Two Families: Treaties and Government

by Harold R. Johnson

This text is Harold Johnson's narrative on the relationship between First Nations, governments, and society in general. Writing in response to a student asking him what treaties meant, Johnson presents a different view of the treaty relationship. Treaties were the instruments that gave Europeans the right to settle here, share resources, and build a relationship of equality with those who were here before. Johnson's ancestor's did not intend the treaties to allow the subjugation and impoverishment of First Nations, or give settler governments the right to legislate every aspect of First Nations activities.

In an easy to read style, the author presents his eloquent personal view on what treaties between First Nations and governments represent. Two Families is a passionate plea for the restoration of harmony and equality between First Nations and the rest of Canadian society. It is a must read for everyone seeking to understand an Aboriginal perspective on treaties.

Genres: Indigenous, Nonfiction, Politics

144 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 2007

About the author

Born and raised in Northern Saskatchewan, Harold Johnson has a Master of Law degree from Harvard University. He has served in the Canadian Navy, and worked in mining and logging. Johnson is the author of five novels and one work of non-fiction, which are largely set in northern Saskatchewan against a background of traditional Cree mythology. The Cast Stone (2011) won the Saskatchewan Book Award for Fiction.

Johnson practiced law as a Crown Prosecutor in La Ronge, Saskatchewan, and balanced that with operating his family's traditional trap line using a dog team.

Johnson died in early February, 2022.

Reviews

[Andrew Fehr · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an important book for Canadians so I think you should read it but it's also kind of a boring book at times, so brace yourself for that.

Johnson is a rare author. He's a Cree fellow who was raised traditionally, insofar as that was possible when he was a kid in the 50's and 60's, and who maintains traditional aspects of his life while also practicing law. He's a man who can "walk in both worlds," the world of a Cree man connected to his culture and in the modern, prevailing world, the one you and I live in. As a result he has both unique insight into how Cree people of his generation (who really weren't that far removed from the original signing of Treaty 6 in 1876 and an adhesion that covered his First Nation in 1898) view Treaty 6 and, most importantly, a unique ability to articulate that perspective and share it with us.

I think what Johnson shows in the book is that the spirit and intent of Treaty 6 was to facilitate a good relationship between its signatories that the spirit and intent was broken. He demonstrates how it was broken in many areas of First Nations' affairs and what the consequences have been.

It's not entirely a satisfying read because he doesn't really roll out a prescription for what needs to be done to repair the relationship. I also think that it's necessary for him not to because there is no single was to manage a relationship, let alone repair one, and Johnson knows that. He's trying to make us see that the relationship as it exists is not a good one, that moderation and good sense are needed to make it into a good one. He's also trying to appeal us to make this an issue that we care about and expect action on.

I found it a bit dry at times because he doesn't really have the most compelling writing style. But the content is important so I waded through the dry parts. So should you.

[Cassandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the building blocks in indigenous & reconciliation literature

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a dense and heavy read that describes many (most? all?) of the structural/legislative constructs that contribute to subjugation and poverty of First Nations people. For me, this book developed my understanding of law in respect to First Nations communities. The book also helped me see how many of the ideas that I have are artificial European constructs (the 'economy', the tax system) in which I (unconsciously) choose to participate. Very enlightening. Thank you.

[Kelsey Blair · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every white person needs to read this book

[Shamana Ali · Rating 4 out of 5]

This should be required reading for everyone. Deep honouring for the truths told about treaties and how far we have diverged from the original understanding.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a surprise. I've been ignorant of Canadian treaties with indigenous groups, why they were made, who they were for, and what they do today. Harold Johnson describes the treaties from his point of view as both a Harvard-educated lawyer and First Nations member living in rural Saskatchewan within the boundaries of Treaty No. 6. He knows the two systems of living well, the two perspectives and the sets of assumptions that come with them. (Side note: I was interested to learn that my hometown of Red Deer, AB straddles Treaties 6 and 7.)

Two Families is an easy read because the writing is so good, but its critiques of Western society cut like a scalpel. A scalpel used by a kind, qualified doctor who truly wants to help, but a sharp one. Johnson describes a vision for his nation where its people can exist alongside settlers of the land we call Canada, as adopted family. After all, it was "_they_" who granted "_us_" treaty rights upon arrival. Rights which have been ignored by the Canadian legal system when convenient, and definitely forgotten by the culture at large.

After reading this book, I feel like I better understand the bigger picture of Canada's treaties, and some of the details too. Crystal clarity, excellent writing, and a script-flipping perspective (at least for me) make this a must-read 5/5. It's a small act of un-forgetting.

[Ishita · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even though it took me a couple of chapters to get over the inherent blame Johnson seems to be placing with his words, Two Families is illuminating and a much needed step in the right direction. While focusing on past injustices and historical traumas, Johnson suggests viable and intelligent solutions for the government-Aboriginal stalemate in Canada. A must-read for those interested in living in Canada ethically, and creating accountable relationships between the government and Aboriginal peoples.