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Treaty Words: For As Long As the Rivers Flow
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.
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.
60 pages, Hardcover
Published March 9, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
May 27, 2021
TREATY WORDS: FOR AS LONG AS THE RIVERS FLOW is written by Aimee Craft and illustrated by Luke Swinson.
This little hardcover book has beautiful simplistic illustrations in earth colours.
A grandfather, Mishomis, is passing down to his granddaughter lessons he has learned. Relationships are the foundation of all treaties.
Indigenous peoples learned to make treaties from everything around them, listening and observing to see how good relationships are made.
Mishomis tells her, "We use the word aagooiidiwin to explain the Treaty: it means that we agreed to work together."
In the Author's Note, Aimee Craft writes, "...this story reminds us that our treaties are anchored in relationships based on respect, responsibility, and renewal. Respect for each other, ongoing responsibilities toward one another, and a constant renewal and affirmation of that relationship. What our ancestors promised was an equal and non-exploitative sharing of the land, for the benefit of everyone, including all the other beings that belong to the land as well: the trees, the rocks, the water, the four-legged animals, the winged ones, the crawlers, the swimmers, everyone! Today each of us must think about all of these relationships and how our actions will affect all of our relations."
This little hardcover book has beautiful simplistic illustrations in earth colours.
A grandfather, Mishomis, is passing down to his granddaughter lessons he has learned. Relationships are the foundation of all treaties.
Indigenous peoples learned to make treaties from everything around them, listening and observing to see how good relationships are made.
Mishomis tells her, "We use the word aagooiidiwin to explain the Treaty: it means that we agreed to work together."
In the Author's Note, Aimee Craft writes, "...this story reminds us that our treaties are anchored in relationships based on respect, responsibility, and renewal. Respect for each other, ongoing responsibilities toward one another, and a constant renewal and affirmation of that relationship. What our ancestors promised was an equal and non-exploitative sharing of the land, for the benefit of everyone, including all the other beings that belong to the land as well: the trees, the rocks, the water, the four-legged animals, the winged ones, the crawlers, the swimmers, everyone! Today each of us must think about all of these relationships and how our actions will affect all of our relations."
September 26, 2022
A young girl and her grandfather sit next to a river and talk about treaties and life. It soon becomes apparent that the grandfather (being indigenous) has a very different view of what makes a treaty binding: the legalistic perspectives of the dominant culture holds very little weight when looked at from the perspectives of people(s) who have had everything taken away from them. A very original perspective on what constitutes a treaty beyond the letter/spirit of the law.
March 22, 2021
This book is a masterpiece. Every word and imagine is stunning and powerful. I want to buy copies for everyone I know.
May 15, 2021
I like the small, clean design of this book. I love the colors of earth and sky in the illustrations, beautiful blends of hues. And I appreciate the teaching and encouragement, to listen and observe, to learn from what's around us, and the deeper meaning of treaty through respect, reciprocity, and renewal.
"Long ago, we made treaties with our brothers and sisters, the animal nations. . .
We made treaties to live well together. We agreed to work together. To collaborate and respect each other. We agreed that we would discuss when we did not agree and find solutions together. We promised that we would always do our best to honor the treaty. We would meet regularly to confirm our agreement to continue to act in relationship, and toward mino-biimaadiiziwin, that collective and reciprocal sense of well-being. We could all benefit from the relationship, as equals. And most of all, we would respect each other, always. Without the respect, there could be no treaty."
"Long ago, we made treaties with our brothers and sisters, the animal nations. . .
We made treaties to live well together. We agreed to work together. To collaborate and respect each other. We agreed that we would discuss when we did not agree and find solutions together. We promised that we would always do our best to honor the treaty. We would meet regularly to confirm our agreement to continue to act in relationship, and toward mino-biimaadiiziwin, that collective and reciprocal sense of well-being. We could all benefit from the relationship, as equals. And most of all, we would respect each other, always. Without the respect, there could be no treaty."
