Nationhood Interrupted: Revitalizing nêhiyaw Legal Systems

by Sylvia McAdam Saysewahum

Traditionally, nêhiyaw (Cree) laws are shared and passed down through oral customs ― stories, songs, ceremonies ― using lands, waters, animals, land markings and other sacred rites. However, the loss of the languages, customs, and traditions of Indigenous peoples as a direct result of colonization has necessitated this departure from the oral tradition to record the physical laws of the nêhiyaw. McAdam, a co-founder of the international movement Idle No More, shares nêhiyaw laws so that future generations, both nêhiyaw and non-Indigenous people, may understand and live by them to revitalize Indigenous nationhood.

Genres: Indigenous, Nonfiction

Unknown Binding

About the author

Sylvia McAdam Saysewahum is a member of the Canadian Cree Nation. She is an advocate for First Nation and Environmental rights in Canada. She is a founding member of Idle No More, a lawyer, a professor, and an author. In all of these cases, her work is focused on spreading awareness and education about First Nation and Environmental rights.

Reviews

[masinahikan_iskwew · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is amazing for indigenous people of the Plains Cree tribe who want to learn some of the foundational teachings, but is also written in such a way that it is educational to non indigenous people. This book is a helpful guide, it’s the foundation to building upon for the understanding and learning of Cree Culture. Mcadam has gone through proper protocol to get the information and to be able to write it down and make it a teaching book. She teaches of cultural protocols and why cultural practices take place. I love her book 📚

[Tamara · Rating 5 out of 5]

An informative and well thought out book that I would highly recommend to anyone interested in furthering their knowledge, and understanding of another culture. This books offers a lot of insight into the beliefs, and practices of First Nations peoples, while addressing why and how it was lost to colonialism and genocide. The book stresses and clarifies the need and the importance of regaining and restoring what was lost.

[Ian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sylvia provides a fascinating overview of Indigenous spirituality and Cree law. I now have a much better understanding of Cree law and spirituality, as well as the injustices that Indigenous people(s) still face.

[Sarah Paull · Rating 5 out of 5]

My prof is so cool!! If you are looking to broaden your horizons and see things from an Indigenous perspective I highly recommend. The legal systems are very much interwoven; do not expect a book on case law.

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing book with so much, never before written words, of our laws. Highly Recommend. I am seeing youth carrying this book with them where ever they go.