Zig Misiak’s journey as a writer didn’t begin until just 12 years ago, but since then he has written close to 20 books on a variety of subjects related to history and culture while being recognized for his community-building efforts.
Misiak, who immigrated from Poland to Canada in 1950, became intrigued with the Six Nations community when he saw children at the nearby residential school while growing up in Brantford. Years later, he saw Jay Silverheels, a Mohawk legend, which would be another turning point; fueling his desire to write.
“When I was ten-years-old, I was at a parade where Jay Silverheels was the marshal. I was within a couple of feet of him and his wife and daughter. I ended up being close to them, but not close enough to get us a book signed that I had under my arm,” said Misiak.
He then met a woman who was part of Silverheels’ family and found out it was their matriarch.
“A little lady was sitting there with a straw hat…she reached her hand and I automatically handed her my book, a book that was given to me by the…family that helped my mom and dad with their first house. And then, within a short time, she handed it back and I took it and opened up the book; and she had written, ‘Tonto’s mum.’ So, I still have that book after all these years,” explained Misiak.
Nevertheless, decades later, Misiak was urged to share important stories and information, especially about the Six Nations community, thus launching his literary career. This led to writing his acclaimed biography of Jay Silverheels called ‘Tonto: The Man in Front of the Mask.’
“I was encouraged [to write] by many friends of mine from Six Nations, whom I’ve gotten to know for over 50 years now…they encouraged me to write because they knew all the things I’d gone through [and] my story including seeing [Jay Silverheels.] I’ve been to sweat lodges [and] developed this trusting relationship with them,” Misiak continued. “I acquired certain knowledge, and coupled with the fact of being introduced to the school system years ago, and realizing that there were gaps there; even before it was mandatory, for teachers to integrate First Nations content. I realized that I could be an asset [to] start locally and go to schools, talk to teachers and students [and] help them understand our neighbors and debunk stereotypes.”
However, Misiak’s own experience in coming to Canada has been another key foundation for why he writes, as demonstrated in books that he has developed including the book: ‘Polish Heritage: Resource & Guide.’
“I’m a World War Two refugee from Poland. My father was caught very early at the beginning of the war and ended up working on the railway lines. He was a blacksmith,” Misiak explained. “Many people left after the war to find sanctuary and better places to live because it was not good to go back to Russia. So, my father ended up here about eight months before [my mother and I came.]”
Misiak and his family then settled in Brantford.
“A family from Norwich helped [us] to get their very first house in Brantford on Park Avenue by the canal. And we didn’t move there right away; we spent several months in a little room. And then the house that we moved into was only about four or five blocks away. At that time, I was five, I started school, but I still couldn’t speak English,” said Misiak.
After several years of living in Brantford, Misiak’s family moved.
“My dad got a job in Oakville before we moved to Ancaster and you talk about a culture shock…we were poor [and] I don’t know how my Mom and Dad did it; working night and day, seven days a week,” noted Misiak.
“But then after high school, I went to work and then I went to post-secondary. I went to Toronto for a while and then came back in 1978 and got married. I’ve been [in Brantford] ever since,” Misiak continued. “I go back [and] still drive by [my old home] on Park Avenue several times a month. I’ll never forget my roots. I live in this community, [and] there’s a history here [and] I want to do something to make it better.”
Nevertheless, Misiak has continued his passion for helping build, engage, and bond communities as evidenced by being part of countless charities, committees, historical projects, and initiatives since the 1960s starting with being part of the Canadian Army Reserves (Royal Hamilton Light Infantry.)
He has also helped found the Wayne Gretzky Celebrity Sports Classic, as well as, being the Director of the Butler’s Rangers Historical Reenactment Society, the Vice President of the Polish Combatant Association of Canada, and a Historical Re-enactor, since 1985.
“I’ve done a lot over the years, contributing to charities and supporting them like the Canadian Military Heritage Museum of Brant County…I have [collected] so many fibers during my life, that I’ve been able to weave this tapestry,” said Misiak.
