This chapter book is book five of A Mighty Muskrats Mystery series. The Muskrats are a group of four cousins (Atim, Chickadee, Otter, and Sam) who solve mysteries, and this time, they are looking for an important piece of evidence to support their Nation’s land claim. The central theme is the importance of looking after one’s people, but not at the expense of others. The history of government policy around First Nations people is explored in a child-friendly way throughout the story (treaties, land claims, reserve systems, etc.), which sets the stage for a conversation around the importance of cultural heritage. The connection between Nations and the land is demonstrated through the way the Windy Lake Nation members uphold and practice Traditional care of the land.

Cautions / Content Warnings: Bias, prejudice, and racism are discussed but in a sensitive, child-friendly way.
Other End Matter: None
Images: None
Contributor Affiliation: Author Michael Hutchinson (Swampy Cree from the Treaty 5 area, Misipawistik Cree Nation), Cover Art Illustrator Gillian Newland
Bibliography: No
Index: No

Evaluator: Alethea S., Elementary School Teacher, Indigenous Books for Schools

MICHAEL HUTCHINSON is a citizen of the Misipawistik Cree Nation in the Treaty 5 territory, north of Winnipeg. He is the author of the Mighty Muskrats Mysteries series. He has spent much of his career telling the stories of Indigenous peoples and advocating for First Nation families and communities across Canada. Currently he is the Communications Manager for the Manitoba First Nations Education Resource Centre. Michael’s greatest accomplishments are his two lovely daughters.

Michael Hutchinson's profile page

"The book is a learning tool that doesn’t gloss over the concerns and mistreatment the Windy Lake people face, and this book can help readers understand the overall history of First Nations people and reserved land.... This is a great book with a well-developed storyline and characters. Highly recommended for middle grade collections in school and public libraries."

School Library Journal