Name: Chief Mistahimaskwa
ISBN: 9781553796596

David A. Robertson

Scott B. Henderson

Chief Mistahimaskwa

Maggie Gordon

The Chief Mistahimaskwa is part of a graphic novel series geared towards educating people on Indigenous history in Canada. This particular book is about a young, Indigenous girl who is learning about Mistahimaskwa in school. Her book is accidentally hit by lightening, and this magically allows the text to visually show her what the history behind his man was really like.

Mistahimaskwa was an important leader during the time when white Canadian colonizers were pressuring Indigenous groups to sign treaties, exchanging their land for benefits from the government. Mistahimaskwa, however, refused to deal with government representatives, and became a great figure among Indigenous people for his peaceful and diplomatic resistance. In the end, he was forced into signing a treaty, but he never stopped advocating for better treatment for his people and other Indigenous groups in Canada. 

I would have liked to see the historical narrative fleshed out a bit, giving readers more context for what was going on during this time period. On the other hand, I can see why the creators wanted to keep it short for younger readers. The book will work well in schools as both to teach history, but also to talk about modern issues such as Truth and Reconciliation. I am always stoked to see new resources like this be published because Indigenous narratives are so often ignored and left out of Canadian history lessons (and daily Canadian life as well). Having a set of stories focusing on important Indigenous figures is incredibly important for educating Canadians from all backgrounds on the terrible history of colonialism, and on the bravery and resilience of Indigenous people. I look forward to seeing the rest of the series, and I will be on the look out for them to give to my younger family members!

Chief Mistahimaskwa

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