samuel de champlain

1995When did Canada officially recognize Black History Month?

Canada officially recognized Black History Month on 14 December 1995, when the House of Commons unanimously approved a motion led by the Honourable Jean Augustine, the first Black Canadian woman elected to Parliament. This landmark designation highlights the significant contributions of Black Canadians to the nation's growth and diversity over four centuries, beginning with explorer and linguist Mathieu da Costa in the early 1600s. A unique commemorative plaque at the Ontario Legislative Building in Toronto honors Black Canadians who served in the No. 2 Construction Battalion during the Great War. Each February since 1996, communities nationwide reflect on and celebrate this rich, enduring history.

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.