Coming Home to Family: The Role of Friendship in Karen McBride’s Crow Winter

Abstract

My presentation examines the complicated but healing journey between Hazel and Nanabush, the Anishinaabe transformer and trickster figure, in Karen McBride’s Crow Winter. After the loss of her father, Hazel returns to her roots at the Spirit Bear Point First Nation reserve to reconnect with her culture. While she tries to process her grief, she accidentally stumbles upon the Western doorway, which marks the beginning of an unexpected alliance with Nanabush. The two characters go through trials and tribulations, exploring the necessity of conflicts and the importance of reciprocity as they share their vulnerabilities. By having one another to rely on in times of need, Hazel and Nanabush learn to navigate their place and sense of belonging between two worlds.