The Significance of Gardens as Environmental Justice in Silko's Gardens in the Dunes

The title of Gardens in the Dunes appears to be an apolitical novel, Silko's perpetual concern for justice is well manifested. She tries to suggest a different perspective from the traditional view, which is centered on whites, to see Native Americans and their culture through creating various types of gardens. Silko intentionally deals with sensitive issues based on history, such as the ghost dance, the Wounded Knee incident, and the slave trade on the American continent Indigo is Silko's persona and she never succumbs to European culture. She preserves her identity by remembering Grandma Fleet's wisdom of harmonious life with the environment In the relationships with lndigo, white characters in the novel are presented as two different types, representing a dual culture. Edward has no sympathy for Indigo or Native Americans as he represents Western modernization and civilization, and he mercilessly destroys the environment and pursues money to the end of his life. In contrast, Hattie comes to understand Indigo and achieves self - awareness in the process of seeing several gardens and in appreciating old European culture, which has a strong resemblance with Native American culture. She is willing, at last, to join the ghost dance. Thus, Silko wants to illustrate a possibility of a new historical perspective about Native Americans and the achievement of justice through the creation of Hattie in relation to the gardens, though it is not an easy process.