Larry Loyie with Constance Brissenden,
Goodbye Buffalo Bay
Theytus Books, 2008.

Ages 9-12

The true story of author Larry Loyie’s last year at a compulsory residential school for First Nations children in Canada, and the early period of his adjustment to his “return to the world outside”, Goodbye Buffalo Bay takes the reader on an emotional roller-coaster of a ride.  The skilfully told story evokes anger, tears, laughter and pride – while never descending to sentimentality or sensationalism.  Part of the power of the narrative lies in its being told in the third person, rather than directly through the hero, Lawrence’s eyes.  This slight detachment allows the events that unfold to speak for themselves and gives readers space to register their own reactions.

The book is divided into two well-balanced parts.  “Part 1: On Buffalo Bay” is set at the St Bernard Mission residential school, where the regime is brutal.  Getting a piece of turnip to crunch is a treat, as is a one-off skating trip.  English is the only language permitted; and most of the children’s time is spent either doing chores or in religious observance. Punishments are brutal, meted out by bullies who justify their actions through the conviction of misguided religious zeal.  Thank goodness for Sister Theresa, who is kind to Lawrence and nurtures his love of learning.

In “Part 2: Moving On”, Lawrence’s initial sense of isolation from his roots is gradually overcome, thanks to his grandfather’s patient guidance.  He works to control the anger inside him, and to use it to stand up for himself in a positive way. He takes on a sequence of dangerous jobs, operating machinery and fighting forest fires, and proves himself to his sceptical fellow-workers.  He makes new friends, including his first non-Native friends, and encounters romance for the first time.

Goodbye Buffalo Bay is an immensely readable book. Despite its relatively short length, it manages to record in depth not only all the events that unfold but also Lawrence’s emotional responses to them.  There is also an epilogue which provides more background information about the residential school system, as well as links to Loyie’s website.

Many readers will be moved to tears, as well as to feelings of outrage at this episode in a nation's barbaric attempt to divorce indigenous children from their culture.  However, that is only half the story. Ultimately, as Lawrence emerges from that harsh environment to re-establish his roots and to prove himself equal to his ambitions for the future, Goodbye Buffalo Bay engenders hope and optimism.  This is a riveting book, not to be missed!

Marjorie Coughlan
December 2009