Mary Brant

Brant, Mary
Mary Brant, or Konwatsi'tsiaiénni, meaning "someone lends her a flower," Mohawk, (b c1736; d at Kingston 16 Apr 1796). Mary, or Molly Brant as she was generally known, was one of the most important women in North American native history. From her influential position as head of a society of Six Nations matrons, she enjoyed a much greater status than her more colourful younger brother, Joseph BRANT. She was consulted by the natives on all matters of importance. Much of her power also came from her relationship with Sir William JOHNSON, first superintendent of the northern natives of British North America, whom the Six Nations honoured as a good friend and adviser.

In her late teens Molly became Johnson's consort. The attractive and intelligent woman presided over his household with great ability and managed his estate in the Mohawk Valley, NY, during his frequent absences. After his death (1774) she and her brother Joseph remained staunch LOYALISTS. Molly rendered invaluable assistance to the Crown by encouraging the Six Nations to keep their alliance with England. At the end of the war she moved to Cataraqui [Kingston, Ontario].

Author DONALD B. SMITH

Links to Other Sites
Canadian Aboriginal Writing and Arts Challenge
The website for the Canadian Aboriginal Writing and Arts Challenge, which features Canada's largest essay writing competition for Aboriginal youth (ages 14-29) and a companion program for those who prefer to work through painting, drawing and photography. See their guidelines, teacher resources, profiles of winners, and more. From the Historica-Dominion Institute.

Molly Brant
A profile of Molly Brant. From Library and Archives Canada.

Mary Brant
This illustrated website features an extensive profile of Mary Brant. Produced by the Cataraqui Archaeological Research Foundation.

Four Directions Teachings
Elders and traditional teachers representing the Blackfoot, Cree, Ojibwe, Mohawk, and Mi’kmaq share teachings about their history and culture. Animated graphics visualize each of the oral teachings. This website also provides biographies of participants, transcripts, and an extensive array of learning resources for students and their teachers. In English with French subtitles.

Face to Face: The Canadian Personalities Hall
"Face to Face" features outstanding Canadians whose ideas and contributions have transformed this country. Click on the photos in "Meet the Personalities" to see their biographies. From the Canadian Museum of Civilization.