Treaty Words (Aimee Craft)

 

I read this book because it was a nominee for the 2022 Rocky Mountain Book Awards. 

It's a small book, like the size of a handbook. In some ways, it is a handbook of reminders of not just treaties, but promises and covenants we make. It is a conversation, like many lessons taught by First Nations' people. I loved the feeling it brings....calming and thoughtful. It would be a good book to read at the beginning of the year when you are establishing class rules and expectations. It is short and could be a read aloud for the day. It would establish a good feeling in the room.

Goodreads says:

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 illustrations by Luke Swinson and an author’s note at the end, Aimée Craft communicates the importance of understanding an Indigenous perspective on treaties.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 illustrations by Luke Swinson and an author’s note at the end, Aimée Craft communicates the importance of understanding an Indigenous perspective on treaties.