Treaty Words: For As Long As the Rivers Flow - Hardcover

Craft, Aimée

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1773214969 ISBN 13: 9781773214962

Publisher: Annick Press, 2021

Synopsis

The first treaty that was made was between the earth and the sky. It was an agreement to work together. We build all of our treaties on that original treaty.

On the banks of the river that have been Mishomis’s home his whole life, he teaches his granddaughter to listen—to hear both the sounds and the silences, and so to learn her place in Creation. Most importantly, he teaches her about treaties—the bonds of reciprocity and renewal that endure for as long as the sun shines, the grass grows, and the rivers flow. 

Accompanied by beautiful illustrations by Luke Swinson and an author’s note at the end, Aimée Craft affirms the importance of understanding an Indigenous perspective on treaties in this evocative book that is essential for readers of all ages.

About this title

About the Authors

Aimée Craft is an Anishinaabe/Métis lawyer from Treaty 1 territory in Manitoba. She is an Associate Professor at the Faculty of Common Law, University of Ottawa and a leading researcher on Indigenous laws, treaties, and water.

Luke Swinson is an Anishinaabe illustrator who is a member of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation. He lives in Kitchener, ON.

Reviews

Gr 4–6—This warm, thoughtful book about kinships and history may struggle to find its audience. Too short to be a chapter book and too long to be a picture book, it covers high level concepts and so cannot be used for transitional readers. An Anishinaabe girl and her grandfather enjoy the spring thaw along the river, an annual tradition for them. They observe nature where "They knew that all of this would be happening with or without them, that they were such a small part of creation." He tells her stories of treaties between the creator and its animal and human creations, and treaties between people. The granddaughter absorbs all her elder says about their connection to the land, and the reason: "the treaty is for as long as the sun shines, the grass grows, and the rivers flow." Soft color sketches with minimal details show their day on the river, with their creation myths and history depicted in cool tones. In most scenes the river cuts across the earthy colors in a vivid blue swash. Anishinaabe words are used, and some terms can be understood in the context of the narrative; there is no glossary. An author's note takes on the importance of "respect, responsibility, and renewal," which are the focus of the story. VERDICT This quiet contemplative account of learning to live with nature and together as people has a place in every collection, and while its meditative tone will appeal to older and more advanced readers, it could be the centerpiece of a story hour for younger listeners.—Tamara Saarinen, Pierce County Lib., WA

Edition details

• Publisher: Annick Press
• Publication date: 2021
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1773214969
• ISBN 13: 9781773214962
• Binding: Hardcover
• Illustrator: Swinson Luke
• Number of pages: 60