Cultural Authenticity and Western Influence: Examining Tradition and Transformation in Louise Erdrich’s the Night Watchman

Abstract

David Treuer’s concept of modern Native American writing emphasizes the departure from purity and authenticity in cultural representation due to the significant infusion of Western influence. The indigenous literary community, including authors, academics, and the general public, along with native voices, contribute to this research. This study explores the variety of opinions regarding Treuer’s ideas and their implications. It focuses on the loss of authenticity and the effects of Western influence on cultural representation. While some critics and scholars applaud the departure from cultural truths, others express concern about the loss of cultural authenticity. Some indigenous voices celebrate this shift, while others emphasize the importance of preserving traditional cultural practices. Treuer’s theory is crucial for this research, as it delves into contemporary writings of displacement, revealing the truths about the authenticity of contemporary Native American literature. This study will analyze The Night Watchman by Louise Erdrich through the lens of David Treuer’s ideas, as presented in A User’s Manual: Native American Fiction. The findings will have significant implications for the future of Native American writings, particularly in relation to the need for accurate cultural representation.