I look out at the spruce across the tracks. Blackened by soot, they bend in defeat.
-- Niska (Ekiiwaniwahk (Returning) )

Importance: This quote shows how nature has bowed its head in defeat when faced with the encroachment of the white men and their technology. It shows that the white men pollute the earth and that they do not care what happens to nature, just as long as they are comfortable.

It smells the same as Moose Factory, the scent of burning wood not quite masking another decaying smell below it."
-- Niska (Ekiiwaniwahk (Returning) )

Importance: The mention of the smell of decay beneath signifies that there is something corrupt and dead beneath the exterior of the white men's town. It is built on death and destruction and it is not a natural place to live.

We're given directions to a place where we can sleep, and as I march away with the others into the night I wonder what kind...
-- Xavier (Takoshininaaniwan (Arrival) )