Podcast
Questions and Answers
What event caused the narrator's work to be destroyed?
What event caused the narrator's work to be destroyed?
- Heavy rain (correct)
- A theft
- A fire
- An unfinished roof (correct)
Augie was sober when he called the narrator in spring 2004.
Augie was sober when he called the narrator in spring 2004.
False (B)
What type of diabetes was Augie diagnosed with?
What type of diabetes was Augie diagnosed with?
Type two diabetes
Augie's behavior after winning at the casino indicated he was having a drink with his friends and _____
Augie's behavior after winning at the casino indicated he was having a drink with his friends and _____
Match Augie's actions with their descriptions:
Match Augie's actions with their descriptions:
What did the narrator initially think about the state of Augie's cabin?
What did the narrator initially think about the state of Augie's cabin?
The narrator felt excited to meet Augie after hearing from him.
The narrator felt excited to meet Augie after hearing from him.
What beverage did Augie suggest to the narrator?
What beverage did Augie suggest to the narrator?
The narrator lost a month’s worth of work due to rain damaging his _____
The narrator lost a month’s worth of work due to rain damaging his _____
What was Augie's reaction during the conversation about Brer Lepeigne?
What was Augie's reaction during the conversation about Brer Lepeigne?
What type of writer was sought to help the retired Cree trapper?
What type of writer was sought to help the retired Cree trapper?
The letter requesting help with the memoir was addressed to the president of the University of Saskatchewan.
The letter requesting help with the memoir was addressed to the president of the University of Saskatchewan.
In which province is the community of Sturgeon Landing located?
In which province is the community of Sturgeon Landing located?
The community of Sturgeon Landing is about forty miles south of _____ and north of The Pas.
The community of Sturgeon Landing is about forty miles south of _____ and north of The Pas.
What theme is prominently discussed in the content?
What theme is prominently discussed in the content?
Match the following locations with their descriptions:
Match the following locations with their descriptions:
What was the retired trapper's intention for the memoir?
What was the retired trapper's intention for the memoir?
Augie's experiences are compared to the atrocities of the Holocaust.
Augie's experiences are compared to the atrocities of the Holocaust.
The narrator of the story had previously worked as a professor before becoming a full-time writer.
The narrator of the story had previously worked as a professor before becoming a full-time writer.
What moral qualities has Augie preserved through his challenges?
What moral qualities has Augie preserved through his challenges?
The principal of St.Therese School mentioned is Father _____ Lazzardo.
The principal of St.Therese School mentioned is Father _____ Lazzardo.
What type of structure was the retired Cree trapper building?
What type of structure was the retired Cree trapper building?
The retired trapper described his residential school experiences as 'the horrors that he and his schoolmates had been subjected to at that _____ place'.
The retired trapper described his residential school experiences as 'the horrors that he and his schoolmates had been subjected to at that _____ place'.
Match the individuals with their described actions or characteristics:
Match the individuals with their described actions or characteristics:
What was a significant critique mentioned regarding the church's role during historical atrocities?
What was a significant critique mentioned regarding the church's role during historical atrocities?
What type of animal caused damage to Augie's cabin?
What type of animal caused damage to Augie's cabin?
Augie had all the modern conveniences in his cabin including water and electricity.
Augie had all the modern conveniences in his cabin including water and electricity.
On what date did Augie mention he was finishing his cabin?
On what date did Augie mention he was finishing his cabin?
Augie reported that he was about to go __________ to stock up on jerky and pemmican for the winter.
Augie reported that he was about to go __________ to stock up on jerky and pemmican for the winter.
Match Augie's mentioned resources with their descriptions:
Match Augie's mentioned resources with their descriptions:
What was Augie using to secure his cabin door?
What was Augie using to secure his cabin door?
Augie was living in the city before moving to Birch Portage.
Augie was living in the city before moving to Birch Portage.
Which reserve is Augie's cabin located on?
Which reserve is Augie's cabin located on?
Augie's food expenses were about __________ dollars a month.
