The Rez Sisters by Tomson Highway is a two-act play that follows seven women on the Wasaychigan Hill Indian Reserve in Canada as they plan a trip to Toronto for a major bingo game, revealing their dreams and struggles along the way. Sensitive topics such as sexual assault, domestic violence, and illness are discussed throughout the play.

Tomson Highway's The Rez Sisters is lauded for its vibrant portrayal of Indigenous women and their dreams, interwoven with humor and heartache. Critics praise its rich character development and cultural resonance. Some note the play can feel disjointed or overly ambitious, but it remains a powerful, essential work that explores personal and communal resilience.

Ideal for readers interested in indigenous culture, feminist themes, and dark humor, The Rez Sisters will captivate fans of works like Louise Erdrich's Love Medicine or Sherman Alexie's The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven. Those who appreciate dramatic storytelling intertwined with social issues will find this play fulfilling.

Contemplative / Emotional / Bittersweet / Mysterious / Melancholic

- The Rez Sisters was first performed in 1986 and is one of the seminal plays that helped bring Indigenous Canadian theater to international attention.
- Tomson Highway, the playwright, is a Cree author who infused the play with elements of Cree culture, language, and spirituality, contributing to its unique flavor and authenticity.
- The play explores themes of community and identity and is part of a trilogy by Highway, with the other two plays being Dry Lips Oughta Move to Kapuskasing and Rose, which also focus on life on a First Nations reserve.

**Pelajia Patchnose**  
The eldest of the seven sisters, Pelajia is depicted as a hardworking woman who often wears men's coveralls and is frequently seen with her hammer. Her journey in the play reflects her shifting views about life on the reserve versus the allure of city life.

**Philomena Moosetail**  
As the second eldest sister, Philomena provides comic relief with her bathroom humor and dreams openly about winning at bingo. Her time in Toronto challenges her personal dreams and desires.

**Marie-Adele Starblanket**  
A mother of many children, Marie-Adele grapples with her health and is connected to Nanabush, a trickster spirit. Her storyline weaves into themes of family, mortality, and connection to otherworldly elements.

**Annie Cook**  
A music enthusiast and younger sister of Marie-Adele, Annie navigates her role as a singer and her personal connections throughout the play. Her movements and energy are telling of her evolving emotional state.

**Emily Dictionary**  
Younger sister to Annie and Marie-Adele, Emily is known for her tough demeanor and ties to the motorcycle world. Her journey involves redefining her connections to family and community after life-altering events.

**Veronique St. Pierre**  
Veronique is the outspoken sister-in-law with a strong Catholic faith, often finding herself at odds with the other sisters. She is the adoptive mother of Zhaboonigan and has dreams of caring for the children on the reserve.

**Zhaboonigan Peterson**  
The youngest character, Zhaboonigan deals with her intellectual disability and traumatic past while forming significant bonds with the other sisters and Nanabush, the spirit that symbolizes the otherworldly in the play.

Tomson Highway

Adult

Play

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

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Overview

Get ready to explore The Rez Sisters and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

The Rez Sisters Summary and Study Guide

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Act Summaries & Analyses

Act I, Pages 1-37

The Rez Sisters Act I, Pages 1-37 Act Summary & Analysis

Act I, Pages 37-60

The Rez Sisters Act I, Pages 37-60 Act Summary & Analysis

Act II, Pages 61-88

The Rez Sisters Act II, Pages 61-88 Act Summary & Analysis

Act II, Pages 88-100

The Rez Sisters Act II, Pages 88-100 Act Summary & Analysis

Act II, Pages 100-118

The Rez Sisters Act II, Pages 100-118 Act Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

The Rez Sisters Character Analysis

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Themes

The Rez Sisters Themes

Symbols & Motifs

The Rez Sisters Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

The Rez Sisters Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

The Rez Sisters Essay Topics

The Rez Sisters

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read The Rez Sisters?

Reading Age

Book Details