The books begins with a brief history of the First Nations of the plains and subarctic. Each chapter deals with a different group, including the Assiniboine, the Blackfoot Confederacy (the Siksikah, Blood, Peigan, Sarcee, and Gros Ventre), the Plains and Woodland Cree, the Saulteaux, Dakota, Iroquois, Kootenay, Crow, Shoshoni, Chipewyan, Beaver, Slavey, and Sekani.

 

The origins, history, culture, language, customs, methods of hunting and preparing food, and religious practices of each group are detailed, as well as the effects on them of European contact from the earliest times to the taking of treaty.  The book also includes more than fifty archival photographs that depict some of the more prominent leaders, as well as ceremonies, clothing, social customs, and other aspects of daily life.