Augie's food expenses were about __________ dollars a month.
What did Augie have working in his cabin?
What did Augie have working in his cabin?
What issue did Augie express concern about during the phone call?
What issue did Augie express concern about during the phone call?
Augie was optimistic about his drinking problem throughout the conversation.
Augie was optimistic about his drinking problem throughout the conversation.
At what age did Augie start working for the Churchill River Power Company?
At what age did Augie start working for the Churchill River Power Company?
Augie was born in the year ______.
Augie was born in the year ______.
Match the following professions with Augie's work experience:
Match the following professions with Augie's work experience:
What special diets was Augie following?
What special diets was Augie following?
Augie felt like he was on 'death row' at seventy-five years old.
Augie felt like he was on 'death row' at seventy-five years old.
What did Augie plan to resume working on by the late summer of 2005?
What did Augie plan to resume working on by the late summer of 2005?
The document Augie filled out contained a line stating, 'I am ______ years or older.'
The document Augie filled out contained a line stating, 'I am ______ years or older.'
What was Augie’s feeling during the phone silence after discussing his drinking?
What was Augie’s feeling during the phone silence after discussing his drinking?
What punitive measure was used against the narrator for minor offenses like whispering?
What punitive measure was used against the narrator for minor offenses like whispering?
How did the punishment of walking twenty miles in extreme weather impact the narrator's childhood experience?
How did the punishment of walking twenty miles in extreme weather impact the narrator's childhood experience?
In what way did speaking Cree lead to punishment in the residential school setting?
In what way did speaking Cree lead to punishment in the residential school setting?
What feelings did the narrator associate with being forced to stay within the barbed-wire enclosed playground?
What feelings did the narrator associate with being forced to stay within the barbed-wire enclosed playground?
What was the emotional and physical consequence of the harsh punishments inflicted by the Sisters?
What was the emotional and physical consequence of the harsh punishments inflicted by the Sisters?
How did the Sisters' enjoyment in causing pain contribute to the overall atmosphere of the school?
How did the Sisters' enjoyment in causing pain contribute to the overall atmosphere of the school?
What specific physical and emotional challenges did the narrator face due to the stringent disciplinary measures?
What specific physical and emotional challenges did the narrator face due to the stringent disciplinary measures?
In what ways did the incidents described demonstrate the impact of racism on the narrator's education?
In what ways did the incidents described demonstrate the impact of racism on the narrator's education?
What did the experience of braving fresh wolf tracks symbolize for the narrator during their punishment?
What did the experience of braving fresh wolf tracks symbolize for the narrator during their punishment?
What overall theme emerges from the combination of punitive measures and cultural suppression in the narrative?
What overall theme emerges from the combination of punitive measures and cultural suppression in the narrative?
What punitive measure was frequently implemented on the children at St. Therese Residential School?
What punitive measure was frequently implemented on the children at St. Therese Residential School?
How did the narrator perceive the treatment of the children in comparison to the animals on the farm?
How did the narrator perceive the treatment of the children in comparison to the animals on the farm?
What emotional response did the narrator express towards the speeches made by the chief or counselor?
What emotional response did the narrator express towards the speeches made by the chief or counselor?
What were the daily routines imposed on the children at St. Therese Residential School that symbolized their lack of autonomy?
What were the daily routines imposed on the children at St. Therese Residential School that symbolized their lack of autonomy?
What language or cultural elements were likely suppressed among the children, based on their treatment in the residential school?
What language or cultural elements were likely suppressed among the children, based on their treatment in the residential school?
How did the use of salt as toothpaste reflect the overall conditions of the children at the residential school?
How did the use of salt as toothpaste reflect the overall conditions of the children at the residential school?
What psychological effects might the repeated punishment and abuse have on the children from a developmental perspective?
What psychological effects might the repeated punishment and abuse have on the children from a developmental perspective?
In what way did the experiences at the school contribute to the narrator's understanding of hypocrisy within the system?
In what way did the experiences at the school contribute to the narrator's understanding of hypocrisy within the system?
