Frenchie is the 16-year-old, Métis protagonist of the novel. He describes himself as having “the longest hair of any of the boys [in Miig’s group], almost to my waist, burnt ombre at the untrimmed edges” (21). In the beginning of the novel, Frenchie has already lost his parents and brother to the schools. Frenchie joins Miig’s group after Miig finds him starving and near death from being on the run alone. Frenchie falls in love with Rose almost as soon as she joins Miig’s group. Frenchie’s feelings for Rose continue until he eventually chooses to stay with her instead of his father once the two reunite. 

Throughout the novel, Frenchie tries to understand what it means to be Indigenous. Like others of his generation, he is eager to learn more about his cultural heritage. He only knows a few words of his ancestral language, and for that reason, he feels somewhat disconnected from his ancestors. Though he never explicitly states that he is jealous, Frenchie shows jealous behavior toward Derrick, who clearly inspires feelings of inferiority in Frenchie because Derrick has “more” culture than Frenchie. 

Over the course of his journey, Frenchie grows from a scared kid to a leader, ultimately making decisions that affect the group in a good way, and taking charge when Miig finally lets his exhaustion overtake him.