"The Politics of Storytelling": Native Activism and the Quest for Identity in First Nations Literature: J. Armstrong's Slash, T. King's Medicine River, E. Robinson's Monkey Beach

First Nations literature is a rather new field of literature, which was recognized as a distinct literary category only in the mid 20th century. Since then, First Nations authors have tried to work against stereotypical images about themselves by means of writing and have aimed at a more authentic portrayal of indigenous peoples from a Native point of view. The study puts its focus on two prevalent themes that can often be found in First Nations literature; firstly, the portrayal of political activism that constitutes a rebellion against government policies; and secondly, the quest for identity of the protagonist, which happens in relation with the Native community and the homeland. Although the novels differ greatly in the genres, styles and structures applied, the themes mentioned are central in all three works of fiction. This means that the novels all comment on the influence politics has had on the lives of Natives and illustrate that it is important to come to terms with cultural traditions in order to find one's own identity as a Native person.