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In an example of truth and reconciliation put into practice, Craig Macdonald spent decades creating a unique map of Temagami, developed through trust and experience, in partnership with the Teme-Augama Anishnabai. The story of the Historical Map of Temagami is a truly remarkable one. Starting in the mid-1960s, Craig Macdonald began to learn from Indigenous trappers and travellers, with a special emphasis on the traditional lands and winter ways of the Teme-Augama Anishnabai. He became familiar with Anishinaabemowin, and built a lasting bond with the traditional knowledge holders. Returning year after year to map the land, Macdonald painstakingly built cartographic and research skills compiling a historical map of traditional winter and summer travel routes, original shorelines, and trails.
The map stands as an example of truth and reconciliation in practice. It protects the traditional knowledge of the people and, for his efforts, Craig Macdonald was given a new name: Echo Maker.
Echo Maker documents Macdonald's life and his work on the map; his expeditions and production of the bible of winter travel technologies and techniques,
Traditional Sledding in North America; and his testimony during the 1980s in support of the Teme-Augama Anishnabai First Nation's land claim. Details of the incredible map are reproduced throughout this book.
About the author
James Raffan is one of Canada's most authoritative voices on canoes and wilderness travel. He is the author of several bestselling books including
Bark, Skin and Cedar,
Wildwaters, and
Circling the Midnight Sun. James lives in eastern Ontario.
