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.

Johnson's literary contributions were significant during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, as she emerged as a key figure in defining 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 the rich tapestry of Indigenous and English influences.

Throughout her career, Johnson captivated audiences with her performances and writings that celebrated her cultural heritage. 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 twentieth century, culminating in the publication of a complete collection of her poetry in 2002, titled E. Pauline Johnson, Tekahionwake: Collected Poems and Selected Prose.