Mississauga Portraits: Ojibwe Voices from Nineteenth-Century Canada is the long-awaited publication that continues the story of the lives of eight key Mississaugas of Credit River. The book contains the history of the Mississaugas of the New Credit when they lived along the Credit River in Ontario prior to their relocation their present-day community. The book opens with a chapter about the life of Peter Jones (1802-1856). Jones became a Methodist convert and from there became a minister. The second chapter recounts the role of Credit Head Chief: Joseph Sawyer, The Sloping Sky (about 1784-1863); chapter 3 details the important work of Mississauga woman Catharine Sunegoo, Nahnebahnwequay, “Nahnee” (1824-1865). The following chapters describe the significance of Peter Jacobs, Pahtahsega (about 1810-1890); Maungwudaus, George Henry (about 1805-after 1877); George Copway, Kahgegagahbowh (1818-1869); and John Sunday, Shawundais (about 1796-1875). The final chapter details the lives of a missionary family Henry Steinhauer, Shahwahnegezhik (about 1817-1884), and sons Egerton Ryerson Steinhauer (1858-1932), and Robert Steinhauer (1861-1941). This account of mid-nineteenth-century First Nation individuals provides a fresh look at the role of Mississauga men and women who played key roles in the development and success of their people during a challenging time of Canadian history. Donald B. Smith is a professor emeritus of history at the University of Calgary. Highly recommended.
