Land is to be shared

History is more than the white man’s view.
Prior to settlement, Anishinabek occupied much of the eastern area of Turtle Island. Their belief system and way of life was vastly different than the newcomers’. Dependent on the land for life, they learned to live in peace and harmony, to assure they would have what they needed.
Taking only what they needed to survive they gave back to Mother Earth for each of the gifts they got from her -- plants, animals, fish, and rocks. Sharing was always done, no one owned property or individual wealth. Family life included feeding and raising children as a community.
War came to Anishinabek with the newcomers’ desires to control wealth and land.
In order to acquire peace the Anishinabek agreed to peace treaties formalized by wampum belts.
As history progressed in this land, changes came about to colonize the Indians, to make Indians be the same as Europeans.
Despite treaties war continues to be waged upon Anishinabek, albeit by police and governments now.
This small book is ideal for school use, to begin the process of educating children to the value and solemn promise of giving your word.
We are all…Treaty People -- Union of Ontario Indians, text by Maurice Switzer, illustrated by Charley Hebert (Printed by Creative Impressions Inc.; 2011; ISBN 978-0-9868211-0-3); 34 pages; $25.00, $15.00 for 100 copies or more)