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Theory of water : Nishnaabe maps to the times ahead  Cover Image Book Book

Theory of water : Nishnaabe maps to the times ahead / Leanna Betasamosake Simpson.

Summary:

"Acclaimed writer Leanne Betasamosake Simpson takes a revolutionary look at that most elemental force, water, and through Indigenous stories, tradition, and thinking, suggests a powerful path for the future. For many years, Leanne Betasamosake Simpson took solace in skiing -- in all kinds of weather, on all kinds of snow across all kinds of terrain, often following the trail beside a beloved creek near her home. Recently, as she skied on this path against the backdrop of uncertainty, environmental devastation, rising authoritarianism and ongoing social injustice, her mind turned to the water in the creek and an elemental question: What might it mean to truly listen to water? To know water? To exist with and alongside water? So began a quest to understand her people's historical, cultural, and ongoing interactions with water in all its forms (ice, snow, rain, perspiration, breath). Pulling together these threads, Leanne began to see how a "Theory of Water" might suggest a radical rethinking of relationships between beings and forces in the world today. In this inventive work, Simpson draws on Nishnaabeg origin stories and her own deep thinking while artfully weaving the work of influential writers and artists alongside her personal memories and experience -- and in doing so, reimagines water as a catalyst for radical transformation, capable of birthing a new world. Theory of Water is a resonant and brilliant exploration of an intricate, multi-layered relationship with the most abundant element on our planet -- one that, as Simpson eloquently shows, is shaping our present even as it demands a radical rethinking of how we might achieve a just future"-- Provided by publisher.

Record details

  • ISBN: 9781039010246 (hardcover)
  • Physical Description: vii, 209 pages ; 22 cm
  • Publisher: Toronto, ON : Alchemy by Knopf Canada, 2025.

Content descriptions

Bibliography, etc. Note:
Includes bibliographical references.
Subject: Water and civilization.
Water > History.
Water > Philosophy.
Water > Social aspects.
Ojibwe.

Available copies

  • 0 of 1 copy available at Tsuga Consortium.

Holds

  • 0 current holds with 1 total copy.
Show Only Available Copies
Location Call Number / Copy Notes Barcode Shelving Location Status Due Date
Cookstown Branch 553.701 Sim 31681010416113 NONFIC In transit -

  • Random House, Inc.
    Acclaimed Nishnaabeg writer Leanne Betasamosake Simpson takes a revolutionary look at that most elemental force, water, and suggests a powerful path for the future.

    For many years, Leanne Betasamosake Simpson has found refuge in skiing—in all kinds of weather across different forms of terrain, often following the trail beside a beloved creek near her home. Recently, as she skimmed along this path and meditated on our world's uncertainty—including environmental devastation, the rise of authoritarianism, and the effects of ongoing social injustice—her mind turned to the ice beside her, and the snow beneath her feet. And she asked herself: What might it mean to truly listen to water? To know not only the land on which we live, but the water that surrounds and inhabits us? To coexist with and alongside water? 
        So begins this renowned writer's quest to discover, understand, and trace the historical and cultural interactions of Indigenous peoples with water in all its forms. On her journey, she reflects on the teachings, traditions, stories, and creative work of others in her community—particularly those of her longtime friend Doug Williams, an Elder whose presence suffuses these pages; reads deeply the words of thinkers from other communities whose writing expands her own; and begins to shape a "Theory of Water" that reimagines relationships among all beings and life-forces. 
        In this essential and inventive work, Simpson artfully weaves Nishnaabeg stories with her own thought and lived experience—and offers a vision of water as a catalyst for transformation, today and into our shared future.

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