| Summary: |
Her mother was English, her father a Mohawk chief. Billed as "The Mohawk Princess," Pauline Johnson took to the stage in 1892 and until 1909 recited her poetry in towns small and large across Canada and the United States. She wrote popular articles for newspapers and magazines and published collections of her prose and poems. Sir Charles G.D. Roberts called her "the Aboriginal voice of Canada." Pauline travelled alone to England to find a publisher for her first book. There, she performed recitals for the aristocracy and was the toast of London's 1894 social season. When she returned to England in 1906 to tour and to seek new markets for her writing, she established a lifelong friendship with Chief Joe Capliano of Vancouver, who was in London with a delegation of Indian chiefs to see the King. Pauline Johnson overcame many obstacles to have a career as a writer and performer. Her family opposed her going on stage, an illness caused her hair to fall out temporarily, and one thieving manager spent all her money and left her stranded. Pauline's life of constant touring was lonely. Although she was beautiful, charming, and had a good sense of humour, she never married. She found her ideal mate, but he broke their engagement because his family disapproved. Betty Keller puts Pauline Johnson back at centre stage - a remarkably independent woman for her time, determined to be known as an "Indian," supporting herself by telling the stories of her beloved Canada. |
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