Exhibit opens TODAY!

Well, in just a couple short hours I am off to check out an exhibit that I've been anticipating for YEARS! It will be amazing to see some of the things that actually touched the life of my favourite literary artist.

As I head off to see 'Faithfully Yours', I can't help but think about the wonderful staff + board at Chiefswood who have worked SO hard to make this exhibit happen. Not to mention the Woodland Cultural Centre, Curator Emeritus Tom Hill, Dr. Carole Gerson, Dr. Trudy Nicks, and many more amazing contributors that have helped make this happen. I am sure all of these people are full of anticipation and excitement today as the exhibit launches, and with good reason.

Well with that being said, here are a few more images from the Chiefswood Collection to peak your interest, as taken from the exhibit media kit:

Photo Credits/Information:

Pauline Word Image-150: Image created by media artist, Naomi Johnson, © Chiefswood Collection.

Pauline1-150: E. Pauline Johnson at age 2, © Chiefswood Collection.

Bella-150: Pauline’s favourite doll, Bella. Bella can be seen in the exhibit, Faithfully Yours, E. Pauline Johnson, © Chiefswood Collection.

Pauline2-150: E. Pauline Johnson in her 20s posing with her canoe paddle, © Chiefswood Collection.

Pauline3-150: E. Pauline Johnson dressed in performance wear, © Chiefswood Collection.

Faithfully Yours, E. Pauline Johnson exhibit to open at Woodland Cultural Centre

By L.M. VanEvery

Some refer to her as one of the first New Women. Some call her a poetic genius. However E. Pauline Johnson is described, she was definitely a pioneer in many ways.

She travelled the rails alone at a time when women did no such thing. She commented on social and political issues of the day. She not only wrote poetry but performed her original works as well. E. Pauline Johnson was a woman of strong character and generous talent.

From Chiefswood to Vancouver, Pauline led a life of adventure and performance. “Faithfully Yours, E. Pauline Johnson,” the first exhibit dedicated to the life, times and work of E. Pauline Johnson – Tekahionwake curated by Curator Emeritus, Thomas V. Hill tells the story of this life with many artifacts not seen before.

The planning stages for the exhibit began in 2004. There are over 250 artifacts that will be on display and tell the story of Pauline’s life from her birthplace at Chiefswood to her final resting place in Vancouver. The exhibit captures the life of a little girl who loved to write poetry and perform to a woman who travels across this country many times and becomes one of the most beloved national literary figures in Canada.

“Pauline has made a contribution to Canadian literature and is a source of inspiration to artists, painters, sculptors, writers and media artists,” said Curator Emeritus, Thomas V. Hill. “She was brought up in Iroquoian society which would have given women a political role. She began to think of the role of women politically and historically in Canada and most of her poems reflect that.”

After having seen the exhibit, Hill is confident that people will understand the importance that E. Pauline Johnson had in Canadian history. “They will see she has indeed made a contribution both in the arts and society at large,” said Hill.

Dr. Carole Gerson, Professor of English at Simon Fraser University, began researching Pauline Johnson’s work 10 years ago and is a contributor to the exhibit catalogue with her essay entitled, “The Many Voices of Pauline.” “In her lyrical poetry and eloquent prose, Pauline Johnson continues to speak to us about issues that are as important in our day as they were in hers: relations between Natives and non-Natives, between men and women and between human beings and the precious land.” “She was stunningly beautiful and amazingly talented,” said Gerson. “She was a very elegant and gracious woman, ahead of her time. There was something quite magical about her life.”

Gerson describes Pauline’s work as undervalued. “My students are surprised at how good it is and they don’t know about her at all.” As for her place in Canadian literature, Gerson says, “She finally has her place. It took a lot. Pauline now is really important as the breakthrough person.”

As a performer, E. Pauline Johnson made a dramatic impact on history. ‘Initially known as an 'Indian Princess' whose poetry and public performances embodied romantic stereotypes of 'Indianness', Pauline Johnson used her platform to promote positive images of the cultures and history of the First Nations in Canada. In addition to her well known books of poetry for which she has earned lasting fame, she contributed many articles to newspapers and magazines in Canada and Britain about issues affecting her people, especially the role of women in society. Perhaps her greatest contribution is that she was a positive role model of Indian womanhood at a time when the popular image was all too often negative,” said Dr. Trudy Nicks, ethno-historian at the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM). Dr. Nicks is a contributor to the exhibit catalogue with her essay, “Objects and Encounters” which details the Chiefswood collection at the ROM. “The exhibit will bring together personal and family objects, photographs and archival documents that provide a sense of the world that inspired the performances that earned Pauline fame in her lifetime and the writings that still capture our imagination to this day,” said Nicks.

Pauline retired to Vancouver in 1906. As one of the only people granted permission to be buried at Stanley Park in Vancouver, Pauline was a woman of national importance when she died in 1913.

In Her Voice, In Her Spirit - "People I've known."

(Authors note: On her burgeoning career - working with Frank Yeigh)

Something is unfurling. The past few years have been growing with intense possibility...slowly, like the deepening embers of a fire when the air hits it just right. I have been propelled by some sort of catalyst...and here I go - wild, sure, steady, and armed with words.

I have had the pleasure of working with my old friend Frank Yeigh recently. I performed at the Young Men's Liberal Club in Toronto at his request. This performance cemented something in me that I can't yet define...a feeling of being on the edge of something wonderful. I have been honoured the past few years with my first published works, recitals at ceremonies in Buffalo and Brantford, and also the pleasure of performing lead roles with the Dramatic Society...and with my most recent recital in Toronto, it felt as if something had become so real. During my recital of A Cry from an Indian Wife - I could swear that upon seeing the bewitched look on the audience faces, I could almost hear this word...plain and affirmative - "Yes."

