A True and Exact Accounting of the History of Turtle Island
This transformative work blends true stories with imagined history, reshaping perceptions of North America. Featuring the unique artistic vision of Kent Monkman and the insights of Gisèle Gordon, it challenges conventional narratives and invites readers to explore the rich and complex heritage of the land through a fresh lens.
From global art superstar Kent Monkman and collaborator Gisèle Gordon comes a transformative work that redefines our understanding of North America. For decades, Cree artist Kent Monkman has introduced a recurring character—Miss Chief Eagle Testickle, a shape-shifting, time-traveling being. Now, we can finally hear her story in her own words, offering a fresh perspective on the history of Turtle Island. This genre-defying narrative reveals a profound truth through the imagined life of a legendary figure, presenting a deeply Cree and gloriously queer understanding of our shared world and its possibilities. Volume one spans from the creation of the universe to the confederation of Canada, following Miss Chief as she navigates time, from Cree cosmology to the arrival of the first settlers. She attempts to coexist with these newcomers, guiding them toward a deeper appreciation of interconnectedness. However, as their numbers increase, so does conflict, and Miss Chief realizes the growing dangers posed by the European settlers to her people and the world she cherishes. Blending history, fiction, and memoir in innovative ways, this work promises to reshape our collective understanding and change how we perceive the future.