This book is a series of stories from the oral tradition of the Michi Saagiig Nishnaabeg as told by Elder Gidigaa Migizi (Doug Williams). In his own words, he shares the history of the Michi Saagiig Nishnaabeg discussing their origin stories, alliances, diplomacy, resistance and relations to the lands and waters in their homeland. In this deeply engaging oral history, Doug Williams, Anishinaabe elder, teacher and mentor to Leanne Betasamosake Simpson, recounts the history of the Michi Saagiig Nisnaabeg, tracing through personal and historical events, and presenting what manifests as a crucial historical document that confronts entrenched institutional narratives of the history of the region. Edited collaboratively with Simpson, the book uniquely retells pivotal historical events that have been conventionally unchallenged in dominant historical narratives, while presenting a fascinating personal perspective in the singular voice of Williams, whose rare body of knowledge spans back to the 1700s. With this wealth of knowledge, wit and storytelling prowess, Williams recounts key moments of his personal history, connecting them to the larger history of the Anishinaabeg and other Indigenous communities.

Michi Saagig Nishnaabeg creation story -- Madden & Makoons -- Nokomis -- Making baskets with Nokomis -- Creation at Kinomaagewapkong -- Kina Gchi Nishnaabeg Ogaming -- Michi Saagig Nishnaabeg history -- Our friends, the Aayadowaad -- The Royal Proclamation and the Treaty of Niagara -- The War of 1812 and the Michi Saagig Nishnaabeg -- George Taylor -- The Michi Saagig Nishnaabeg clan system -- Our understanding of treaties -- Our 1818 treaty -- The Williams Treaty -- The construction of the Trent Severn Waterway -- Beaver Lake -- Bullfrogs -- Every speck of dust has been raised by our feet -- Who depleted our fish anyway? -- The right size for a garden -- Wiigwamin -- Water circle -- Since time immemorial : an illustrated history of the Michi Saagig Nishnaabeg territory.