What does the statement about waking up 'like it or not' indicate about the students' experiences with autonomy?
What does the statement about waking up 'like it or not' indicate about the students' experiences with autonomy?
How does the narrator's recollection of feelings towards the treatment they received illustrate the impact of racism and neglect?
How does the narrator's recollection of feelings towards the treatment they received illustrate the impact of racism and neglect?
What punitive measures were implemented at the residential school that indicate a lack of empathy for the students?
What punitive measures were implemented at the residential school that indicate a lack of empathy for the students?
How did Sister Mercy's statement reflect the pervasive racism within the residential school system?
How did Sister Mercy's statement reflect the pervasive racism within the residential school system?
In what ways did the practices at St. Therese School contribute to cultural suppression among the students?
In what ways did the practices at St. Therese School contribute to cultural suppression among the students?
What does the absence of eggs in the students' diet symbolize in the context of their experiences?
What does the absence of eggs in the students' diet symbolize in the context of their experiences?
How did the environment of St. Therese School impact the students' perceptions of their self-worth?
How did the environment of St. Therese School impact the students' perceptions of their self-worth?
What role did religious justification play in the disciplinary measures used at the residential school?
What role did religious justification play in the disciplinary measures used at the residential school?
How did the treatment of students as 'servants of God on Earth' contribute to their trauma?
How did the treatment of students as 'servants of God on Earth' contribute to their trauma?
What does the student's experience of needing to hide while watching mating animals indicate about their environment?
What does the student's experience of needing to hide while watching mating animals indicate about their environment?
In what ways did making bets while watching chickens provide a coping mechanism for the students?
In what ways did making bets while watching chickens provide a coping mechanism for the students?
How did the quality of food served, such as rotten porridge, reflect the treatment of Indigenous students in residential schools?
How did the quality of food served, such as rotten porridge, reflect the treatment of Indigenous students in residential schools?
How does the author illustrate the punitive measures in place at the school regarding food?
How does the author illustrate the punitive measures in place at the school regarding food?
What impact did witnessing the brothers and fathers enjoy good food have on the narrator and peers?
What impact did witnessing the brothers and fathers enjoy good food have on the narrator and peers?
In what way does the author suggest racism contributed to the treatment of students?
In what way does the author suggest racism contributed to the treatment of students?
How does the author's experience with food symbolize cultural suppression in residential schools?
How does the author's experience with food symbolize cultural suppression in residential schools?
What contradiction does the author highlight between the teachings of the keepers and their actions?
What contradiction does the author highlight between the teachings of the keepers and their actions?
Describe how the experience of watching excessive food during special occasions affected the narrator's feelings.
Describe how the experience of watching excessive food during special occasions affected the narrator's feelings.
What message does the author communicate regarding the concept of emulating Jesus and poverty?
What message does the author communicate regarding the concept of emulating Jesus and poverty?
How does the passage demonstrate the childhood trauma experienced by the narrator and his peers?
How does the passage demonstrate the childhood trauma experienced by the narrator and his peers?
What role did special occasions play in the restoration of dignity to the students, albeit temporarily?
What role did special occasions play in the restoration of dignity to the students, albeit temporarily?
Study Notes
Introduction to Augie and the Memoir Project
- A retired Cree trapper, in his early seventies, requested help with his memoir from the University of Saskatchewan.
- He sought a co-writer with strong English proficiency and an affinity for the outdoors, offering the prospect of excellent fishing in Saskatchewan as an incentive.
- Augie had previously documented his experiences at St. Therese Residential School, describing it as a site of trauma for him and his peers.
Geographical Context
- St. Therese Residential School is located approximately 40 miles south of Flin Flon and north of The Pas, across the Manitoba-Saskatchewan border.
- The community of Sturgeon Landing, where the school is situated, is noted for its historical tension between Native and non-Native populations.
Augie’s Living Conditions
- Augie's cabin on the Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation Reserve is accessed via Hanson Lake Road, near Birch Portage.
