Study Guide - Chapter 2

#32469: Martin O, Martin J, Nicoelette, Emily, Dominique, Oscar 

This chapter opens with the band rehearsing in several venues with such a following that their popularity “made the Assemblies of God, Catholics, and Presbyterians very nervous” (34). What is the significance of this statement? How have the people in this community been disempowered by their subscriptions to Western traditions?

The significance of the band making “the assemblies of God, Catholics, and Presbyterians very nervous” was because of the inhabitants of that reservation was not accustomed to the “rock and roll” genre of music. The people in the reservation might have been disempowered in the sense that modern traditions were entering their already established traditions and them (the elderly of the reservation) where afraid of change. Aside from that they seemed very religious and mentioned that it was ungodly to perform such craft.

2. What role do seemingly unimportant characters, like Father Arnold, David WalksAlong, the Spokane Tribal Council Chairman, and Michael White Hawk play in the chapter?

Father Arnold who was the priest of the reservations Catholic Church thought the band Thomas Victor and Junior started was amusing and nostalgic. Father Arnold became a priest after he heard a voice call to him while at a McDonalds. Arnold was shipped to the Spokane Indian Reservation. David WalksAlong was the Spokane Tribal Council Chairman. He does not seem to like the noise coming from Thomas's band and he even threatens to shut them down. Michael White Hawk was WalksAlong nephew who recently got out of the Walla Walla State Penitentiary after two years.

3. Who are Betty and Veronica? Why did Alexie choose their names?

Betty and Veronica were two white women who found their way to the reservation where Thomas, Victor and Junior rehearsed at a grocery store. They even set up camp in their car outside the grocery store where they were rehearsing, and showed up to every rehearsal. The characteristics of both women were almost identical. They both had long blonde hair, and wore too much jewelry. They also wore sundresses with matching Birkenstocks. Apparently, they both were able to sing assuming why Alexie named them Betty and Veronica. It is the name of singers and both names are believed to be common. Alexie explains both women can still heard even while the band is playing since both women were highly talented. They were known around the reservation as they played music for stragglers. The women in the reservation hated them both and all of them wanted both women to leave. As it all plays out both women slept with Victor and Junior, they ended up being two small business owners from Seattle who left to the reservation because of the rumor of band playing some blues.

4. Notice the difference between the reactions of men and women to Betty and Veronica.  How do you explain this difference?  

The Spokane Indian men lined up to listen to the women’s songs. David WalksAlong also invited the two to his home for dinner. The reaction of the Spokane Indian women wanted to kick out Betty and Veronica. The women assume Betty and Veronica are there because of the interest in Indian men.

5. Can you explain Betty and Veronica’s attraction to Victor and Junior?  Victor and Junior’s attraction for the white women? 

Betty shared a bed with Junior. Betty’s attraction towards Junior might be sexual since Junior asked if he was the first Indian man, but she had several. Junior was curious about Betty’s sexual partners, but Betty ended the conversation with a kiss. Veronica shared a bed with Victor. He was trying to keep his hands under Veronica’s pants, but she did not want to pursue anything. She just wanted to kiss. She constantly said no to Victor’s action. Victor’s intentions were more sexual than Veronica. He wanted oral sex, but leads to a hand job instead since Veronica proceed to deny his request.

6. How was the band named?  What other name did they consider? What is the significance of both names?

Thomas Builds-The-Fire named the band, Coyote Springs. Victor Joseph wanted the band title to be Bloodthirsty Savages. Junior Polatkin and Victor didn’t like the word Coyote in the band name because they claimed it was “too damn Indian” and that “[they were] sick of Coyote.” Coyote Springs is a significant name because it’s an all-Indian Catholic rock band and a Coyote symbolizes strength and it also represents the Native American culture.

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