Aimée Craft Author Talk at Middle Grade Magic 2021

Summary

Author May Craft discusses her book 'Treaty Words for as Long as the River Flows' in an online chat hosted by Anik Press. Craft, an Anishinaabe Metis lawyer and professor, shares her experiences and the importance of treaties as agreements to live well together. She emphasizes the book's accessibility to all ages and its potential to inspire conversations about relationships with nature and indigenous laws. Craft also answers questions about the book's inspiration and her writing process, highlighting the significance of storytelling and the relational nature of indigenous laws.

Takeaways

• 📚 Amay Craft is the author of 'Treaty Words for As Long As the River Flows', a book published by Anik Press.
• 🌳 Amay is an Anishinaabe Metis lawyer and an associate professor at the University of Ottawa, specializing in Indigenous laws, treaties, and waters.
• 🎨 The book is beautifully written and accompanied by evocative illustrations that complement the storytelling.
• 🌟 The book is intended for young people but is suitable for readers of all ages, aiming to be a shared reading experience.
• 🔍 The central theme of the book revolves around treaties as agreements to share land and live well together, emphasizing relationships and collective well-being.
• 🌱 The author encourages readers to connect with nature and loved ones while reading, to reflect and understand the importance of treaty relationships.
• 👵 The storytelling style is influenced by Anishinaabe tradition, with a focus on oral storytelling and the spirit of words.
• 🌐 The author discusses the contrast between Western law, which is individualistic and conflict-oriented, and Indigenous law, which values relationships and collective well-being.
• 🌿 The book serves as a tool to make treaties relatable and understandable, aiming to breathe life into treaty relationships.
• 📖 The author's process involves telling stories multiple times to refine them, emphasizing the importance of sharing stories out loud for collective interpretation.
• 🏡 Practical suggestions for readers inspired by the book include building relationships, learning about local treaties, and contributing to the well-being of the community and environment.

Q & A

Who is May Craft and what is her background?

May Craft is an Anishinaabe Metis lawyer from Treaty One territory in Manitoba, Canada. She is also an associate professor at the Faculty of Common Law at the University of Ottawa and a leading researcher on Indigenous laws, treaties, and waters.

What is the title of May Craft's book and when was it published?

The title of May Craft's book is 'Treaty Words for As Long As the River Flows' and it was published by Anik Press on the day of the chat.

What is the intended audience for 'Treaty Words for As Long As the River Flows'?

The book is primarily intended for young people, but it is also meant to be a book for everyone and is meant to be read together.

What is the significance of the book's title 'Treaty Words for As Long As the River Flows'?

The title signifies the enduring nature of treaties, which are agreements to live together on the land for as long as the sun shines, the grass grows, and the rivers flow.

What is the central theme of the book 'Treaty Words for As Long As the River Flows'?

The central theme of the book is the importance of treaties, relationships, and living well together on the land, as well as the interconnectedness of all things.

How does May Craft describe the process of writing 'Treaty Words for As Long As the River Flows'?

May Craft describes her writing process as an oral storytelling tradition, telling the story many times to her nieces and nephews before getting it onto paper.

What does May Craft wish for young readers to take away from her book?

May Craft wishes for young readers to understand that treaties are agreements to share the land and live well together, and to recognize their own treaty obligations.

How does May Craft suggest that readers engage with the book?

May Craft suggests that readers engage with the book by reading it out loud and sharing it with others, as the collective interpretation and spirit of the story are as important as the words on the page.

What is the connection between the book and May Craft's academic work?

The book connects to May Craft's academic work by making treaties relatable and understandable to people, emphasizing that they are not just words on pages but agreements to work together and live together.

How does May Craft describe the difference between Western law and Anishinaabe law?

Western law is centered on individuals and private interests, often involving conflict, while Anishinaabe law is relational, considering all relationships and striving towards collective well-being.

What practical steps does May Craft suggest for families inspired by the book to live well together?

May Craft suggests learning about the treaty of your area, understanding the traditional names of the territory, and making inquiries about how to contribute to the treaty relationship.