THE PLAINS OF AAMJIWNAANG, by David D Plain; ISBN 1-4251-2273-6; Perfect bound; 170 pages Format: Softcover US$17.35
Format: ebook US$9.99
***Winner of the 2008 Golden Scribe Award for Non-fiction***
About the Book
Aamjiwnaang is the name the Saulteux Band of Ahnishenahbek (Chippewa) gave their hunting territory that encompassed both sides of the St. Clair River and the adjacent lands in the southern part of Lake Huron. The book focuses on four generations of Chippewa chiefs beginning with Young Gull who led a group of Saulteux people south from Lake Superior in the first decade of the eighteenth century. Young Gull's son Little Thunder, grandson Red Sky, and great-grandson On The Plain subsequently played important roles interacting with the French, the British, the Americans and other First Nations allies. Events cascade from one historical episode to another... from the establishment of Fort Pontchartrain (Detroit) through the French and Indian War, Pontiac's Rebellion, the American Revolution, the Indian War of 1790-95 and the War of 1812. The book describes such famous characters as Antoine de la Mothe Cadillac, Generals Montcalm and Wolfe, Pontiac, George Washington, Daniel Boone, Mad Anthony Wayne, Sir Isaac Brock and Tecumseh. Participation in such famous battles as Fort William Henry, Fort Necessity, Blue Licks, Fallen Timbers, Frenchtown, Detroit and Moraviantown are vividly described and the consequences on the Chippewa are well researched. The book culminates with the coming of the missionaries, the signing of land surrender treaties and the ensuing paternalistic "reserve era".
WAYS OF OUR GRANDFATHERS: OUR TRADITIONS AND CULTURE, by David D. Plain; ISBN 1-4251-2276-0; Perfect bound; 118 pages Format: Softcover US$14.74
About the Book
Ways of Our Grandfathers compliments David D Plain's previous book, The Plains of Aamjiwnaang. While his first book focused on the history of the Ahnishenahbek (Chippewa) of Aamjiwnaang territory Ways of Our Grandfathers describes Ahnishenahbek culture and traditions from the pre and early contact period with Europeans. It covers such anthropological topics as social life, economic life, and religious life. Clear descriptions of characteristics, language, political structure, band designations and their totemic system are illustrated. Gatherings, games and stories are depicted with vivid illustrations. Construction of their dwellings and canoes are described as well as methods of hunting, fishing and sugar making. Trade routes and places of trade are given as well as types of trade goods. Religious life is detailed and includes a description of the political structure of the Midéwiwin Medicine Society, healing practices and death customs. The book includes an appendix listing many traditional medicines. Another appendix provides a detailed description of a Midéwiwin initiation ceremony performed on the banks of the St. Clair River recorded verbatim by a local missionary.
1300 Moons, by David D. Plain; ISBN 978-1-42699-597-2; Perfect bound; 220 pages US$18.50
About the Book
1300 Moons is based on the life story of Saulteux Ojibway Chief Kioscance or Young Gull who lived during the French régime in North America ca 1640-1748. It follows his life's journey from a youth through his years as a warrior, to great War Chief, to elder on the council. Young Gull led his people south after the Iroquois War to establish them at Aamjiwnaang at the foot of Lake Huron. The book contains a strong storyline, a sense of suspense with drama, and good character development. Descriptions of events are compelling and engaging to the reader. It brings out many human elements of trust, pride, fear, accomplishment as well as feelings of love of land, territory and spituality.
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