Zig Misiak, a World War Two Polish baby refugee, is a highly respected, award-winning Canadian author of First Nations books and educational resources. He has received multiple awards, not all listed here, for his work and contributions.
As a child, often on his own, Zig became very curious about the children “across the bridge” at the nearby residential school in Brantford, Ontario. Then, as an adult, he embraced and cultivated interest and enduring relationships with his neighbours and friends, the Haudenosaunee, the Grand River Six Nations People.
Zig Misiak, became a well-known historical re-enactor who has travelled thousands of miles across Eastern Canada and the United States, participating in the re-enacting of major historical events from the French and Indian Wars, American Revolution, to the War of 1812. He also served in the Canadian Army, Royal Hamilton Light Infantry.
He is now recognized as an authority and a legend for his knowledge, understanding, and commitment to authenticity, as well as the strong friendships he has developed. He has studied and travelled to the very places he has written about in his many books. Zig has a deep love and respect for Indigenous People, recognizing that in spite of the many difficult challenges they have faced, they have remained true to their treaties. As Zig says, “We must know them."
Some Community Involvements
President of Canadian Author Education, First/Native Nations History/Culture
PBS/WNED TV, Bi-National Education Advisory Group, War of 1812 200th
Canadian Army Veteran, Royal Hamilton Light Infantry
Polish Combatants Association (WW2), Brantford Br#4, Vice-President
Ontario's Equity & Communications Strategy Committee
Education Partner, School boards of Ontario re: Native Nations Education Historical Support
Re-enactor, Butlers Rangers; American Revolution and Caldwell's Rangers; War of 1812
Historica Canada, Passages Canada Speaker Team
Chairman, War of 1812 Bicentennial Commemoration Steering Committee, Brantford & County
Historic Niagara Education Committee, Niagara CDSB and DSB, for the War of 1812 200th
War of 1812 Western Corridor Alliance, Route 1812, Sub Committee
Raymond R. Skye: The First Nations Resource Collection is a collaborative project. All three stories (Creation, Clans, Peacemaker) and the artwork related to these stories were provided by Raymond Skye, Tuscarora/Seneca from the Grand River Six Nations Territory. Ray and Zig recorded the oral history Ray recalled hearing from his parents and other elders over the years. As we proceeded the elders known to us, from our area as well as other communities, as well as First Nations academics, were interviewed on an ongoing basis. Before the First Nations Resource Collection was printed the 'recorded oral history' Ray and I assembled was presented to all available elders for comments and approvals. The contributors page, testimonials and the fact that both First Nations and non-First Nations teaching institutions have acquired and are using this 'resource' successfully says it all.
Recognitions
Lieutenant Governor’s Ontario Heritage Award for Lifetime Achievement
Eagle Feather, Six Nations Veterans Assoc. (Don Monture)
Canadian Polish Congress Award of Merit
Shining Star Award, contributions to our collective history & heritage
The George & Olive Seibel Award, contribution to heritage in the education
Ancaster High Schools Hall of Distinction inductee
Canadian Aboriginal Veterans Association Medallion
Medals
Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal
Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers
Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal
Polish Army Gold Medal - 1st Degree
Polish Combatant's of Canada, SPK Br#4, Bronze Cross
Jennifer Bettio, of French-Canadian Métis background, born and raised in Guelph, Ontario, is an arts and photography graduate of Sheridan College. With the support of her parents, she pursued her interests in the arts field that has brought her great success. She does commissioned paintings, art, graphics and design, advertising, illustrations, and unique photography. She exhibits a unique First Nations and Métis style of art.
