Sable Sweetgrass writes Maternal Ties to describe the loss of five generations of an individual family, expressing the sad loss of the Aboriginal people’s heritage. She uses parallel plot to build the tension to the point where Mary removes her robe to proclaim her heritage because readers get historical insights on the importance of the dress:

Sikotan, Mary’s great grandmother, is the first person in the family to study English at a boarding school. Upon arriving home from the school, she receives a dress (symbolizing fulfillment) from her mom, Appanii. Sikotan is meant to wear the dress to a sundance, but refuses to do so one day after coming home from school. In addition, her baby cord amulet is taken by the school. Clearly, the boarding school prevents her from showing cultural identity, altering Sikotan’s beliefs. This can relate to Mary’s situation, as both were being denied what they valued, the dress. The only difference is, Sikotan changes her belief system, whereas Mary fights for it. …show more content…
However, poverty and caring for her family forces her to sell the dress. It is the hardest decision she makes. She gives up a family gift for $70, just enough to acquire two months worth of food. Annie’s reluctance to give up the dress is important because it emphasizes the dress’ worth.

Alex, Mary’s mom, finds the elk tooth dress and baby cord amulets at the Banff Museum and ensures she doesn’t go home empty-handed. Just like Alex, Mary refuses to give up such