Shannen Koostachin Character Analysis in Seven Fallen Feathers

Shannen Koostachin was an Indigenous youth activist who lobbied the Canadian government for more funding for schools on Indigenous reserves. Her pleas were largely met with inaction. Shannen ultimately had to leave her reserve to pursue an education elsewhere—and while she was away from home studying in a different city, she was killed in a car accident.

Shannen Koostachin Character Timeline in Seven Fallen Feathers

The timeline below shows where the character Shannen Koostachin appears in Seven Fallen Feathers. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.

Colonialism, Cultural Genocide, and Racism Theme Icon

Indigenous Youth, Education Reform, and Support Networks Theme Icon

...of First Nations held a National Day of Action for Indigenous People in Ottawa, and Shannen Koostachin traveled with her class to the rally to ask the government for a new... (full context)

Generational Trauma and Circular Suffering Theme Icon

Tradition, Prophecy, Spirituality, and Hope Theme Icon

On the steps of the Parliament building, Shannen delivered a scathing speech, reminding government officials that “school should be a time for dreams”—and... (full context)

Shannen Koostachin would never live to see a new school built in her community—on June 1,... (full context)