Never Whistle at Night: An Indigenous Dark Fiction Anthology

Content Warning: This section of the guide contains discussion of physical abuse, emotional abuse, child sexual abuse, and racism.

Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

1. The anthology’s title references Indigenous beliefs about calling unwanted spirits. What was your initial reaction to how the collection used traditional folklore to create modern horror?

2. How does this collection compare to other works by its contributors, such as Tommy Orange’s There There or Rebecca Roanhorse’s Black Sun? If you have never encountered any of these writers before, whose work are you most interested in exploring further, and why?

3. Which supernatural entity from the anthology did you find most memorable: the shape-shifting kushtuka, the hungry Wehtigo, the human eaters, or something else?

Encourage readers to connect the book’s themes and characters with their personal experiences.

1. In “Quantum,” Amber struggles with defining Indigenous identity through blood quantum laws. What do you think defines one’s cultural identity?

2. Have you ever felt caught between cultural worlds in the way the characters in stories like “Night in the Chrysalis” or “Scariest. Story. Ever.” do? How did you respond?

3. What traditions or cultural practices from your own background have you maintained or let go of as you’ve navigated contemporary society?