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.
Treaty Words has already earned a Kirkus Star which describes her book as “Meditative, devotional, and vital.”
The book is available both as an electronic version and hardcover.
Professor Craft’s research goal is to encourage, stimulate and conduct extensive research relating to Indigenous legal traditions, treaties, lands, waters, reconciliation and gender, with a specific focus on both Indigenous-colonial relationships and water rights. Since beginning her career as a researcher at the University of Manitoba in 2014, Professor Craft has devoted her research to deepening our collective understanding of Anishinaabe ways of knowing. This has involved working within Indigenous communities on community and land-based research, and making research accessible to other Indigenous communities, governments, industry and the general public.
Professor Craft was recently awarded the University of Ottawa’s 2020 Early Career Researcher of the Year Award in the humanities, social sciences, fine arts and literature category. Earlier this year, Professor Craft was awarded the Canadian Bar Association’s President’s Award, recognizing her significant contribution to the legal profession and to the public life of Canada.
Congratulations to Professor Craft on the publication of her children’s book and for the exceptional and well-deserved achievements!