Wînipêk: Visions of Canada from an Indigenous Centre

by Niigaan Sinclair

From ground zero of this country's most important reconciliationNiigaan Sinclair has been called provocative, revolutionary, and one of this country's most influential thinkers on the issues impacting Indigenous cultures, communities, and reconciliation in Canada. In his debut collection of stories, observations, and thoughts about Winnipeg, the place he calls "ground zero" of Canada's future, read about the complex history and contributions of this place alongside the radical solutions to injustice and violence found here, presenting solutions for a country that has forgotten principles of treaty and inclusivity. It is here, in the place where Canada began—where the land, water, people, and animals meet— that a path "from the centre" is happening for all to see.

At a crucial and fragile moment in Canada's long history with Indigenous peoples, one of our most essential writers begins at the centre, capturing a web spanning centuries of community, art, and resistance. Based on years' worth of columns, Niigaan Sinclair delivers a defining essay collection on the resilience of Indigenous peoples. Here, we meet the creators, leaders, and everyday people preserving the beauty of their heritage one day at a time. But we also meet the ugliest side of colonialism, the Indian Act, and the communities who suffer most from its atrocities. Sinclair uses the story of Winnipeg to illuminate the reality of Indigenous life all over what is called Canada. This is a book that demands change and celebrates those fighting for it, that reminds us of what must be reconciled and holds accountable those who must do the work. It's a book that reminds us of the power that comes from loving a place, even as that place is violently taken away from you, and the magic of fighting your way back to it.

Genres: Nonfiction, Indigenous, History, Canada, Audiobook, Essays, Historical

224 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 28, 2024

Reviews

[Caitlin Kyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audiobook by the author was 10/10. Warm and informative, this 11-hour audiobook brings together anecdotal perspectives and hard facts about Winnipeg's historical and cultural complexities. I was most drawn to his topics about the history of the floods, the North End, SEARCHING THE LANDFILL, and the importance of reviving language in relation to cultural power (proud to have attended the University of Winnipeg, the first university in Canada to mandate that all undergraduate students take an "Indigenous course" (general, but includes languages)). The whole book is terrific and does justice to the peoples and creatures native to this precious land.

Deeply appreciative of the interactions I’ve had in this beautiful, underrated, slow-burn, big-feelings city.

[Signey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I took one of Niigaan's university classes when I was completing my undergrad degree, so when I saw that he released this book, I knew I had to read it. And I was not disappointed. This book is very well written as it explains so much about the past, present, and future of Indigenous peoples in such an honest, yet hopeful way.

After I finished my university education, I decided to start making an effort to read more from Indigenous authors to try to understand what they and their ancestors have gone through. And with each book I read, I find out even more of the absolute horrors that the Indigenous peoples faced from everyone that they have encountered. And this is another book that I learned so much from. There were so many insightful and impactful essays throughout this book that really made me think and reflect. I think that this is a book that every Winnipeger, and even every Manitoban, would benefit from reading.

So while I read this book through the library, I will need to go out and buy a personal copy of this for myself. There were so many powerful essays throughout that one read of this book is not enough. I see myself wanting to re-read this again and again.

[Ceanray · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolutely beautiful essay collection that will sit with me for a long time

[Jana Micic · Rating 4 out of 5]

Approachable and hopeful, this collection of articles would be a great foray into the world of Winnipeg’s Indigenous authors for all kinds of readers.

1 star off for the chapter on Chipman and True North given that it misrepresents the reality of the True North Square development, which totally scrapped its affordable housing requirement during construction and set a negative precedent for future housing development in Winnipeg’s inner city. Not sure if this was intentional or just an oversight, but I think it paints a false picture of True North’s contributions to the city.