July 20, 2022
I'm disappointed. 😒 Every other book I've read about First Nations life, culture, stories, people, etc. has been deep with feeling, deep with emotion, deep with meaning. This, however, was completely flat. Monotone—just empty words on a page. And very repetitive words, at that. I believe the target audience for this book was 'middle-grade' students. I can't imagine it would capture their hearts, either.
I DID enjoy the graphics, though. Kudos to Luke Swinson for the very beautiful artwork.
2.5 stars, rounded down.
I DID enjoy the graphics, though. Kudos to Luke Swinson for the very beautiful artwork.
2.5 stars, rounded down.
December 29, 2023
Beautifully written and illustrated teaching of the true meaning of treaty.
December 15, 2023
Beautifully soft illustrations. A meaningful conversation between a girl and her grandfather as they talk about the power of connection using treaties as the foundation. Treaties with nature, with Creator, with settlers. Great book to teach kids about indigenous philosophy.
May 7, 2021
A lovely book. In clear, flowing language, Craft explains the first treaty made by Indigenous people: "The first treaty that was made was between the earth and the sky. It was an arrangement to work together. We build all of our treaties on that original treaty." While the book does touch upon the government's (in this case, Canada's government) misunderstanding of what the Native people meant by treaty, misunderstood the spirit of the treaties made, the main focus is on the treaties between the people and creation- the land, the animals, the trees, plants, all living beings. The feeling of connection to the earth and heavens is palpable, and the accompanying artwork has a gentle flow to it that suits the text very well. I would definitely recommend this book.
April 21, 2021
I read this with my son and we both learned so much. Looking forward to a second read of it with my younger son, as we learn about the first treaty.
November 21, 2021
A young indigenous girl and her Mishomis sit peacefully near a river. As they sit, her Mishomis explains the importance of treaties (historically and presently) and that at their core, treaties are about honoring and respecting one another and agreeing to work together to maintain good relationships.
Despite being a very compact picture book, there is a lot contained in it! Beautiful and simple illustrations. Share with children one-on-one or in a classroom (grades 1-3).
Despite being a very compact picture book, there is a lot contained in it! Beautiful and simple illustrations. Share with children one-on-one or in a classroom (grades 1-3).
April 27, 2021
For the J 970s collection.
October 16, 2022
Simple and profound. Beautifully illustrated. A must read.
November 30, 2023
Poetically written book to further your understanding of Anishinaabe culture and concept of treaties
February 25, 2023
A beautiful work on treaties, relationships, and our responsibilities to one another.
January 22, 2022
I grabbed this off the library shelf super last minute. I'm happy I did. I work in an elementary school and I found this book a great way to break down treaties for the kids.
July 6, 2022
Beautiful. A story of a Mishomis and his granddaughter sitting by a river and fire, learning to listen and learning to preserve a way of life. I liked the focus on the original hope and on relationship. I loved the way Craft weaved words and showed nature and relationships so simply and proufound.
And Luke Swinson is a local artist who I've been following for years and this was so beautiful. 🙌🏼
And Luke Swinson is a local artist who I've been following for years and this was so beautiful. 🙌🏼
November 18, 2020
Adding to my favourite children's books!
Treaty Words : For As Long As the Rivers Flow is a beautifully written story about the significance of treaties; woven in respect, responsibility, and renewal.
Complimenting this meaningful Indigenous story is equally exquisite illustrations and colours.
Miigwetch Aimee and Luke for bringing this to life.
For as long as the sun shines, the grass grows, and the rivers flow.
Treaty Words : For As Long As the Rivers Flow is a beautifully written story about the significance of treaties; woven in respect, responsibility, and renewal.
Complimenting this meaningful Indigenous story is equally exquisite illustrations and colours.
Miigwetch Aimee and Luke for bringing this to life.
For as long as the sun shines, the grass grows, and the rivers flow.
March 25, 2021
Perfect read to explain to people of all ages the importance of treaties, not just as political agreements, but agreements in general. Beautiful art as well!
April 21, 2021
I loved this tender, wise, quiet little book! The story of a conversation between an Anishinaabe girl and her Mishomis (grandfather) about the true meaning and importance of treaties.
