Adaptation Vs. Resistance

Adaptation vs. Resistance

Throughout the novel, Fools Crow, by James Welch, an obvious conflict between the Blackfeet tribe and the Napikwans becomes clearly evident. Several confrontations between these two diverse groups of people arise, making it difficult to settle the altercations peacefully. Ultimately, the Blackfeet are faced with the decision to adapt in order to reconcile with the whites, or risk their culture and resist the Napikwans. While the people of the Pikuni tribe know that compromising with the Napikwans is going to destroy their way of life, they accept the fact that it is the only way they can ensure their own survival.

One example of the adaptation made by the Pikuni tribe is modeled by the Black Patched Moccasins. Their leader, Little Dog, has a reputation of being an honorable man and he chooses to befriend the Napikwans. He often visits them and serves as "a valuable go-between who was able to control the more hostile of the Pikuni's (94)." In return for his services to the band of Pikuni's, "they treated him well (94)." In this example, compromising with the Napikwans was a way for the Pikuni's to ensure fair treatment of their people. Both sides are able to benefit from the agreement made between the two populations and harmony continues to be maintained. Without this camaraderie, a conflict would surely arise due to the fact that the Napikwans would not put up with the actions of the "hostile" Pikuni's. They would most likely take revenge on the Pikuni's and create even greater challenges for the opposing sides.

It is made clear that the Napikwans have a great dislike for the Blackfeet people. They already have plans in action that would severely punish the Blackfeet. According to General Sully of the Napikwans, "the people of Montana Territory wanted not peace but punishment. They [Napikwans] wanted to kill them [Blackfeet] like wild animals (277)." The