Michi Saagiig Nishnaabeg: This is Our Territory

by Doug Williams, Leanne Betasamosake Simpson (Editor)

In this deeply engaging oral history, Doug Williams, Anishinaabe elder, teacher and mentor to Leanne Betasamosake Simpson, recounts the history of the Michi Saagiig Nisnaabeg, tracing through personal and historical events, and presenting what manifests as a crucial historical document that confronts entrenched institutional narratives of the history of the region. Edited collaboratively with Simpson, the book uniquely retells pivotal historical events that have been conventionally unchallenged in dominant historical narratives, while presenting a fascinating personal perspective in the singular voice of Williams, whose rare body of knowledge spans back to the 1700s. With this wealth of knowledge, wit and storytelling prowess, Williams recounts key moments of his personal history, connecting them to the larger history of the Anishinaabeg and other Indigenous communities.

Genres: History, Indigenous, Nonfiction

122 pages, Paperback

Published June 5, 2018

Reviews

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chi’miigwech to Doug Williams (Gidigaa Migizi) for this remarkable and enlightening book. I grew up in Lakefield, on Michi Saagiig Nishnaabeg territory, but had never had the opportunity to understand the history of the area and it’s people from an indigenous perspective. The author’s deep knowledge, ability to connect the oral history tradition in parallel to European academic approaches to history, and incredible commitment to researching & recording the history of the Michi Saagiig Nishnaabeg shine through on every page.
I picked up this book initially as an act of reconciliation, but having finished it feeling as if it has opened a secret door to truly understanding the place I come from for the first time. Do not underestimate this slender volume of stories as simple history book. It is a powerful, beautifully written, and exceptionally important read. Highly recommended.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Michi Saagiig Nishnaabeg: This is Our Territory, Gidigaa Migizi (Doug Williams) shares some of the history of the Michi Saagiig Nishnaabeg people, particularly in the region of Curve Lake, spanning the story of creation, Nishnaabeg life pre- colonial contact, the treaties, up to today. I appreciate his sharing his wisdom and his experiences and I highly recommend this book particularly to anyone living and working on, or with a connection to, this region. Given the ways that dominant narratives distort both history and contemporary realities through a colonial lens, this book is an important one.

[Vickie T · Rating 4 out of 5]

Of course I loved the stories about the history of Michi Saagiig Nishnaabeg since I am one. This book is a great resource with so many curriculum connections for k-12. I thought if all kinds of activities to do with the information.

[James Midkiff · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book must be critically important for Michi Saagiig Nishnaabeg people, and is probably important for people living in the GTA, yet at the same time it did not reach its full potential to illuminate these peoples' history and stories to outsiders. As an immigrant new to Canada, Ontario, and Toronto, I had a very difficult time following what Doug Williams was saying. This book would have greatly benefited from a map of local waterways, a glossary of words along with translations that settlers are more likely to know, and a clear timeline of events. I was only able to piece together what Doug was referring to by simultaneously spending large amounts of time researching on the internet and on Wikipedia what I was reading from his book

I'm glad I read this book, but it was so hard to put the pieces together

[Steph · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anishinabek oral history told by Doug Williams is a great insight into colonialism, environmental destruction and modern day challenges faced by Indigenous populations. Representing an authentic counter representation to the western history I have previously read, this piece really speaks to the dissonance between the cultures, emphasizes power struggles and misconceptions.

The content is worth engaging in, I did find the division of stories and organization lacked some flow but overall really engaging resource.

[Stephanie H · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book hit me differently than most books on this topic. I’m not sure if it’s because it’s so local to where I live or whether it’s just the mindset I’m in at this stage in my life, but I found that the stories in this book and the essays made me feel strongly about human rights and relationship to the land.

Even though this is a short book, it took me a few days to read it because I kept needing to stop to think about what I had just read. I feel like I’ve learned a lot about local history and gained some more understanding about where I want to fit into reconciliation on a personal level.

[Jud Sojourn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chi miigwech Gidagaa Migizi. Bekish kina odi Oshkiigimang chi-mnabimaadiziyeg apane. Aaniin kina odi naagajiwanong miinawa.

Awesome Book. Shows the details of coercion and community resistance involved in forced removals of Indigenous Peoples of Ontario. Also talks about internal governance. It talks at one point about the difference between Anishinaabe traditional consensus building leaders vs what came later.

[Bonnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Important information for descendants of the Anishinaabek. A must read.

[Colinda Clyne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must read for Anishinaabek, and anyone living in Anishinaabek territory

[lily b · Rating 3 out of 5]

So it was good, I just had a hard time reading it, I understood the words and stuff but like idk I wasn’t really feeling the book, but I’m glad I read it though cuz I learned a lot 👍🏻

[Alyssa Skov · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chi miigwetch for this lovely book of storytelling! I cherished the time we spent at Trent University.

[Natasha:) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everyone needs to read this book! It is so powerful and educational!

[Naomi Ruth · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lot to think about. Very glad I read this and that I own a copy I can go back to and re-read, as it's definitely that kind of book.