Treaty Words

Starred review from March 15, 2021
Relationships between people and land, grandfather and granddaughter, frame a story on the significance of treaties. Whether spending time "on and with the river" researching and restocking sturgeon, leading mapping projects dedicated to highlighting original place names in Anishinaabemowin, or heading "into the bush" alone every spring, Mishomis has lived a full life "out on the land." In order to impart lessons from his life and teach his granddaughter about the importance of maintaining a connection to place, he sits with her along a river bank. There, they "let the silence speak" until the sounds of nature provide an opportunity for him to remind her of her "responsibilities to this land and water, and to their stories." But perhaps the most important teaching he hopes she carries forward--one rooted in the first treaty made "between the earth and the sky"--is the power of working together and acting with "respect, reciprocity and renewal." Appropriately, this unique story's plot doesn't follow the typical narrative structure that revolves around conflict. Attorney Craft's (Anishinaabe M�tis) lyrical prose, richly layered with Anishinaabe language, culture, and philosophy, centers the story on an Indigenous understanding of treaties in their truest sense, as "agreements to make relationships." Swinson's (Anishinaabe) beautifully colored illustrations rendered in an arresting graphic style give a decidedly modern feel to a story that links generations. Its unusually small trim (4.5-by-6.5 inches) means it can travel in pockets as readers themselves engage with the land. Meditative, devotional, and vital. (author's note) (Picture book. 9-12)

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Starred review from June 1, 2021

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

Copyright 2021 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Starred review from July 26, 2021
An Anishinaabe grandfather (Mishomis in Anishinaabemowin) and granddaughter take in the view of the river that flows past Mishomis’s home, where he has spent a lifetime bringing balance to nature. His city-dwelling granddaughter listens intently as Mishomis imparts beliefs: “Treaties are the basis of all relationships. We use the word Aagooiiddiwin to explain the treaty. It means that we agree to work together.” A treaty, Mishomis continues, needs “respect, reciprocity, and renewal” to thrive. That respect is warmly evident in the granddaughter’s love for Mishomis and for nature. Craft (who is Anishinaabe/Métis) employs quiet, tender language in an oral storytelling style. Swinson (also Anishinaabe), offers sinuous, stylized graphic drawings that further emphasize the harmony of thoughtful relationships: between Grandfather Sun and Grandmother Moon, the child and her grandparent, and the sun and ice working together to free the river from its winter coat. This pocket-size picture book elegantly reveals the intended beauty and harmony of a treaty from an indispensable Indigenous perspective. Back matter includes an author’s note that delves further into the making of a treaty. Ages 9–12.