Legends of Vancouver · Chapter
A Royal Mohawk Chief explained
This chapter recounts the historic ceremony in 1869 when Prince Arthur, Duke of Connaught and son of Queen Victoria, was inducted as a chief of the Mohawk tribe of the Six Nations Iroquois.
What happens
This chapter recounts the historic ceremony in 1869 when Prince Arthur, Duke of Connaught and son of Queen Victoria, was inducted as a chief of the Mohawk tribe of the Six Nations Iroquois. The narrative describes the journey to the Old Mohawk Church, the elaborate native ceremony involving the three clans (Bear, Wolf, Turtle), and the bestowal of the name 'Kavakoudge.' It highlights the respect British royalty showed for native customs and the enduring loyalty of the Iroquois to the British crown. The author reveals a personal connection, as her father, Onwanonsyshon, was the chief who escorted the Prince.
Themes in this chapter
Colonial Encounter and Cultural Exchange
The ceremony exemplifies respectful cultural exchange between British royalty and the Iroquois, blending native rituals with British honors.
Cultural Preservation and Oral Tradition
The induction ritual, older than European contact, is preserved and performed with the participation of the three clans, maintaining ancient traditions.
Peace and Reconciliation
The event symbolizes peace and alliance between the British crown and the Iroquois, who fought alongside the British against the French and colonists.
Characters to notice
- Prince Arthur
The Duke of Connaught, son of Queen Victoria, who was made a Mohawk chief with the name Kavakoudge.
- Onwanonsyshon
Head chief of the Mohawks who escorted Prince Arthur and later presented him with a ceremonial sash; revealed to be the author's father.
- Pauline Johnson
The narrator and author, who reflects on her father's role in the ceremony and keeps his scarlet blanket.
- Chief Capilano
Not directly present in this chapter, but referenced as a figure from other stories; not applicable here.
Key passages
“How many Canadians are aware that in Prince Arthur, Duke of Connaught, and only surviving son of Queen Victoria, who has been appointed to represent King George V in Canada, they undoubtedly have what many wish for—one bearing an ancient Canadian title as Governor-General of all the Dominion?”
Few Canadians realize that Prince Arthur, the Duke of Connaught and Queen Victoria's last surviving son, who will serve as Governor-General, holds a truly Canadian title as a chief of the Six Nations.
Introduces the unique status of Prince Arthur as both a royal and a native chief.
“It was the morning of October first when the royal train steamed into the little city of Brantford, where carriages awaited to take the Prince and his suite to the 'Old Mohawk Church,' in the vicinity of which the ceremony was to take place.”
On October 1, 1869, the Prince's train arrived in Brantford, and carriages carried him to the Old Mohawk Church for the ceremony.
Sets the specific date and location of the historic event.
“He inscribed 'Arthur' just below the 'Albert Edward,' which, as Prince of Wales, the late King wrote when he visited Canada in 1860.”
Prince Arthur signed his name 'Arthur' in the church Bible, directly beneath the signature of his brother, the future King Edward VII, who had visited Canada in 1860.
Shows the continuity of royal visits and signatures in the Mohawk Bible.
“As I write, I glance up to see, in a corner of my room, a draping scarlet blanket, made of British army broadcloth, for the chief who rode the jet-black pony so long ago was the writer's father.”
The author reveals that the scarlet blanket in her room belonged to her father, Onwanonsyshon, the chief who escorted Prince Arthur.
Personal connection linking the author to the historical event.
