New Six Nations Visitor’s Centre to be built near childhood home of Pauline Johnson

A Six Nations of the Grand River sign. (Dan Lauckner/CTV Kitchener)

A new visitor’s centre will be built near the childhood home of a major Indigenous author.

In a news release on Wednesday, Six Nations Tourism announced plans to build the visitor’s centre at 1037 Brant County Highway 54, north of Ohsweken, between the home of E. Pauline Johnson and Highway 54.

Johnson, who was also known as Tekahionwake, was a beloved Mohawk poet, writer, artist and performer. Her former home is a National Historic Site and museum. In 2016, she was one of a dozen women shortlisted to appear on a Canadian banknote.

When the new visitor’s centre is built, it will complement to museum and historical site, including increased and improved programming spaces and outdoor gardens.

“The intention of this project is to showcase our Haudenosaunee history and culture, while educating visitors in a welcoming space designed for groups and families alike,” the release said.

The visitor’s centre is being developed in partnership with GWB Construction, a company based out of Six Nations, and will include materials from True North Log Homes.