Group B: Chapter 2

1. This chapter opens with the band rehearsing in several venues with such a following that
their popularity made the Assemblies of God, Catholics, and Presbyterians very nervous
(34). What is the significance of this statement? How have the people in this community
been disempowered by their subscriptions to Western traditions?
The significance of the band making the assemblies of God, Catholics, and Presbyterians very
nervous was because of the inhabitants of that reservation was not accustomed to the rock and
roll genre of music. The people in the reservation might have been disempowered in the sense
that modern traditions were entering their already established traditions and them (the elderly of
the reservation) where afraid of change. Aside from that they seemed very religious and
mentioned that it was ungodly to perform such craft.
2. What role do seemingly unimportant characters, like Father Arnold, David WalksAlong,
the Spokane Tribal Council Chairman, and Michael White Hawk play in the chapter?
Father Arnold who was the priest of the reservations Catholic Church thought the band Thomas
Victor and Junior started was amusing and nostalgic. Father Arnold became a priest after he
heard a voice call to him while at a McDonalds. Arnold was shipped to the Spokane Indian
Reservation. David WalksAlong was the Spokane Tribal Council Chairman. He does not seem to
like the noise coming from Thomas's band and he even threatens to shut them down. Michael
White Hawk was WalksAlong nephew who recently got out of the Walla Walla State Penitentiary
after two years.

3. Who are Betty and Veronica? Why did Alexie choose their names?
Betty and Veronica were to white women who found their way to the reservation where Thomas,
Victor and Junior rehearsed at a grocery store. They even set up camp in their car outside the
grocery store where they were rehearsing, and showed up to every rehearsal. The characteristics
of both women were almost identical. They both had long blonde hair, and wore too much
jewelry. They also wore sundresses with matching Birkenstocks. Apparently, they both were able
to sing assuming why Alexie named them Betty and Veronica. It is the name of singers and both
names are believed to be common. Alexie explains both women can still heard even while the
band is playing since both women were highly talented. They were known around the reservation
as they played music for stragglers. The women in the reservation hated them both and all of
them wanted both women to leave. As it all plays out both women slept with Victor and Junior,
they ended up being two small business owners from Seattle who left to the reservation because
of the rumor of band playing some blues.
4. Notice the difference between the reactions of men and women to Betty and Veronica.
How do you explain this difference?
The Spokane Indian men lined up to listen to the womens songs. David WalksAlong also invited
the two to his home for dinner. The reaction of the Spokane Indian women wanted to kick out
Betty and Veronica. The women assume Betty and Veronica are there because of the interest in
Indian men.
5. Can you explain Betty and Veronicas attraction to Victor and Junior? Victor and
Juniors attraction for the white women?
Betty shared a bed with Junior. Bettys attraction towards Junior might be sexual since Junior
asked if he was the first Indian man, but she had several. Junior was curious about Bettys sexual

partners, but Betty ended the conversation with a kiss.

Veronica shared a bed with Victor. He was trying to keep his hands under Veronicas pants, but
she did not want to pursue anything. She just wanted to kiss. She constantly said no to Victors
action. Victors intentions were more sexual than Veronica. He wanted oral sex, but leads to a
hand job instead since Veronica proceed to deny his request.
6. How was the band named? What other name did they consider? What is the significance
of both names?
Thomas Builds-The-Fire named the band, Coyote Springs. Victor Joseph wanted the band title to
be Bloodthirsty Savages. Junior Polatkin and Victor didnt like the word Coyote in the band
name because they claimed it was too damn Indian and that [they were] sick of Coyote.
Coyote Springs is a significant name because its an all-Indian Catholic rock band and a Coyote
symbolizes strength and it also represents the Native American culture.