October 27, 2023
"Since I was a young girl, I have been taught to listen and observe," begins the short Author's Note at the end of the book. That's what the book demonstrates. It tells a short, slow, simple story. A girl spends a day with her grandfather. For most of that day, they sit, listen, and observe nature. Near the end, the elder shares some wisdom and the girl lovingly listens and absorbs without interruption. The story practices what it preaches.
A bit of the lesson shared:
A bit of the lesson shared:
"When the earth was created, it was a partnership between the earth realm and the sky realm. With the help of Creator, our grandfather sun and grandmother moon agreed to work together with our mother, the earth, to create life. Then other beings of Creation were place on the earth and in the sky. We, humans, Anishinaabe, were the last to be placed here. This is why we refer to ourselves as younger brothers and sisters to the rest of the beings in Creation. . . .That is what the grandfather wants to pass on at the end of his life: an attitude of listening, cooperation, respect, collaboration, and reciprocity toward all things. That is the Treaty.
"Treaties are the basis of all relationships. We learned them from everything around us. That was the gift the Creator gave us. We spent many years listening and observing--to see how good treaty relationships were made. We use the word aagooiidiwin to explain the Treaty: it means that we agree to work together. . . .
"Long ago, we made treaties with our brothers and sisters, the animal nations . . . You remember those stories don't you? We made those treaties to live well together. With the deer nation, for example, we agreed not to take too many of them. In turn they would provide us with food and sustenance. We agreed to work together. To collaborate and respect each other. We agreed that we would discuss when we did not agree and find solutions together. That treaty built upon all the other treaties that came before. We promised that we would always do our best to honor the treaty. To do that, we would meet regularly to confirm our agreement to continue to act in relationship, and toward mino-biimaadiiziwin, that collective and reciprocal sense of well-being. We would all benefit from the relationship, as equals. And most of all, we would respect each other, always. Without the respect, there could be no treaty."
May 8, 2021
A girl sits on the bank of the kitchi sipi with her Mishomis. He has taught her how to sit still in nature and listen. He had lived on that land all of his life and though she lived in the city, it was here that she felt most at home. Every spring, he would head into the woods for weeks and call her when he returned. Then she would come and visit, spending time at the river with him, experiencing the world around them by watching and listening. As the sun broke up the ice on the river, he reminded her that they all have responsibilities to the land and water, and stories. Then he shared the story of the first treaty between the moon, the sun and the earth to create life. Treaties form the basis of all relationships, from relationships with wildlife to a treaty with the English crown where the land seemed to be owned. As nature continued to move around them and the seasons shifted, she could see what those treaties had created for them as long as the sun shines, the grass grows, and the rivers flow.
First, I must mention the small size of this book. It’s more like a field guide size, which is just right for reading at a river bank, around a fire, or curled together as a shared story. The book speaks directly to treaties, from the original treaty between sky and earth to the damaging treaties with the Crown. The importance of treaties to the Anishinaabe people, allowing them to understand their place in Creation, is emphasized here including the respect that is meant to be shown through a treaty. Anishinaabemowin words are used throughout the text, easily understood through the context in the sentences.
The art by an Anishinaabe illustrator embraces the landscape of the river and the hills. He shows them in changing light and season, creating beautiful yet simple vistas that cradle the text.
This small book speaks loudly about the understanding of Indigenous treaties and their deep history and meaning. Appropriate for ages 9-12.
First, I must mention the small size of this book. It’s more like a field guide size, which is just right for reading at a river bank, around a fire, or curled together as a shared story. The book speaks directly to treaties, from the original treaty between sky and earth to the damaging treaties with the Crown. The importance of treaties to the Anishinaabe people, allowing them to understand their place in Creation, is emphasized here including the respect that is meant to be shown through a treaty. Anishinaabemowin words are used throughout the text, easily understood through the context in the sentences.
The art by an Anishinaabe illustrator embraces the landscape of the river and the hills. He shows them in changing light and season, creating beautiful yet simple vistas that cradle the text.
This small book speaks loudly about the understanding of Indigenous treaties and their deep history and meaning. Appropriate for ages 9-12.
