the teacher molests her and tries to interact with Owl in sexual intercourse. At this moment in Owl's young life she begins to analyze and understand the current incidents in her community and in her life. At Owl's young age she begins to realize that she lives in a corrupt society, where everything is limited, and women are beat and discriminated. Owl begins to protest against the discrimination towards women within her family. Owl experiences hatred and discrimination when she attempts to compete against the boys and equally matches them mentally and physically. She is beaten up for her accomplishment of beating the boys, " my side was in pain where they had kicked me, and neck bruised, [ ] I hate men!" (53) Owl begins to realize in depth what many women face in the reserves, and begins to form her thoughts towards overcoming the power of men in her community. Owl was severely beaten by fellow young boys for being too male-like, and for out-performing other boys at sports. The book portrays the low standards of women in the reserves and abroad. Women were disallowed from taking on the job of a man, and were restrained from physically abusing the man no matter what may be happening, .
"I wanted to go out there and take mom's .22 and kill him,.
I hate men! I want to kill him!! [ ] Barbara calmed me.
Down reminding me of the consequences. [ ] they raped.
And beat women that caused harm to man." (176).
Owl reveals her growing hatred for man, and the consequences women face if they were to inflict harm upon men. As Owl enters adulthood, the beginning of love and lust hauls her into a predicament with one of her lovers. She is severely beaten for refusing to make love to her lover Freddie, "He grabbed me, and started to kiss me and fiddle with the buttons of my dress, I pushed him away with a thrust [ ] a hand came at me, fast as the bullet mom used puncture the moose's last breath with." (162) Owl is faced with many issues of abuse at her young age.
