Introduction
The novel *Moon of the Crusted Snow* by Waubgeshig Rice, published in 2018, offers a profound exploration of survival and cultural identity in the face of apocalyptic collapse. Set in a remote Anishinaabe community in northern Canada, the narrative follows the decline of modern infrastructure and the subsequent challenges faced by the community as they navigate isolation, scarcity, and external threats. Amidst these struggles, a central theme emerges: the resilience of community as a source of strength and survival. This essay argues that Rice portrays community as the bedrock of endurance in adversity, using symbols, motifs, and character interactions to underscore its importance. Through a detailed analysis of the text, including the motif of shared resources, the symbolism of traditional knowledge, and the contrast between internal unity and external disruption, this essay will demonstrate the significance of community as a vital force in the novel. The implications of this theme extend beyond the narrative, offering insights into the enduring power of collective identity in contemporary Indigenous contexts.
Community as a Source of Physical Survival
One of the most immediate manifestations of community resilience in *Moon of the Crusted Snow* is the collective effort to secure physical survival after the unexplained power outage that marks the beginning of societal collapse. The novel illustrates how the Anishinaabe community pools resources and knowledge to endure harsh winter conditions and food scarcity. Early in the narrative, protagonist Evan Whitesky, a hunter and provider, works alongside others to ensure the community’s sustenance through hunting and stockpiling (Rice, 2018). This act of sharing resources, rather than hoarding them individually, reflects a communal ethos that prioritises group welfare over personal gain. For instance, when Evan brings back a moose, it is not kept for his family alone but distributed among the community, symbolising mutual support as a survival mechanism (Rice, 2018, p. 45). This motif of shared resources recurs throughout the text, highlighting how interdependence, rather than individualism, becomes the foundation of their endurance.
Moreover, the community’s response to scarcity contrasts sharply with the external threat posed by outsiders, particularly Scott, whose individualistic and exploitative approach disrupts the fragile balance. Scott’s refusal to integrate or contribute to the collective effort exemplifies the dangers of isolationist thinking, further emphasising Rice’s argument that survival is contingent on unity (Rice, 2018, p. 112). Therefore, through this contrast, Rice persuasively positions community as not only a practical necessity but also a moral imperative in times of crisis.
Traditional Knowledge as a Symbol of Communal Strength
Beyond physical survival, Rice employs the symbolism of traditional Anishinaabe knowledge as a cornerstone of communal resilience. As modern systems fail, the community turns to ancestral practices—hunting, trapping, and storytelling—to navigate their new reality. Elders, such as Aileen, play a pivotal role in transmitting this knowledge, guiding younger generations like Evan and Nicole to reconnect with their cultural roots (Rice, 2018, p. 78). Aileen’s teachings, often shared in quiet, intimate settings, symbolise the enduring wisdom of the community, which proves more reliable than the collapsed technological framework. This reliance on traditional knowledge is not merely practical but also deeply spiritual, reinforcing a collective identity that transcends individual struggles.
Furthermore, the act of storytelling, a recurring motif, serves to bind the community together during moments of despair. As the long winter nights deepen, stories of ancestors and cultural teachings provide emotional sustenance, reminding the community of their shared history and resilience (Rice, 2018, p. 93). This symbolic return to tradition underscores Rice’s broader argument that community strength lies in cultural continuity. Indeed, it is through these shared narratives that the Anishinaabe people reaffirm their identity, finding hope amidst uncertainty. Thus, traditional knowledge becomes a powerful symbol of communal endurance, illustrating how cultural heritage can anchor a group in the face of systemic breakdown.
Community Unity Versus External Disruption
Rice further reinforces the theme of community resilience by juxtaposing the internal unity of the Anishinaabe people with the disruption caused by external forces, particularly through the antagonistic figure of Scott. As an outsider who arrives seeking refuge, Scott represents a threat to the community’s cohesion with his aggressive individualism and disdain for their values (Rice, 2018, p. 105). His eventual turn to violence and manipulation starkly contrasts with the community’s cooperative spirit, embodied by characters like Evan, who prioritise dialogue and consensus even in conflict. This dichotomy serves as a persuasive critique of external imposition and a defence of communal self-determination. Rice suggests that true resilience lies not in adopting external, often colonial, values but in preserving and adapting internal systems of mutual care.
Additionally, Scott’s presence introduces a critical perspective on the vulnerability of community when faced with external pressures. While the Anishinaabe community demonstrates remarkable resilience, the strain caused by Scott and his followers reveals the fragility of unity under external threat (Rice, 2018, p. 120). This tension strengthens Rice’s argument, as it highlights that community resilience must be actively defended and nurtured. Arguably, this narrative arc serves as a metaphor for broader Indigenous struggles against colonial interference, positioning community as both a refuge and a site of resistance. Hence, Rice crafts a compelling case for the centrality of community in overcoming both immediate and historical challenges.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Waubgeshig Rice’s *Moon of the Crusted Snow* persuasively presents the resilience of community as a central theme, vital to both physical survival and cultural continuity in the face of apocalyptic collapse. Through the motif of shared resources, the symbolism of traditional knowledge, and the contrast between internal unity and external disruption, Rice underscores the importance of collective strength in overcoming adversity. The novel’s portrayal of the Anishinaabe community’s endurance offers a powerful commentary on the enduring power of communal bonds, particularly within an Indigenous context where historical and ongoing challenges necessitate such resilience. These insights resonate beyond the text, inviting readers to consider the relevance of community in addressing contemporary crises, from environmental disasters to social fragmentation. Ultimately, Rice’s narrative affirms that survival, both literal and cultural, is deeply rooted in the strength of togetherness, a message that remains profoundly significant in an increasingly disconnected world.
References
- Rice, W. (2018) Moon of the Crusted Snow. ECW Press.
- Simpson, L. B. (2017) As We Have Always Done: Indigenous Freedom through Radical Resistance. University of Minnesota Press.
- Justice, D. H. (2018) Why Indigenous Literatures Matter. Wilfrid Laurier University Press.
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