[EE · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is perhaps the best book I have read all year. The essays are based on Niigaan’s Winnipeg Free Press column’s, so they’re short and to the point. He touches on so many different topics, and nearly all of them leave me with a new idea. Highly recommend this one. 12/10

[Jeff · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Very accessible. Really enjoyed the history about Winnipeg and Manitoba. Like Sinclair’s Winnipeg Free Press opinions, I disagree on some of his takes here and also sometimes he makes me reconsider my position. The history of violence, poverty and racism here is painful but the optimism for the future is inspiring. It is quite something to live and work at ground zero for reconciliation in Canada.

[Annie Rose]

Since I took Niigaans university class, I’ve been trying to keep an eye out for more of his work. Manitobans, read this! History and current events all mixed together for a humble and hopeful read.

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was SO excited when I found out I was approved for this book on Netgalley! As a Winnipegger and Social Studies teacher, this was right up my alley. I feel like I could write a university essay on this book and all of the interesting things I took away from it, but I want to start with a general review.

Sinclair's non-fiction text Winipek is made up of 4 sections representing the seasons in a year. Each section has several short pieces of writing each on different topics related to the city of Winnipeg, the province of Manitoba, the Red River, Lake Winnipeg, and the history of Indigenous people and the relationships they had with each other and the Canadian government, leading to both the extensive challenges and moments of positive change we are seeing in recent years. Sinclair does an incredible job of giving the background information on each topic in a way that is fluid, non-judgemental and with just enough detail to make this story accessible for readers of all ages and backgrounds. This book did not feel like a history lesson or a lecture on the harms and mistakes of our past, but yet it accomplished the same things. Although I would consider myself fairly well versed in the challenges Indigenous people face in my hometown, I learned SO much from this book. Topics I new tidbits about were suddenly fully filled in, areas I knew lots about had additional facts I wanted to share with everyone around me, and the things I new nothing about, I feel ready to take action and learn more. This book is a must read for all Manitobans. It could (and probably should) be a required read for High School and/or University students. It is enjoyable and interesting but more importantly, it is indepth, well written and informative.

Thanks so much to the publisher and to Netgalley for giving me the chance to read and review an advance copy of this book. I will definitely be lining up to get a physical copy as soon as it hits the shelves.

[Minosh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really loved this. I didn't realize it was edited from Niigan Sinclair's columns until I attended the book launch, lol, but that just shows how well it flows together even though all the chapters are so short and vignette-like. I think he does an incredible job balancing joy and sorrow and anger from an Indigenous perspective of Winnipeg. I especially loved the inclusion of the chapter where he talks about archaeological and oral tradition evidence for an alliance having been made at the Forks in the 1200s.

One thing I did notice was that although it is billed as "an Indigenous centre," it is very First Nations-centric (and even Anishinaabe-centric) - there are a few inclusions of Metis and Inuit stories but they largely just support the broader FN narrative. (So for example, there is an inclusion of a story about Metis attendance at Residential Schools, but notably not the more common Metis narrative of having been excluded from provincial schools). This isn't necessarily a problem; Sinclair is himself a FN Anishinaabe man, it's just something to keep in mind while reading. And perhaps an opening for a future writer.

[Julia O'Kane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this mostly as an audiobook narrated by the author, and some of it as a hard copy book. It was a delight to listen to Niigaan Sinclair read his collection of essays, written over the past few years. Just a few months ago I listened to another audiobook co-narrated by Niigaan and his father, Murray Sinclair, and shortly after that I met Niigaan when he was the keynote speaker at a conference I attended. So, reading Winipek felt like I was listening to a friend. Winipek, the book, centres around Winnipeg, the city, and addresses a myriad of issues and concerns, historical and current, that indigenous people on Treaty One Territory have endured, are experiencing, and are finding pathways to reconciliation and hope.

[Lindsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommended.

[Kandice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent! I learned so much. I will be gifting many copies to Manitobans.

[Bernadette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Each essay was poignant and impactful. Being able to see Winnipeg and its intricacies and deep history from an Indigenous perspective are insightful and empower non-Indigenous readers to contribute even further to reconciliation efforts through education and just sharing the Indigenous perspective and truth. This book is a hopeful message for Winnipeggers and Manitobans alike, wherein lies the solution to social, systemic, and institutional issues that run rampant in the province, and especially in the country: to decolonize our mindsets and to not only listen to Indigenous peoples, but to have them at the centre of the conversation.

