Book review: Michi Saagiig Nishnaabeg: This is Our Territory

By Karl Hele

Michi Saagiig Nishnaabeg: This is Our Territory is a wonderful book by Anishinaabe Elder and teacher, Gidigaa Migizi (Doug Williams) as he shares many lessons and histories (dibaajimowinan) of the Michi Saagiig Nishnaabeg in a thoroughly readable format. In fact, I would argue that the work is a must-read for Anishnaabeg, other Indigenous peoples, and Settlers alike – particularly that reside in Michi Saagiig Nishnaabeg territory.

Gidigaa Migizi begins the book with a Nishnaabeg creation story, which is followed by his acknowledgement and discussion of where he learned this knowledge. He subsequently returns to a story of the creation at Kinomaagewapkong (a site now known as Petroglyphs Provincial Park), its importance, relevance, and colonial desecration of the sacred site.

Gidigaa Migizi then traces aspects of the Michi Saagiig Nishnaabeg from the peopling of the land to the acceptance of the Aayadowaad (Wendat), Petun, and Neutral Nations onto the territory as guests, relations, and allies, something he argues is forgotten about by the descendants of the Wendat, Petun, Neutral, and later the Haudenosaunee refugees along the Grand River. This discussion is followed by the importance of the Michi Saagiig in the making of the Royal Proclamation, the Treaty of Niagara, and the War of 1812. From there, he relates the life of George Taylor during the early 20th century, the importance of our clan system, treaties, and connections to the land and waters, as well as Nishnaabeg harvesting practises.

I particularly enjoyed how the author presented this history through the Michi Saagiig Nishnaabeg perspective. Prior to reading this work, I had learned that the Wendat and others were guests on Nishnaabeg lands but had always assumed that this referred to their time as refugees amongst us during the 1600s, not their original movement to the north shores of Lakes Ontario and the shores of Georgian Bay.

There are many other lessons in Gidigaa Migizi’s book; however, the overall lesson is that we as Anishnaabeg, Indigenous, and Settlers need to learn and understand the perspectives of the Michi Saagiig Nishnaabeg in relation to the history and lands now claimed by Canada. This lesson can be expanded to include the need for all of us to learn and understand the aadizookaanag and dibaajimowinan of the peoples and lands where we lived and still reside.

Gidigaa Migizi (Doug Williams), Michi Saagiig Nishnaabeg: This is Our Territory, Winnipeg: ARP Books, 2018.