Among the Six Nations explores the life and writings of high school teacher Celia B. File. File began her teaching career in the 1920s at Tyendinaga, where she developed a life-long interest in the history of the Six Nations, particularly Iroquoian women. After completing her Master’s thesis at Queen’s University in 1930 on Mohawk leader Mary (Molly) Brant, File developed a close friendship with Mohawk performer and writer Bernice Loft/Dawendine. Morgan’s presentation focused on the intertwined nature of history and memory and the complicated politics of race and gender. This talk took place on October 27, 2011, at the Christie Mansion.
Cecilia Morgan teaches at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education at the University of Toronto. For more information please see Morgan’s faculty profile.
The Christie Mansion is part of the University of Toronto’s Regis College, and the former home of William M. Christie, of Christie, Brown, and Co. For more information please see Regis College.
Use this in the classroom
- Historical Thinking Concepts & Critical Thinking Challenges
- Concepts de la pensée historique et défis de pensée critique
- Woodland Cultural Centre school and education programs
- Six Nations Grand River (links to news, land claims information, and political information)
Suggested bibliography
- Iroquois Fires: The Six Nations Lyrics and Lore of Dawendine (Bernice Loft Winslow), by Dawendine (Ottawa: Penumbria Press, 1995)
- Contact Zones: Aboriginal and Settler Women in Canada’s Colonial Past, eds. Katie Pickles and Myra Rutherdale (Vancouver: UBC Press, 2005)
HerstoriesCafe 