Niska is Xavier’s aunt, and the second narrator in the novel. She is the daughter of Cree and Ojibwe Indians and refused to live on the reservation like the homeguard Indians; her decision to live in a traditional manner means she is known as a bush Indian. Niska is also known as a windigo killer, like her father before her. She has visions that are accompanied by fits of shaking. It is one of these visions that prompts her to rescue Xavier from the residential school in town, and teach him, and later Elijah, the ways of living in the bush. Niska transports Xavier home via canoe after he is injured in battle and sent home. They travel on the three-day road that will determine if he lives or dies from his various wounds. While traveling, she relates stories of her childhood, and of Xavier’s childhood, in hopes of feeding him emotionally and psychologically and thus helping him to stay alive.

Xavier is the main narrator, and the central character of the novel. Xavier’s mother is Niska’s sister, Rabbit. After his father’s death, Rabbit takes to drink and gives Xavier up to the nuns at the residential school. He is rescued by his aunt, Niska, and learns the ways of the bush.