Institutional Racism and Racial Politics in Richard Wagamese’s Indian Horse: A Critical Race Study

This paper investigates Indian Horse (2012) by Richard Wagamese using Critical Race Theory (CRT) as a theoretical framework, particularly drawing on the concepts introduced by Richard Delgado and Jean Stefancic’s jointly written work Critical Race Theory: An Introduction (2001). It follows Saul Indian Horse, a First Nations man, whose life is shaped by the traumatic legacies of Canada's residential school system and the systemic racism that dominated both his personal experiences and broader societal structures. This study examines how the narrative not only represents the lived realities of Indigenous peoples in Canada but also critiques the racial hierarchies and race-based social structures. Through Saul’s journey, the novel reveals how the systemic marginalization of Indigenous peoples is perpetuated through cultural erasure, physical abuse, and social exclusion. The residential school system, depicted as both a symbol and mechanism of colonialism, operates as a microcosm of broader societal racism. This paper also explores the theme of healing and the narrative's challenge to dominant historical narratives, illustrating the ways in which personal resilience intersects with collective struggles for justice. In applying Delgado and Stefancic’s framework, the paper argues that Indian Horse functions not only as a literary critique of colonialism but also as a call to action for dismantling the racialized structures that continue to oppress Indigenous communities. The novel underscores the importance of storytelling in countering hegemonic narratives, emphasizing the transformative potential of Indigenous voices in shaping a more equitable future.