Michelle Good and Christian Allaire discuss the novel Five Little Indians

Summary

In this conversation, Christian Allaire discusses *Five Little Indians* by Michelle Good, a poignant novel about the lasting impacts of Canada's residential schools on Indigenous survivors. Good shares her personal motivation to write the book, focusing not on the horrors within the schools but on the trauma that lingers in the aftermath. The novel's characters, each responding differently to their experiences, form a supportive community in East Vancouver. The conversation touches on themes of reconciliation, hope, and the importance of truth in addressing Canada's colonial history. The discussion emphasizes the need for understanding and compassion in the process of healing.

Takeaways

• 😀 Michelle Good wrote *Five Little Indians* to answer the question many survivors face: 'Why can't you just get over it?' She wanted to address the ongoing psychological trauma caused by residential schools.
• 😀 The book focuses more on the aftermath of residential school trauma rather than the horrors within the schools themselves, highlighting the lasting impact on individuals and their communities.
• 😀 Michelle's own family history, including her mother's experiences, informed much of the book's content, making it a deeply personal project for her.
• 😀 The writing of *Five Little Indians* took nine years, a process Michelle feels allowed her to carefully craft the story and approach sensitive topics with the care they deserve.
• 😀 The novel’s characters form a community in East Vancouver, reflecting the larger urban Indigenous community that emerged in the 1960s and 1970s as residential school survivors sought belonging and solidarity in cities.
• 😀 Michelle emphasizes that trauma from residential schools is experienced not only individually but collectively within Indigenous communities, which affects future generations.
• 😀 The book challenges the misconception that all survivors of residential schools share the same experiences or react to trauma in the same way, showcasing a broad spectrum of responses.
• 😀 Hope and resilience are central themes in *Five Little Indians*. Michelle intentionally crafted an ending that highlights the strength of the human spirit, despite the deep trauma endured.
• 😀 True reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities, according to Michelle, can only happen when the full truth of the residential school legacy is acknowledged and understood.
• 😀 The novel’s message extends beyond Indigenous communities, urging non-Indigenous Canadians to better understand the history of residential schools and their ongoing impact on Indigenous peoples.
• 😀 Through the novel and her work, Michelle seeks to raise awareness and foster meaningful dialogue about reconciliation, urging action beyond symbolic gestures like apologies.

Q & A

What is the main focus of Michelle Good's book *Five Little Indians*?

The book focuses on the lives of five Indigenous individuals who were forced into residential schools. It explores the long-term psychological impacts of their experiences and how the trauma from these schools affects their lives years later.

Why did Michelle Good choose to write *Five Little Indians* as a work of fiction rather than a non-fiction account?

Michelle Good chose fiction to make the story more accessible and to allow readers to engage with the trauma in a more comfortable way. By using fictional characters, she could illustrate the deep psychological burden of residential school survivors without the heaviness of legal or non-fiction texts.

Was it difficult for Michelle Good to write the book, given its emotional subject matter?

Yes, it was difficult. While she was already familiar with the trauma of residential schools, some passages in the book were personally challenging to write. She experienced secondary trauma and found some of the content deeply personal, as certain themes were drawn from her mother's own life.

Why did it take Michelle Good nine years to complete the book?

The nine years were not only due to life circumstances, such as running her own law firm, but also because Michelle Good consciously took her time to ensure the book was written carefully and accurately. She wanted to be certain that the trauma and experiences were portrayed in the most respectful and truthful manner.

What was Michelle Good's goal in focusing more on the aftermath of residential schools, rather than the actual events inside the schools?

Michelle Good wanted to highlight the long-lasting impact of the residential school experience, demonstrating how it affected survivors and their communities in the years after they left. She believed that the impact on individuals and communities had not been sufficiently addressed and was crucial for understanding the full scope of the trauma.

How does *Five Little Indians* challenge the perception that all survivors of residential schools have the same experience?

The book presents five distinct characters, each responding to their trauma in unique ways. This diversity in response challenges the idea that all survivors share a uniform experience. By including both male and female characters, Michelle Good emphasizes the different ways trauma manifests depending on the individual.

What significance does the setting of East Vancouver hold in *Five Little Indians*?

East Vancouver represents the urban Indigenous community that formed in the wake of residential school survivors being released into cities. It highlights the struggles of these individuals, who, after leaving residential schools, found themselves abandoned without support, community, or resources. The setting also reflects Michelle Good's own experiences in Vancouver during this time.

What role does community play in *Five Little Indians*?

Community is central to the book, as it demonstrates how Indigenous people, particularly survivors of residential schools, come together to support each other. Despite being abandoned by institutions, these characters find strength in forming their own urban community, and this solidarity is a key theme in the narrative.

Why did Michelle Good end *Five Little Indians* on a hopeful note?

Michelle Good wanted to convey that, despite the profound trauma the characters endured, they are more than just their suffering. The theme of hope was important to her as a counterbalance to the heavy themes of the book. She believes that hope is one of the most powerful forces, and she wanted to show that even in the face of immense challenges, survivors can still find a way forward.

What impact has *Five Little Indians* had since its release, according to Michelle Good?

The book has received significant recognition, including awards and nominations, which have helped it reach a wider audience. Michelle Good has also used the platform to educate others about residential schools, reconciliation, and colonial policies. The book has sparked important discussions and has provided an opportunity for meaningful dialogue about these issues.