What is the theme of the novel Moon of the Crusted Snow by Waubgeshig Rice, and how does the author use conflict OR characterization to convey that theme?

The primary theme of *Moon of the Crusted Snow* is the resilience and adaptability of Indigenous communities in the face of crisis, specifically focusing on the revitalization of traditional knowledge and ways of life.Rice uses **conflict** to powerfully convey this theme. The novel centers around a northern Anishinaabe community that becomes isolated after a sudden and unexplained power outage that cuts them off from the southern world. This external conflict – the loss of technology and outside support – forces the community to confront internal conflicts and anxieties. Some members cling to the hope of outside help, while others, like Evan Whitesky, the protagonist, begin to rediscover traditional skills and knowledge passed down through generations. The conflict between reliance on a failing technological system and the rediscovery of traditional self-sufficiency highlights the theme of resilience. As the situation deteriorates and the outside world offers no assistance, the community's ability to adapt and draw strength from their ancestral ways becomes their key to survival, demonstrating the enduring power of Indigenous knowledge and traditions.