Under The Influence Essay Research Paper In

Under The Influence Essay, Research Paper In the first volume of the trilogy, Celestine, there were many positive and negative influences in the life of Celestine. The Indian Department discouraged Celestine in many ways. Father Victor Gaudet also played an important role in her life. Lastly, Celestine faced struggles with her family at home. Some of the positive and negative influences in Celestine s life were the discouragement of the Indian Department, Father Victor Gaudet, and her struggles at home. Celestine had many conflicts at the Laing Center. To be admitted to grade one at the Laing Center, a child had to have at least one half year of kindergarten. Sister Candida would not accept Celestine because she hadn t attended kindergarten. Then there were Celestine s

encounters with Mrs. Hoffman at the Church of Christ United Separate School (C.C.U.). Mrs. Hoffman disliked Indians, perhaps, because her husband had had an affair with one. She heard about it and left her husband for a couple of weeks. Celestine had arrived late to class one morning. As she walked into the classroom, she could feel the teacher s disgusting glance. After class was over, Mrs. Hoffman grabbed Celestine s arm tightly as she was about to leave. Mrs. Hoffman had heard that Celestine had been to the bars so she threatened to send Celestine to the principal s office the next time she went to those bars. Celestine did not let her anger overcome her and was victorious in that situation. Unfortunately for Celestine, this next encounter would have a different outcome.

During another session, Mrs. Hoffman had asked Celestine who the mayor of Battle City was. When Celestine couldn t answer quickly, Mrs. Hoffman tried to put pressure on Celestine by rushing her. After thinking about it for a while, Celestine s reply was her grandfather, Chief Moses Deer. This sent the class into an Julius uproar. Mrs. Hoffman silenced the room by shouting, Oh, you re nothing but a dumb Indian! (Piepenburg 280). Celestine buried her head in her arms for the rest of the class. After the session was over, other Raven classmates tried to help Celestine from her depression. Celestine finally rose, but when she tried to leave, Mrs. Hoffman blocked her way. Fire builded in Celestine as she struck Mrs. Hoffman on the cheek and slashed her ear. As Mrs. Hoffman cried out,

Celestine fled. This resulted in Celestine s expulsion from the C.C.U. Separate School. Later, Celestine, her mother Mona Lafluer, and her grandmother, Bella Deer, had planned to see the principal, Martine Sorenson. Mona went to a lawyer to get a legalized view on the situation. The lawyer said that the Human Rights Act did not apply to personal school clashes. It also stated that the principal could only expel those whom they considered to be unmanageable. This discouraged Bella and Mona but they were still determined to help Celestine. Being rejected for first grade at the Laing Center, threatened by Mrs. Hoffman, and provoked to attack Mrs. Hoffman were all negative influences in Celestine s life. Father Victor Gaudet, principal of the United Church of Christ St. Indian

Residential School, was a significant figure in Celestine s life. He had also developed a relationship with the Marmot tribe, who shared a cordial relationship with the Raven tribe. Father Gaudet had been a mission for the Marmots for twelve years. He knew their language he was active in their everyday affairs, which was the most important factor. He went along on their hunting and fishing trips, and even learned some of Marmot skills that had been passed down through generations. Along with that, Gaudet had electric and Julius carpentry skills that aided in the building of new houses. He also handled the business matters of the chief and council. Since the principal had these social ties, his school was heaven for the Indian youths that failed in the white men s school. Gaudet