How can being tied to a culture be helpful to an individual?

In ‘The Rez Sisters’ there are numerous examples of how being tied to a culture can beneficial such as teamwork and family. I personally think that being tied to a culture is important because individuals can learn many new traditions and experiences individually or as a society. I like how in the play the characters lived on a small reserve where they all knew each other and most had grown up together. I find that very important and beneficial as all the characters have a connection with others in the reservation, whether that be positive or negative. Since everyone has a connection with one another they know who to they would like to spend time with and they will also know who not to consult with. Furthermore, in ‘The Rez Sisters’ I like the thought process towards all the symbols in the play like the trusty hammer and the apple tree. I find that the apple tree is a good representation of their faith that most of the reservation supports, revealing that the reservation can relate to each others beliefs. I also find that the hammer is a good symbol that the characters on the reservation can not quite afford the things they wish to have, but whatever they have whether it’s a hammer or a different object, they care for what they have. Being tied to a culture where they care for their possessions is helpful that way they treat their reserve with respect. The importance of teamwork shown in the play is important and helpful to cultures because it reveals that with the help of others, people can accomplish any bumps in the road. The incident in the play when the vehicle had an issue with the tire, and all the characters came together to help lift the car and get back on the road to reach the bingo proves that being tied to a culture is beneficial with the

support of the fellow citizens. Just like in ‘The Oka Crisis’ when the government had attacked the Indigenous reserve to force the culture out of their home, the Natives stood their ground and used teamwork to fight back at the government, therefore saving their reserve and all the culture behind it. Continuing, I find that being tied to different cultures is important because people can learn other traditions and history from other cultures they did not even know about. When the characters from ‘The Rez Sisters’ traveled to Toronto they learned a different living style and different traditions as they had never left the reservation. I would also think that the people from Toronto would have learned interesting information from the Indigenous culture, helping them furthermore understand the different living situations, and make new friends

from a different culture. Lastly, in ‘The Oka Crisis’ the government gave the Indigenous culture their proper rights after a rough the reserve, which illustrates that sticking together with your culture through tough times will benefit in the long run as cultures share the same background and history, therefore giving meaning to fight together and not quit until justice is served. To conclude, I personally think that being tied to a culture is beneficial because of the connection and history that has lived on throughout centuries.