June 28, 2022
In this beautiful ode to what Joshua Whitehead has called “fierce listening” and connection, Anishnaabe/Métis artist and lawyer Aimée Craft and Anishnaabe illustrator Luke Swinson chronicle the gentle relationship between a girl and her Mishomis and his teachings. These include the reminder to listen to what is going on all around us, from the “most pronounced bird calls to the subtle sound of tiny insects crawling”. They talk quietly about all that Mishomis has seen during his time, the baby moose born and the rabbits snared, and they listen together to the rich sounds of Creation all around them. Reminding us that treaties are relationships, they are not the empty promises successive governments make about healing the wounds of settler colonialism, Treaty Words gently and beautifully illustrates a new way of imagining ourselves out of the trap of this devastating system. This book teaches us how to teach our children that treaties predate the legal system, and that respect is their foundation. That is, treaties are “the basis of all relationships,” people and animals, the ice and the sun, listening and living together and witnessing the ways that creation goes on being all around us”. This beautiful love letter and ode to a different future together is hopeful and uplifting. As Audra Simpson reminds us, settler colonialism is intent on killing off alternative imaginaries to the barren future of what bell hooks would call white supremacist capitalist patriarchy. Here we have a beautifully illustrated, fully realized alternative, let it inspire us into a different future.
September 25, 2023
Wow. This is spectacular. The art alone would merit five stars, but the unique approach here is incredible. An Indigenous lawyer who specializes in treaties is the author, and it is such a short, yet perspective-shifting book. When I think of treaties in reference to Native people and North American governments, I certainly don't think favorably of the governments. Instead, I think of lies, broken trust, and unfulfilled obligations. That is all true. But this allowed me to understand a different way of looking at treaties (although the U.S. and Canadian governments are still awful).
I think this made me realize how much worse than I even understood the failure to stay true to the promises made by the governments was. The Indigenous people understood a treaty as a mutual understanding of shared responsibility. It was an agreement. It was about respect. About honoring your word.
But on the governmental side, there was no respect or responsibility. Reading words like these:
"We use the word aagooiidiwin to explain the Treaty: it means that we agreed to work together."
and these:
"The first treaty that was made was between the earth and the sky. It was an arrangement to work together. We build all of our treaties on that original treaty."
helped me to see how much more of a violation the failure to comply with things that were agreed to was.
Tiny book; powerful message.
I think this made me realize how much worse than I even understood the failure to stay true to the promises made by the governments was. The Indigenous people understood a treaty as a mutual understanding of shared responsibility. It was an agreement. It was about respect. About honoring your word.
But on the governmental side, there was no respect or responsibility. Reading words like these:
"We use the word aagooiidiwin to explain the Treaty: it means that we agreed to work together."
and these:
"The first treaty that was made was between the earth and the sky. It was an arrangement to work together. We build all of our treaties on that original treaty."
helped me to see how much more of a violation the failure to comply with things that were agreed to was.
Tiny book; powerful message.
September 29, 2021
See my full review here.
Treaty Words, written by an Anashinaabe and Métis lawyer, offers readers of all ages a simple explanation of the indigenous people’s concept of treaty. Not merely an agreed-upon contract, but as a mutual understanding of shared responsibility and commitment. “We agreed through the Treaty that we would live well side by side,” explains Mishomis (grandfather). The love between Mishomis and his granddaughter, and their shared love for al creation, serves as both a metaphor and a reminder of the vital importance of caring for our planet – a message that especially resonates today. A small but impactful book that opens the door to a new understanding of how we might work better together. My thanks to the Grand Forks (B.C.) & District Public Library for including this title in its junior nonfiction collection.
Treaty Words, written by an Anashinaabe and Métis lawyer, offers readers of all ages a simple explanation of the indigenous people’s concept of treaty. Not merely an agreed-upon contract, but as a mutual understanding of shared responsibility and commitment. “We agreed through the Treaty that we would live well side by side,” explains Mishomis (grandfather). The love between Mishomis and his granddaughter, and their shared love for al creation, serves as both a metaphor and a reminder of the vital importance of caring for our planet – a message that especially resonates today. A small but impactful book that opens the door to a new understanding of how we might work better together. My thanks to the Grand Forks (B.C.) & District Public Library for including this title in its junior nonfiction collection.
