People of the Whale

The portrayal of healing in People of the Whale encompasses both individualistic and communal aspects. Thomas Just’s personal journey of healing exemplifies this dual approach. On the one hand, his healing is deeply personal and solitary, as seen in his immersions in the sea at night. These moments of solitude, away from his community, are crucial for his internal process. On the other hand, his healing would not be complete without his reconciliation with his people; his journey is their journey, and the opposite is true as well. Through this theme, Hogan thus highlights the importance of individual spiritual healing as a precursor to genuine cultural revival.

Individual experiences such as Thomas’s solitary swims are key to his personal healing journey. During his solo encounters with the ocean, he seeks to understand and heal himself through a direct connection with nature. These moments symbolize his direct communion with the natural world, a source of strength and intimacy that allows him to confront and reconcile with his past. These moments simultaneously reflect the belief in many Indigenous cultures in the power of nature as a source of healing and wisdom, albeit in this case, on an individual level.