Harper Government honours national historic significance of one-time home
of Chief George H.M. Johnson and daughter E. Pauline Johnson.
Ohsweken, Ontario, September 10, 2011 -- On behalf of the Honourable Peter Kent, Canada’s Environment Minister and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, Mr. Phil McColeman, Member of Parliament for Brant, today commemorated the importance of Chiefswood, a place of national historic significance. A special ceremony was held in Ohsweken at Chiefswood. Accompanied by the Chair of the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada, Dr. Richard Alway, Mr. McColeman unveiled a commemorative plaque dedicated to the pre-confederation mansion.
"Our Government received a strong mandate from Canadians to recognize important milestones that strengthen our pride in our history and support our heritage," said Minister Kent. "Today we celebrate the legacy of a home renowned for its openness and celebrate the prominent people who lived there."
A wedding present from Chief George Johnson to his wife Emily Howels, Chiefswood was built between 1853-1856 in the Picturesque tradition inspired by estates of the English landed gentry. The design of the house consisted of two principal facades; oral tradition suggests that Chief Johnson intended it as a gesture to extend hospitality to Aboriginal visitors arriving by water, and to Europeans coming by land. The mansion served as a symbol of the pre-eminence of Chief Johnson within the Six Nations community, and was a source of inspiration for his famed daughter poet E. Pauline Johnson.
"This impressive historic site served as the home of George Johnson, an outstanding Mohawk Chief who helped build bridges between our communities," said Mr. McColeman. "Chiefswood played a strategic integral role fostering relationships with Six Nations and early settlers. I am very proud to celebrate the legacy of this mansion."
Created in 1919, and supported by Parks Canada, the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada advises the government of Canada through the Minister of Environment regarding the national historic significance of places, persons and events that have marked Canada’s history. Parks Canada manages a nationwide network of national historic sites that make up a rich tapestry of Canada’s cultural heritage and which offers visitors the opportunity for real and inspiring discoveries.
For additional information, please see the accompanying backgrounder at www.parkscanada.gc.ca under Media Room.
-30-
Information:
Amandeep S. Chawla
Promotions Officer
Southwestern Ontario Field Unit
Parks Canada
905-518-6585
www.twitter.com/parkscanada
