel is rediscovering her roots.īy working together, Hazel and Nanabush are given a chance at redemption and healing. While Hazel is still trying to come to terms with her father’s demise, Nanabush is tired of being stuck between the living and the spirit world. Both Hazel and Nanabush portray these sentiments. There have been times in life when I have done things that I wanted to be forgiven for, or fallen in a cycle that I wanted to get out of. There is so much that I can write about this book! I will focus on friendship, healing, community and redemption. One of the illustrations created by Karen for Crow Winter Learning about the Seven Grandfathers, their teachings, and being part of a sweat lodge were other highlights for me. I enjoyed reading Crow Winter and am grateful for getting a glimpse into the First Nations community through the members of the Spirit Bear Point First Nation. Told in alternating narratives by Hazel and Nanabush, this is an amazing story of loss, preservation, of growing and being open to new things, because even the strangest and un-realest of things have something to teach us. What starts out an a unwanted relationship turns into a strong friendship, one which teaches both Hazel and Nanabush about themselves, about the strength that they possess, and the length to which they would go to save their community. He has been sent to help her, except neither know clearly what he is helping with. She meets Nanabush, a Demi-god that walks on Earth as crow. Little does she know that there is a bigger purpose for her return. This is her time to recuperate and restart life after this tragic loss. Hazel has returned to her home at Spirit Bear Point First Nation after the death of her father. Crow Winter taught me so much more and I am honored that I got the chance to read this book about First Nations traditions and loyalty to the community! I moved to Canada only a couple years ago and since then, I have learned a bit about the First Nations culture. The quarry that’s been lying unsullied for over a century on her father’s property is stirring the old magic that crosses the boundaries between this world and the next. With the aid of Nanabush, Hazel must unravel a web of deceit that, if left untouched, could destroy her family and her home on both sides of the Medicine Wheel. Soon Hazel learns that there’s more at play than just her own sadness and doubt. From what, exactly? Sure, her dad’s been dead for almost two years and she hasn’t quite reconciled that grief, but is that worth the time of an Algonquin demigod? He tells her he’s here to help her, save her. Since coming home to Spirit Bear Point First Nation, Hazel Ellis has been dreaming of an old crow. An ancient troublemaker with the power to do great things, only he doesn’t want to put in the work. Like lit sage in a windowless room or aluminum foil on a metal filling. A name that has a certain weight on the tongue-a taste.
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