E. Pauline Johnson

Emily Pauline Johnson, born on March 10, 1861, was a remarkable Canadian poet, author, and performer, known by her Mohawk stage name Tekahionwake, which translates to 'double-life.' Her unique heritage, with a father who was a hereditary Mohawk chief and an English immigrant mother, deeply influenced her literary voice and artistic expression.

Throughout her career, Johnson gained popularity in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, becoming a pivotal figure in the development of Canadian literature. Her works, which include celebrated poetry collections such as The White Wampum (1895), Canadian Born (1903), and Flint and Feather (1912), as well as story collections like Legends of Vancouver (1911), The Shagganappi (1913), and The Moccasin Maker (1913), reflect her mixed-race identity and draw from both Indigenous and English literary traditions.

Johnson's contributions to literature and theater have left an indelible mark, particularly in the realm of Indigenous women's literature. Although her literary reputation waned after her passing on March 7, 1913, a resurgence of interest in her life and works has emerged since the late 20th century. In two thousand and two, a complete collection of her poetry was published, showcasing her enduring legacy as a writer and performer.