Experiences in the trenches of the First World War are interspersed with memories of Niska’s coming of age as a diviner and healer for the few remaining “bush Indians” who continue to resist the pull of the white towns and the rum, exploitation, and prejudice that came with them.Ī striking theme in this novel is the shock of Niska’s spiritual and natural world colliding with that of white Ontario–with its religion, RCMP, and residential schools. Afterwords, his spirit and body broken, Xavier returns to his aunt Niska, who paddles him deep into the bush towards the home of his childhood. Together with his best friend Elijah, he travels far from home with the South Ontario Rifles and becomes an accomplished sniper. In a quick and dirty nutshell, Joseph Boyden‘s Three Day Road tells the story of Xavier Bird, a young Oji-Cree man from the bush near Moose Factory, Ontario. “Historical Sketch for Anglican Residential Schools.” The Anglican Church of Canada, 10 Sept. “The First Day of ‘Three Day Road.’” Jenna’s Blog, 12 Nov. “World War I.”, A&E Television Networks, 29 Oct. “Three Day Road by Joseph Boyden.” Goodreads, Goodreads, 14 Mar. “Joseph Boyden.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation,, en./wiki/Joseph_Boyden.īoyden, Joseph. I specifically enjoyed the story telling aspect of it because it drew me in and made me want to keep on reading. I found it serious and educational, but at the same time very enjoyable to read. Xavier was treated differently because he was Indigenous, but by winning the shooting contest he showed that he was in fact superior, if not better than the other soldiers who were there that day. They might not say it out loud, but they know that I have something special” (Boyden 109). None of these who are here today can call me a useless bush Indian ever again.

Xavier experienced this change when he won a contest and was able to prove himself to the army officials. It has shown how we have learned from our mistakes and changed for the better. I believe that Three Day Road was a good demonstration of Canada’s past and the separation of people.

3 day road joseph boyden