Book review: Numbered Treaties A to Z

Reviewed by Alex Hebert

At first look at the book Numbered Treaties A to Z, I was impressed with the eye-catching illustrations. By introducing information in alphabet format, it seems easier for the reader to digest. I especially liked the illustrations of the treaty medals that were presented to Chiefs upon the signing of treaties. It was really interesting to learn that the medals issued for Treaties 1 and 2 were rejected by the Chiefs and that to the Chiefs, it was a sign that the Government of Canada did not respect First Nations people or Treaties.  It was following the signing of Treaty 3 in 1873 that the medal was minted with “the handshake” prominently displayed.

Of course, this book focuses on the numbered treaties – which I am not familiar with other than hearing about Treaties 3 and 9 in Ontario.  I’m more familiar with the Williams Treaty, and the Robinson Huron and Robinson Superior Treaties. I was first introduced to the Treaty of Niagara and other friendship treaties where wampum belts were produced. This book also dives into various cultural examples such as A is for Ancestors and V is for Village. It also touches on the treaty relationship on pages like C is for Colonization and I is for Indian Act. T was for Treaties and depicts the Two-Row Wampum Belt.

The only “misses” I would say is that W, the selected word was Welcome (speaking to the generous welcome to the newcomers when they arrived to Turtle Island); however, I would have made W for wampum and talked about the quahog shells. B is for British Empire, which I get it’s important to understand who the Crown is and also to learn about the Doctrine of Discovery; however, I would have made B is for Broken Promises and how the treaties have not been honoured.

Numbered Treaties A to Z is a great addition to any classroom and not just to be read during Treaties Recognition Week in November. It’s important for students to learn about treaties year-round to grow their knowledge because we are all treaty people.

The book is available through GoodMinds.com, a First Nations family-owned business that is passionate about Indigenous education.

Dr. Betty Lynxleg, Wahwahbiginojii Dr. David Anderson, and Sandra Samtte, Illustrated by Julian Grafenauer, Numbered Treaties A to Z. Six Nations: Indigenous Education Press, 2022.
ISBN 9781990297342