FareWel

Ian C. Nelson is assistant director of libraries at the University of
Saskatchewan, and président de la Troupe du Jour, Regina Summer Stage.

Métis writer Ian Ross, described here as a “mainstay at the Winnipeg
Fringe Festival since 1991,” appears to be following in the tradition
of Tomson Highway.

Reversing the syllables of this play’s title reveals both the subject
matter and the author’s style of self-deprecating humor, which makes
life on the reserve more bearable. At the same time, Ross exposes the
problematic influences of enculturation. Dogs are smashed and thrown on
the dump where children are encouraged to play. Two female characters,
desperate for a smoke, debate whether they dare roll the leavings of
cigarette butts in Bible paper.

A few speeches about self-government and the welfare system sound
forced and a little too logical. Nevertheless, Ross has an authentic
voice and definitely has not come to the end of his awards.