The Secret Treaty

 The Secret Treaty told by Dave Scott, Illustrated by Jonathan Dyck

A Book Review by Bonnah from the Morden Branch

Genre: Non-Fiction Graphic Novel

The Secret Treaty tells the story of the agreement between early Mennonite settlers in Manitoba and the original Ojibwe inhabitants. Mennonite historical records do not mention this treaty but, Ojibwe oral tradition does. We learn about this treaty through the narrator, Dave Scott, of Swan Lake First Nation as he guides a group on a tour of what was once the Mennonite West Reserve. 

I appreciated what I feel is a unique form of history telling, in a graphic novel format. This particular history is very local for us taking place in Neubergthal, Buffalo Channel, The Pembina Escarpment and Dead Horse Creek. Hearing the local history from another perspective, not as readily known and equally as relevant, is so important in rebuilding the relationships that this treaty was originally supposed to build. Scott's narrative is both engaging and informative, ending with the challenge to keep learning about this history and sharing it to bring our stories together so we can move forward. 

If you'd like to place this book on hold, CLICK HERE!