[maddie · Rating 5 out of 5]

a beautifully written, often painful, and poignant collection of essays. as someone in the process of immigrating to canada, it is so important to me to be educated on the true history of this place i want to call home — to reckon with its past (and present). to learn how to best support and engage with reconciliation efforts, so that i can walk lightly on this land that is not mine. this book contained so much of that and i am grateful to the author for his generosity in sharing and for the many years of work this book took to write and piece together.

[Matt Valcourt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an incredible read. Sinclair’s words to live by: “Listen. Learn. Commit. Act.”. Words that not only encourage us as Winnipegers, Manitobans, Canadians to acknowledge the importance of reconciliation but to be more involved of the process as a collective whole. I would argue this should be mandatory reading in all Canadian high schools.

[Kelsey Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely remarkable. An extremely important snap shot with historical context of the issues that continue to affect people who live in Winnipeg and the surrounding areas. So well written, interesting, and insightful. One of the best books I have read this year!

[Allyson · Rating 5 out of 5]

2024 Governor General’s Literary Awards Winner.
This book is so meaningful - I know it will be one of my favourites of the year!
Most impactful chapters for me: Asemaa, science, Mino-dibikad o'o waawaateg, forgotten people, feasibility, languages.

[Piper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Powerful collections of stories and essays. This book made me fall in love and cry about Winnipeg all in one.

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book!

[Alexia · Rating 4 out of 5]

bite sized essays that give an interesting insight into life in winnipeg. A couple nitpicks but it is what is

[Carly · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book to finish the year with.

[Cayla]

I listened to the audiobook book. Sinclair narrates the reader through history. I learned a lot. There is pain mixed with joy. Facts and traditions mixed with memoir for a powerful read.

[C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Here for this prairie content 👏 brilliant essay collection from Murray Sinclair’s son, a writer, educator and activist in his own right. I learned so many new things in this collection. I had my heartbroken learning about the continued injustices indigenous Canadians face. I was inspired by the incredible work happening in the community to improve conditions and keep traditions alive.

Also on a shallow level, it’s so nice to read things that are hyper local to where I live. I dwell in the Canadian prairies and know many winnipeggers. While Manitoba has its own unique history and traditions, prairie cities share a lot of commonalities - climate/topography, demographics, a general dismissal from the rest of Canada as being uninteresting. This really disproved that notion. Thank you for this work, Niigaan!

[Martine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short essays and reflections that are infused with optimism, even when discussing really challenging topics.

[Isabel Margetts · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25. Great listen, very informative and eye opening. Canadian read #5

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Without sugar-coating the challenges, this is an ultimately hopeful book. Learned a lot about Winnipeg as well.

[Kaite · Rating 5 out of 5]

Essential reading for Winipekers. Treasured every bit of it. Will buy it after returning my library copy.

[Suzanne Esen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so well written explains so much about our history in a hopeful and honest way. Loving where we come from, where we belong and our place in it.
Reminds us we need to acknowledge and make the changes necessary for everyone to be equal partners .

The chapter called ‘A knock at the door ‘ is brilliant and soul stirring it touched me deeply

Suzanne

[Kelly Kluger · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book slowly and intentionally, but my library scooped it back, so I rushed the last 20%. I am going to go to my local, independent book store now and buy it. As a Manitoban, I encourage every Manitoban, and every Canadian to read this book.

[Lolz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent. Readable short chapters and engaging content. I feel like the Prairies are often overlooked, sadly. I’m grateful for this book where Niigan Sinclair lifts up different qualities of Winnipeg in each chapter and showing us how to see it more clearly. There were some really important and heavy topics like Tina Fontaine, and also some heartwarming parts like the activity of ‘going visiting’. It struck a chord of quality comparable to Robin Wall Kimmerer and Jodi Wilson Raybould.