From the Ashes: My Story of Being Métis, Homeless, and Finding My Way

Thistle intersperses his narrative with verse chapters. Why do you think he does so? What is he able to capture through poetry that he cannot through prose?

Of his siblings, Thistle appears to experience the most conflict regarding his heritage. Why do you think this is the case? Reflect on his responses to his older brothers’ pride in their heritage and where the three brothers’ feelings stem from.

How do Thistle’s circumstances and choices come together to cause different events in his life? Choose two events, one positive and one negative, and discuss them using evidence from the text.

At Josh’s wedding, Thistle spends time with his maternal family, who are warm toward him; Thistle’s mother, Blanche, even asks him to move to Saskatoon with her. However, Thistle refuses. Why do you think he refuses?

Which of Thistle’s life experiences demonstrate the healing power of love and acceptance? How does a lack of love and acceptance during his childhood shape these experiences?

Comment on Thistle’s friendship with Leeroy. Why do you think the two develop such a strong bond at such a young age? What factors contribute to the breakdown of their friendship later in life?

Thistle’s time in prison is life-changing in multiple ways. What are some of the lessons he learns there? How does he apply these lessons upon release?

In university, Thistle seeks answers to questions about the disproportionate number of Indigenous people on the streets and in justice systems. What does he discover about his own heritage and the historical and societal injustices faced by his community? How does this impact his understanding of his life experiences?