The Night Watchman

As there were only a few good pieces of farmland on the reservation, most people had to live off jobs at the jewel-bearing plant in Turtle Mountain. One of the employees is 19-year-old Patrice (Pixie) Paranteau, who is very good at Indian beadwork and earns just enough to help her family to survive. After her sister Vera disappears, Pixie travels to Minneapolis to look for her. Her uncle Thomas Wazhashk, the tribe’s leader, who works as a night watchman at the plant, is fighting against the government’s termination policy. His character is based on the author’s grandfather. Many colourful characters are woven into this beautiful story with their longing for a decent life and love. This book truly draws you into Native American life.