Let’s pick Pauline
Agood case can be made for every one of the12 iconic women being considered for a new Canadian bank note to be issued in 2018. The “long list” selected by a special advisory panel includes candidates from almost every part of the country and features activists, artists, authors and a notable athlete.
Public opinion will now be surveyed and historical experts consulted before a short list of three to five names is put forward. Of course — this being Canada — regional bias is likely to be an issue.
Lucy Maud Montgomery, creator of Anne of Green Gables, is sure to be a favourite in Prince Edward Island. West Coast painter Emily Carr is certain to find strong backing in British Columbia. And francophones might well opt for social reformer Thérèse Casgrain, author Gabrielle Roy or suffragette Idola Saint-Jean.
One name doesn’t have a loud constituency but seems especially worthy of attention — that of E. Pauline Johnson. Known for poetry celebrating her aboriginal heritage and her dramatic speaking tours, she was immensely popular in the late Victorian era. To many in this country and abroad she personified Canada.
Born in 1861 on the Six Nations reserve near Brantford, Johnson was the daughter of a Mohawk chief and Englishwoman, and was also known by the Mohawk name Tekahionwake. Between 1892 and 1909, capitalizing on her fame as a poet, she conducted a series of speaking tours giving readings across this country, in the U.S., and in England highlighting aboriginal and Canadian themes.
After retiring from the stage, Johnson moved to Vancouver where she continued to write before her death in 1913. Her funeral was massively attended and a memorial, carved with her image, stands in Stanley Park. Her popularity faded after her death but Johnson won fresh recognition at the end of the 20th century as an inspirational figure, reflecting the diversity of Canada, who spoke on issues of race, gender and native culture.
Ideally, we should have two bank notes featuring iconic Canadian women, not just one. But having Pauline Johnson grace our money would be an excellent place to start.