The book written by Mary Lawrence (1996) called My People Myself is a great story of a native women's struggle in society. The book does an excellent job of portraying a native women's life on an Indian reserve in British Colombia. With Mary Lawrence's real life story the struggles facing natives are brought to the forefront and the truths of growing up as a native Indian are described in the harsh settings of old run down houses. Readers are able to read and see that native Indians have endured great pains over the years at the hands of society and the government. The struggles that are depicted in Mary Lawrence's book are in regards to physical abuse and drug abuse. In addition the author discusses sexual abuse. The book My people, myself talks about the authors struggles with drug, alcohol, and prescription pill addiction. The book goes into great detail in describing the cycles of these drugs and the methods of using and selling drugs. Mary Lawrence also discusses t!.
he problems she faced regarding social relationships. These relationships were with her male partners, family members and friends.
The author of My people, myself was one of six children who grew up on a reserve just north of the town Vernon in British Colombia. Mary Lawrence lived with her mother and 5 siblings. Mary also lived near her Grandmother whom she loved dearly. The house in which Mary and her family lived in was old and rundown. Furthermore, the house had no electricity and running water. The family cooked using gas stoves and used candles for light. The house also had no carpeting or linoleum floors and the family used the wood stove for heat. Mary's mother was also living off social assistance and since the family had no fridge she bought canned foods. .
From a very young age Mary was exposed to a kind of chaos that would cause turmoil for any child. Mary's older brother Hugh was always breaking the rules of the house and Mary would witness the brush stick beatings that would ensue.