January 16, 2023
This book s a thoughtful meditation on the spirit in which treaties were made and to be carried out from an Anishinaabe perspective. Author Aimee Craft is of Anishinaabe and Métis descent and “a leading researcher on Indigenous laws and treaties.”
The text is accessible and introduces the treaty concept through a granddaughter’s visit to her Mishomis (grandfather) who lives on the land and has recently returned from his yearly late-winter/early-spring reconnaissance of the wilderness around his home. Craft sprinkles the text with Anishinaabemowin words which helps center the book in Indigenous ways of knowing and understanding the world.
Beautifully illustrated by Anishinaabe artist Luke Swinson, this book is geared to grade school aged children. I strongly recommend this book as a great entry point to help both children and adults understand some of the issues surrounding Treaty rights and Indigenous land claims.
The text is accessible and introduces the treaty concept through a granddaughter’s visit to her Mishomis (grandfather) who lives on the land and has recently returned from his yearly late-winter/early-spring reconnaissance of the wilderness around his home. Craft sprinkles the text with Anishinaabemowin words which helps center the book in Indigenous ways of knowing and understanding the world.
Beautifully illustrated by Anishinaabe artist Luke Swinson, this book is geared to grade school aged children. I strongly recommend this book as a great entry point to help both children and adults understand some of the issues surrounding Treaty rights and Indigenous land claims.
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July 31, 2021When I think of treaties, I tend to think of a mutually agreed upon contract. Both parties should uphold their obligations. When I think of treaties between the United States and Native Americans, I tend to think of broken trust, unfulfilled obligations, and bad faith. This book added another angle, which is the concept of treaty being between two entities who "agree to work together" and that treaties have existed between natural phenomena (plants, animals, sun, and the like) since the beginning. There is a positive, helpful, teamwork aspect to this that is missing in my own concept of treaty, which is much more clinical and utilitarian.
Note: Canadian author/illustrator.
Note: Canadian author/illustrator.
November 1, 2021
"You see, as humans, we were given a name, a clan, a way of life, but most importantly the ability to exercise free will, to choose whether or not to pick up that way of life. We were given the ability to learn from our relatives on this earth about their treaty relationships and through what we call natural law, or earth's law."
It was written beautifully and the illustrations make it perfect.
I love when the grandfather said something like, "We agree to work together and respect each other as humans and friends of the nature." This earth, this universe, belongs to everything and everyone, not only certain humans with money and power. That should be that way.
It was written beautifully and the illustrations make it perfect.
I love when the grandfather said something like, "We agree to work together and respect each other as humans and friends of the nature." This earth, this universe, belongs to everything and everyone, not only certain humans with money and power. That should be that way.
July 24, 2021
The beauty of their silence was in everything that they heard around them.
They sat and let the silence speak.
Every sound was outside and inside of them.
They knew that all of this would be happening with or without them. They were such a small part of creation.
The fire was mostly a place to hold their gaze as they sat in silence.
It was a privilege to be there in that moment.
This was natural law in action. By observing it, she was part of it.
Every person was born with a set of spiritual instructions. Choose whether of not to pick up that way of life.
They sat and let the silence speak.
Every sound was outside and inside of them.
They knew that all of this would be happening with or without them. They were such a small part of creation.
The fire was mostly a place to hold their gaze as they sat in silence.
It was a privilege to be there in that moment.
This was natural law in action. By observing it, she was part of it.
Every person was born with a set of spiritual instructions. Choose whether of not to pick up that way of life.
September 30, 2021
A beautiful little book that speaks about the treaty between different parts of nature in their collaboration to create and keep the earth viable. How the animals and the humans entered into their own treaties with nature, some understanding and respecting the worlds and some not understanding the great treaty of the beginning. There was/is so much to be learned from the First People about balance, nature, peace, and observations but sadly much was lost and many aren't open to listening. This book inspires thought and connections with nature and with one's place in the big picture.
March 19, 2022
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 would establish a good feeling in the room.
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 would establish a good feeling in the room.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews