Talk Treaty to Me: Understanding the Basics of Treaties and Land in Canada

by Crystal Gail Fraser, Sara Komarnisky

Talk Treaty to Me has descriptive copy which is not yet available from the Publisher.

Genres: Nonfiction, Canada, History

320 pages, Paperback

Published February 24, 2026

Reviews

[Emmkay · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good overview focused on treaties involving Indigenous peoples and lands in Canada. I was excited to read it as I felt my knowledge around treaties to be lacking: I had a passing familiarity with the treaties where I grew up, and very little regarding other ones. A few core chapters helped remedy that, and I now have a better understanding of the historic arc and main phases of treaty-making, and the many issues with their implementation. Because it’s an overview, it’s a bit dry and doesn’t delve into the level of detail that I tend to find especially exciting, but I think this will be an excellent resource for many people.

The most interesting if briefly alluded to piece, which was a really new way of looking at the world for me, was a short section mentioning that Indigenous peoples continue to make treaties with animal and plant nations, drawing on long histories of treaty making in making relationships with each other and with other living beings. A contemporary example that is provided is the Buffalo Treaty of 2014. So fascinating, and I’d love to learn more about this.

[MK · Rating 5 out of 5]

I asked for an ARC of this book because I wanted to better understand the history of treaties with indigenous people in Canada, especially in light of the rapid implementation of nation-building projects our Federal government is embarking on. It's an easy read in terms of its style, a tough read in the content. I knew we had violated our treaties and harmed people but I didn't realize how much deception was involved in so much of it, or how devastating the Indian Act is, or that so much of it still happens today.

Starting with looking at treaties between various nations before settlers even landed on these shores and going through to present day, a case is made for how treaties were seen as agreements for living in co-existence and what we can do to move towards this goal. I understand a lot better now what indigenous leaders and protestors are talking about. I also really appreciate the suggestions at the end of the book as to what to do to make this country a better place for us all.

This book is a must read for everyone who lives on this land we call Canada. Wouldn't hurt folks from other countries to read as well.

[Isobel · Rating 5 out of 5]

An accessible nonfiction read specifically focused on Canadian treaties, Talk Treaty to Me is simply excellent. I’ve read many other works on Canada and Indigenous-Settler relationships that address treaties and empathize their importance. This book fills an important gap in the literature by not just addressing, but focusing on treaties.

The writing was digestible without sacrificing important nuance, and the authors were wonderfully transparent about the rationale behind their use of different perspectives and their choices to be specific and/or generalize at different points throughout.

While I enjoyed my cover-to-cover read, each of the chapters in this book is well developed and could certainly stand alone. It’s a book that can be read quickly or slowly, in order or not, entirely or in segments. Just know it’s worth reading!

ARC provided by HarperCollins Canada via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The official release date for this title is February 24, 2026!

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been looking forward to this book about Indigenous Treaties in Canada for a while now and I'm happy to report it lived up to expectations.

The author shares a history of a number of significant Treaties across Canada and the lasting impact they've had over the years. The book is a great blend of history, cultural criticism and hope for the future, including tips and suggestions for things everyone can do in their own lives - from land acknowledgements to more.

I really appreciated the nuanced discussion about the pros and cons of land acknowledgments and how they can be done right but also things to avoid when making/using them. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early audio copy of this powerful and important book! Perfect for anyone who enjoyed David A Robertson's 52 ways to reconcile.

[Ellen - most.lyromance · Rating 4 out of 5]

Talk Treaty to Me is a deep dive into the treaties in Canada. This is an excellent place to start if you would like to get a very thorough understand of the basics of treaties. The authors cover history, intentions behind treaties, changes and additions to numbered treaties, and current repercussions. The lack of grey area in the purposeful genocide of an entire people is detailed very well .

I really appreciated the amassed knowledge in this book. I am not new to treaties, so some (most?) of the information was what I already knew, but I think that, no matter where you are in your truth and reconciliation path, this is a helpful resource. Any gaps in your knowledge can be covered with this, and the prose is really easily read. I enjoyed the audiobook!

[Joanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

When the tagline says “An essential and easy to read guide to treaties in Indigenous sovereignty and the land for all Canadiens “ - they mean it. This book provided easy to read, yet deeply detailed information along with points of reflection and the space to see where you can put into action with what you’re learning. I think everyone should put this on their TBR in 2026.

[Taylor Cornwell · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️