Flint and Feather: Collected Verse

by E. Pauline Johnson

"Flint and Feather: Collected Verse" by E. Pauline Johnson is a collection of poetry likely crafted during the late 19th to early 20th century. This compilation showcases the rich cultural tapestry of Johnson's experiences as a mixed-blood Mohawk and the themes surrounding Indigenous identity, love, nature, and the struggle for recognition. The poems within reflect her deep connection to the land of Canada and its peoples, echoing the resilience and beauty of her heritage. At the start of the volume, Johnson begins by acknowledging the book to the Duke of Connaught, the Head Chief of the Six Nations Indians, emphasizing her pride in her cultural background. The introduction features a heartfelt In Memoriam by Theodore Watts-Dunton, who reminisces about his encounters with Johnson and praises her genuine spirit and immense talent, underscoring the admiration she commanded within literary circles. The Author's Foreword reveals her intention behind the title "Flint and Feather," symbolizing the duality of her identity — the flint representing her fierce Mohawk ancestry and the feather embodying the lyrical essence of her poetic voice. The opening portion also hints at her autobiographical elements and portrays the natural beauty and challenges faced by Indigenous people, establishing a poignant groundwork for the themes explored in her subsequent verses.