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1678Which 17th century heroine is known as the "Canadian Joan of Arc"?

Marie-Madeleine Jarret de Verchères, born in 1678 near Montréal, is celebrated as the "Canadian Joan of Arc" for her remarkable courage during a surprise Iroquois attack on her family’s fort in October 1692. Only fourteen years old at the time, Madeleine’s quick thinking and leadership saved the settlers by convincing the attackers that the fort was heavily defended, holding out for eight days until reinforcements arrived. Her heroism has been immortalized in a statue unveiled in Verchères in 1913, Canada’s second monument dedicated to a woman heroine. Today, her legacy continues to inspire, with her storied defense commemorated as a turning point in Canadian history and national identity.

1635Who is known as the "Father of New France" and what did he accomplish?

Samuel de Champlain, famously known as the "Father of New France," played a pivotal role in the founding of Quebec and the early exploration of North America, including the Great Lakes region. Not only did he establish enduring alliances with Indigenous nations such as the Wendat and Algonquin, but his detailed maps and journals shaped the future of Canada. In 1925, 10,000 people gathered at Chouchiching Beach Park in Orillia, Ontario to unveil a striking bronze monument commemorating the 300th anniversary of Champlain’s 1615 journey through Huronia—a statue designed by renowned English sculptor Vernon March. The monument's fate has prompted ongoing reflection and dialogue with Indigenous communities, highlighting Champlain's complex legacy and the importance of representing history with sensitivity and balance.