Mount Allison University
Canadian Studies Department
A Girl Called Echo:Omnibus
Reflection-4
Barira Bushra
Dr. Courtney Mrazek
CANA 1011
Date-04/01/2025
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In A Girl Called Echo: Omnibus, the past and present are connected through both
the novel’s imagery and plot structure. In this novel Echo is the protagonist, she
experiences time travel rather than simply witnessing historical flashbacks, this lets her
form personal connection with the past. Through this unique approach, the novel
showcases the impact of history on the present generations, in terms of Indigenous
identity, displacement and culture.
One of the main ways the graphic novel represents connections and disconnections
between past and present is through Echo’s physical presence in those historical
moments. Instead of following the traditional ways of reading books or memories, Echo
time travels to the 19th and early 20th centuries, where she witnesses the struggles of
Métis people herself. This unique approach allows the readers to see the history through
Echo’s modern lens, this shows how the consequences of colonization and displacement
continue to shape Indigenous communities today. Simultaneously, Echo’s dislocation in
these moments, being present yet not being able to change what is happening or being
present yet not being able to completely understand what is happening, symbolizes the
gap between past and present.
For example, during the Pemmican wars, Echo is in the early 19th century, when
she witnesses the tensions between the Métis community and the Hudson’s Bay Company
(Vermette 46-48). She observes Métis hunters preparing for battle, and she feels an
emotional connection with them, despite not being able to fully understand her role in the
past. Similarly, during the Red River Resistance, she sees the Resistance herself and
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witnesses Louis Riel advocate for Métis’ rights (Vermette 73-74). These moments
highlight the ongoing struggles of the Indigenous communities for land and identity.
Echo’s journey provides a deeper understanding of these events, instead of
viewing them just as distant facts. Additionally, Echo’s time travel reflects how historical
trauma is passed down through generations, shaping the youth today. The novel
reinforces these themes through contrasting images. Echo’s present world is often
mutated in tone, symbolizing her dislocation and isolation. On the other hand, historical
scenes are rendered and vibrant with dynamic illustrations emphasizing on their
emotions. An example of this can be seen when Echo is transported to Batoche during the
Northwest Resistance. The chaos of the battle is shown with vibrant reds and browns,
making the violence feel immediate ( Vermette 133-134). Echo’s loneliness or isolation in
both her modern life and historical journeys show themes of disconnection, suggesting
that it is important to understand the past in order to have a strong sense of identity.
In the Road Allowance Era, Echo witnesses the forced displacement of Métis
families; she also meets one of her ancestors when she goes back in time to visit
(Vermette 188-192). The novel reflects how history shapes the present and emphasizes
the importance of understanding it.
In conclusion, A Girl Called Echo: Omnibus connects past and present to show the
lasting effects of historical events on contemporary Indigenous identity. By involving
Echo in history rather than using traditional flashbacks, the novel intertwines historical
and present-day experiences, emphasizing that history is not solely to be studied by future
generations, it also actively shapes their lives.
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Work Cited
Vermette, Katherena. A Girl Called Echo Omnibus. HighWater Press, 12 Sep. 2023.