“The Round House” by Louise Erdrich is a masterful work of literature that portrays the disturbing injustices against indigenous women and the effects these crimes have on their community. The novel is set on a North Dakota Ojibwe reservation, and Erdrich weaves a powerful narrative that transcends cultural boundaries. It shows readers an intimate look at the lives of its characters while addressing larger themes of the normalization of indigenous women being objectified and beaten.
One of the novel’s most striking aspects is its exploration of the legal system’s regard for crimes committed on reservations. Erdrich exposes the harsh realities of jurisdictional challenges between the reservation, state and federal police and the lack of adequate legal protections for indigenous people on the reservation. She highlights the urgent need for reform and change for indigenous women and their tribes.
“The Round House” is a powerful and essential addition to contemporary indigenous people’s literature, offering a nuanced perspective on the struggles faced by indigenous communities in the United States. It serves as a compelling examination of the quest for justice and the enduring strength of a people whose lives have been profoundly affected by historical injustices like the Major Crimes Act of 1885, Public Law 280 and Oliphant v. Suquamish.
