The Truth that Wampum Tells
My Debwewin on the Algonquin Land Claims Process
This book offers readers a first-ever insider analysis of the contemporary land claims and self-government process in Canada.
About the book
In commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the Treaty at Niagara, The Truth that Wampum Tells offers readers a first-ever insider analysis of the contemporary land claims and self-government process in Canada. Incorporating an analysis of traditional symbolic literacy known as wampum diplomacy, Lynn Gehl argues that despite Canada’s constitutional beginnings, first codified in the 1763 Royal Proclamation and ratified during the 1764 Treaty at Niagara, Canada continues to deny the Algonquin Anishinaabeg their right to land and resources, their right to live as a sovereign nation and consequently their ability to live mino-pimadiziwin (the good life).
Gehl moves beyond Western scholarly approaches rooted in historical archives, academic literature and the interview method. She also moves beyond discussions of Indigenous methodologies, offering an analysis through Debwewin Journey: a wholistic Anishinaabeg way of knowing that incorporates both mind knowledge and heart knowledge and that produces one’s debwewin (personal truth).
What people are saying
Heather Majaury, From the ForewordI am inclined to think that when Creator lowered Lynn to Mother Earth it was for her to complete this difficult task of bravery. Indeed we can all learn from her, as she has fulfilled her responsibility.
Contents
- Foreword by Heather Majaury
- About the Algonquin Land Claims Through Debwewin Journey
- Algonquin: At the Heart of Canada’s History
- The Treaty and Land Claims Process
- The ANR Election and Turning to the Land
- Self-Government and Good Governance