Treaty Words: For as Long as the Rivers Flow

Treaty Words: For as Long as the Rivers Flow is a well-written and attractively illustrated new book by Annick Press that will teach young readers about treaties. Written by Anishinaabe/Métis author Aimée Craft and illustrated by Anishinaabe artist Luke Swinson, the work provides a gentle introduction to what can sometimes be a controversial and provocative topic. An elderly Indigenous man sits beside a river with his granddaughter. The two enjoy one another’s company and their peace-filled surroundings while they discuss the concept of treaties.

Craft’s writing is almost faultless. Her lyrical and evocative word choices are ideal for reading aloud in order to enjoy the rhythms of the poetic language. The written text reflects a loving, respectful relationship between the grandfather and his granddaughter, but it suggests also a loving and respectful relationship between those two people and the earth.

Swinson’s illustrations augment the sense of love and respect conveyed by the words. The computer-generated artwork consists mainly of a cool colour palette predominantly made up of muted blues, greens, and browns. In addition to the colour choices, the rounded contours of the land and the river magnify the gentle, peaceful tone of the written text. Those rounded shapes are juxtaposed in visually interesting ways against the straight edges of birch trees cutting through several illustrations from the top to the bottom of the page. It is an unexpected artistic choice that works nicely.

One illustration that catches the eye is a black night scene. The illustration there reflects traditional Indigenous art influences. The more stylized, traditional art on those two pages marries the artwork and written text in an effective manner because the focus there is the creation of Earth and the long-ago placement of humans upon the land.

Swinson mostly avoids depicting the grandfather and girl from the front because his poorly executed attempts at facial features detract from the work. Where faces appear, they look wooden and lifeless—especially so in the case of the girl. Otherwise, the illustrations are rendered beautifully.

Treaty Words: For as Long as the Rivers Flow is a lovely book. It will appeal to readers of various ages. The overall combination of lyrical written text and visually appealing illustrations will satisfy readers young and old.