- He lived with minimal amenities: no power, water, or cable, but had a radio and access to natural food sources like game and fish.
- His monthly food cost was around $50 due to his hunting activities.
Challenges Faced by Augie
- Augie's cabin suffered extensive damage from a bear that broke in while he was away, eating food and destroying part of his manuscript.
- Vandalism led to theft during his absence, compounding his struggles with the memoir.
Augie's Struggles with Alcoholism
- His battles with alcohol became evident after setbacks, including a significant drinking spree following a series of funerals.
- Acknowledgment of his drinking problem prompted a realization of its impact on his ability to communicate effectively.
Interactions with the Author
- Initial meetings did not yield deep conversations due to Augie’s alcohol consumption and evasive responses to questions about his past.
- A more serious discussion about his alcoholism took place later, indicating Augie's awareness of the need for change.
Augie’s Life Experiences
- Joseph Auguste Merasty’s work history includes roles in the Churchill River Power Company and as a taxi driver before retiring.
- He expressed urgency in completing his memoir, often reflecting on his mortality and desire to leave a legacy.
Themes of Oppression and Trauma
- Augie’s writing reflects his moral outrage regarding the injustices he experienced and witnessed throughout his life.
- Comparison is made between Augie's ordeals in residential school and other historical atrocities, cautioning against equating these experiences with the Holocaust.
Institutional Silence and Violence
- The text critiques the silence and complicity of authority figures that enabled the abuse and trauma experienced at residential schools.
- Specific individuals within the institutional framework of St. Therese are highlighted as agents of violence and oppression against children.
Conclusion
- Augie's memoir serves as a testament to the resilience undeterred by personal and institutional challenges.
- His narrative aims to reclaim his history while shedding light on broader themes of injustice and the need for recognition of past traumas.
Life at St. Therese Residential School
- Students initially enjoyed trips away from the school for picnics or fishing, emphasizing a need for freedom from the enclosed yard.
- The schoolyard was surrounded by a high barbed-wire fence, likening it to a prison environment for students.
- Minor infractions like whispering or swearing in Cree often resulted in harsh punishments, reinforcing strict discipline.
- Severe punishments included long walks in freezing temperatures (as low as -60°F wind chill) for minor offenses, highlighting a lack of compassion for children.
- Sister St. Mercy, a key figure in administering punishment, was known for her severe disciplinary actions, including corporal punishment with a strap.
Racism and Hypocrisy
- The nuns displayed overt racism, referring to Indigenous students derogatorily and treating them as inferior beings.
- The institution’s ideology focused on obedience as a virtue, positioning punishments as divinely ordained.
- Students were made to kneel in cold conditions as punishment, indicating systemic neglect and abuse.
Food Inequality and Cruelty
- Students were given poor-quality food, such as rotten porridge and stale bread, while staff feasted on lavish meals.
- The contrast of food served to staff versus students highlighted the neglect and dehumanization of Indigenous children.
- Students were strictly prohibited from eating the eggs laid by the chickens they cared for, demonstrating further exploitation.
Emotional Impact and Reflection
- Continuous punishments made students question the sincerity of the religious teachings they received, especially regarding kindness and equality.
- Visits from bishops and community leaders led to temporary improvements in treatment, revealing the hypocrisy in the school’s everyday practices.
Social Customs and Entertainment
- Students engaged in betting on chickens, showcasing a need for entertainment in a harsh environment.
- While entertainment was allowed with animals, students faced punishment for simply laughing too much or too loud.
Major Themes
- Extreme punishment and institutional neglect defined the students' experiences at St. Therese, contrasting dramatically with religious rhetoric about love and kindness.
- The stark differences in treatment between staff and students underscored systemic racism and neglect within residential schools.
- The psychological impact of abuse and the struggle for dignity persisted long after students left the school.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
Test your understanding of 'Augie and Me,' particularly the introductory section. This quiz explores themes, characters, and the context surrounding the beginning of the memoir. Perfect for students and readers looking to delve deeper into the text.