I believe it was destiny again. First touching my life at Chiefswood, and now speaking to me - saying through those frozen, captured expressions - "Yes." A hundred times over...yes...my journey is ready to be steered. I am at the helm.

And so it is...after my performance it was discussed that Frank should be my manager. And now I am charged with the task of approval from Mother. Despite my nervousness over seeking her approval, I feel so fervently that this is the time...this is the beginning of everything.

Inspiration is growing out of me like tiger lilies. They are bursting into bloom...and growing everywhere...everywhere. A fire inside that cannot be contained...let it burn.

Sneak Peek!! Pieces from the Exhibit!

Hello dear blog readers!

Many apologies for the delay in posting! All is abuzz with summer activity for this author, and thus our poor blog sat neglected for some time. Rest assured - the staff at Chiefswood are still very busy gearing up for the exhibit, and offering regular tours of the museum (now open Tues - Sun, 10 - 3, and also on selected summer nights!) . To whet your curiosity here are some exclusive images of Pauline Johnson's belongings which will be part of the exhibit this August 15.

Red Booties!

How posh. I saw a pair not unlike these today whilst shopping. Looks like Pauline was not just a literary icon, but perhaps a fashion icon as well.


Fischer's Foot Powder!
Not only was she posh, she was polished too. Foot powder for gallavanting in those fierce boots.


Soap In A Dish!
Cleanliness next to Godliness.

Rimmel's Lavender Water!
Lavender is noted as favorite scent among the Johnson women.

Canoe Paddle
The story behind the canoe paddle is that Pauline kept it hanging above her headboard during her years at Chiefswood.



Stay tuned for more blog updates! The exhibit is right around the corner and there are many artifacts not to be missed.

Upcoming Events at Chiefswood!

Join us as we celebrate a very special summer at the birthplace and childhood home of E. Pauline Johnson!!

Summer Nights

Available Thurs & Fri. (beginning June 25th until July 24th)

Time: 8:30 – 10:00 pm

Torchlight Tours

Camp Fire with snacks

Various night activities (tag, hand shadow games & campfire stories)

Come & explore the Chiefswood Estate under the evening sky, play Victorian time period games that Pauline would have enjoyed.

Available through advance bookings only. T: 519-752-5005

$5.00 per person or $15.00 for a family of 4 or more

We Warmly invite you to:

Join us for an evening of Iroquoian hospitality as we welcome back a long time friend of Chiefswood on Monday, 17^th August 2009 6:30p.m.-8:00 p.m.

Carolyn Pogue – poet, dramatist, & author of fourteen books of fiction & non-fiction – reads from her latest young-adult historical fiction novel entitled “Gwen”.

The book depicts the adventures of a feisty turn-of-the-century Barnardo Home Child and her visit to Six Nation’s Reserve, which features select poetry of E. Pauline Johnson.

Free Admission, Booksigning, Refreshments,

R.S.V.P.: T:519.752.5005 or E: chiefswood@execulink.com

Kindly RSVP by Friday 7^th August 2009.

Pauline Johnson Poetry Reading

August 23, 2009

Call for more information 519.752.5005 or email: chiefswood@execulink.com

Upcoming Exhibition on the life and times of E. Pauline Johnson

August 15 – December 24, 2009

In conjunction with the Woodland Cultural Centre, Chiefswood is pleased to announce an upcoming exhibit on the life and times of E. Pauline Johnson.

We are interested to hear from anyone that may have items relating to Pauline that you wish to be considered for the exhibit. Some examples include; early unpublished works, manuscripts, correspondence, voice recordings, photos, etc.

Please email or call us.

E. Pauline Johnson Exhibit poster

Six Nations Native Pageant Forest Theatre

61^st Anniversary Presents

The Cattle Thief/E. Pauline Johnson

Written and Directed by Dakota Brant Mohawk Nation Turtle Clan

Friday & Saturday Evenings: Aug. 7^th, 8^th, 14^th & 15^th. Rain dates: Aug. 21^st, 22^nd 2009.

Admission: Adults - $7.00, Children 6 to 12 - $4.00, 5 & under FREE

Gates Open 5:00PM show starts at Dusk.

In Her Voice, In Her Spirit - "Places I've been".

On Chiefswood

There couldn't be a more magnificent place to dream.

This - our home on the hill, just on the brink of Easter. The days are beginning to stretch into night and at once I'm letting go of that wintery isolation that November brings. We can stay outside - we can stay outside longer. Something is awakening in me - the smell of thawed earth, the wind rolling off the river, the river flowing and retracting and calling me in, that wonderful hush of Spring's song - the beautiful orchestra of the breeze and the pines. As the world awakens, so do I.

I feel so strongly on days like these, that destiny has seen this place - and recognizing it's longing in her own heart, has quietly reached down and touched it. That is the spirit of my home - utterly and absolutely destined - in one way or another. I see the plight of Father and Mother's love in the lines of their faces, and in the weariness of their eyes and hands. And yet, despite all weariness, nothing can stop that love. Nothing can stop them and this place from being all that it can be, all that it is. It is in their willingness to dream that destiny has come. And so I wonder, in doing the same, will destiny visit me? And how will she come - through whose eyes, through what song, down what river?

Spring. How it goes stirring my soul like nothing else.

Artifact of the Month

Not quite an artifact, but interesting nonetheless.

Check out the poster for 'Faithfully Yours' here.

Spread the poster love folks! Feel free to forward this link to interested parties.