Born: 10 March 1861, Canada
Died: 7 March 1913
Country most active: Canada
Also known as: Tekahionwake
The following is excerpted from “400 Outstanding Women of the World and the Costumology of Their Time” by Minna Moscherosch Schmidt, published in 1933.
Pauline Johnson was a gifted poetess and authoress, born at Chiefswood on the Indian Reserve near Brantford. Her father, Onwononsyshon, was Head Chief of the Mohawks, her mother was Emily S. Howells, a Welsh lady, cousin of W. Dean Howells, the novelist. Her principal works – The White Wampum, Canadian horn, Flint and Feathers and Legends of Vancouver. In 1892 she made her first public appearance in Toronto, reciting A Cry From an Indian Wife. Her success was so instantaneous that she gave a series of recitals throughout Canada and in 1894 visited London, England where she gave many recitals. After her return she toured Canada going to the Pacific Coast for the first time. In 1907 she visited the United States and gave a course of recitals. The following year she retired to settle down in Vancouver and devote herself to literature. She died March 7, 1913 in Vancouver. She was buried there in Stanley Park. A beautiful monument has been erected to her memory.