Author: Aimée Craft

Illustrator: Luke Swinson

Page Count: 60

Published: March 9, 2021

ISBN: 9781773214962

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.

• Nominated, Rocky Mountain Book Award 2022
• Joint winner, Must-Read KidLit Titles, Festival of Literary Diversity (FOLD) Kids 2021
• Joint winner, Best Books of 2021, Kirkus Reviews 2021
• Joint winner, Best Bets Book List, OLA 2021
• Commended, Storytelling World Awards, Honor title 2022
• Short-listed, Red Cedar Book Award 2022
• Joint winner, Indigenous Voices Awards 2021

“Craft’s writing is almost faultless. Her lyrical and evocative word choices are ideal for reading aloud in order to enjoy the rhythms of the poetic language. . . . Swinson’s illustrations augment the sense of love and respect conveyed by the words. . . . Highly recommended.”  - CM Reviews

“Meditative, devotional, and vital.”  - Kirkus Reviews, *starred review

“This exemplary narrative nonfiction book proves an understanding of Indigenous perspectives on treaty relationships, affording vital—and not often heard—historical and cultural context to these living agreements.- Quill & Quire, *starred review