A book launch takes place at Yellowknife’s Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre this weekend for Talk Treaty To Me, co-authored by Crystal Gail Fraser and Sara Komarnisky.
The book is designed to offer a comprehensive look at the history of treaties in Canada and their ongoing significance. It grew out of Fraser and Komarnisky’s earlier work, including the 2017 project 150 Acts of Reconciliation.
Their collaboration began a decade ago at the University of Alberta, where they connected through a shared commitment to advancing conversations about Indigenous histories and issues.
According to Fraser, the book is firmly grounded in truth and reconciliation.
“Talk Treaty To Me is a way to understand relationships, relationality, the responsibilities that we have towards each other,” she told Cabin Radio, “and to talk about it in a way that is both relevant and accessible.”
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Komarnisky said the book traces how Indigenous peoples interacted with each other, with the land and with animals, moving through the history of treaty-making with the Crown, evolution of modern treaties, and the ways colonialism has shaped agreements.
Although the project began in 2022, she said the depth of knowledge about treaties means they have only scratched the surface.
Fraser said she found the process deeply rewarding, explaining that although both authors hold PhDs, neither began the project as treaty experts. The book gave them the opportunity to apply their research skills to a subject they had not previously explored in depth.
A key insight from the project was understanding that treaty-making existed long before the formation of Canada, Fraser said, adding that Indigenous peoples “had treaties with lands and animals and other Indigenous nations.”
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She said treaties were not “a concept of the European settlers who came to these lands” but instead an example of strong pre-existing forms of Indigenous governance.
Fraser stressed the relevance of treaties in everyday life. Living in Edmonton on Treaty 6 territory, she said she sees how treaty relationships intersect with current events, including discussions around Alberta separatism and referendums.
The book also touches on cross-border mobility issues and the Jay Treaty, emphasizing that what may seem like a historical subject remains highly relevant today.
`Komarnisky noted that treaties are not exclusively an Indigenous matter. She said they are agreements between multiple parties, carrying rights and responsibilities for both Indigenous peoples and settlers.
“We were supposed to share the land and this was supposed to be a mutually beneficial agreement,” she said, “and that wasn’t what happened.”
The book launch takes place on Saturday, February 28 from 3-5pm. The authors will be joined by Elder Paul Andrew.
Attendees will have an opportunity to purchase copies of the book and have them signed by the authors.
