Louisbourg, Nova Scotia, August 6, 2010 -- On behalf of the Honourable Jim Prentice, Minister of the Environment and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, the Honourable Cathy McLeod, Member of Parliament for Kamloops-Thompson-Cariboo, today unveiled a Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada plaque commemorating the national historic significance of Marie Marguerite Rose.
"I am honoured to be here to recognize a remarkable figure in Nova Scotia's Black community during the first half of the 18th century," said Mrs. McLeod. "Marie Margaret Rose's life in the New World is an inspiration to all Canadians. Despite her early years as a slave, she became a successful entrepreneur".
Born in Africa, Marie Marguerite Rose was sold into slavery and transported to Louisbourg around 1736 at the age of about 19. She mastered a new language and adapted to a new culture in the New World while caring for 12 children, her own child and two adults in her master's household. Marie Marguerite Rose gained her freedom after 19 years in slavery, married a Mi'kmaw man and opened a tavern in Louisbourg to become a part of the business community. These events were extraordinary occurrences among emancipated slaves in New France.
"Through her tenacity and exceptional strength of character, Marie Marguerite Rose fully asserted her humanity to become one of the key figures in the first chapter of the history of Black women in Canada," said Minister Prentice. "Her life reminds us that cultural diversity has a very long history in this country".
Created in 1919, the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada advises the Minister of the Environment regarding the national historic significance of places, people and events that have marked Canada's history. Parks Canada manages a nation-wide network of national historic sites that make up the rich tapestry of Canada's cultural heritage and which offers visitors the opportunity for real and inspiring discoveries.
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Information:
Frédéric Baril
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of the Environment
819-997-1441
http://twitter.com/jimprentice
Germaine LeMoine
Cape Breton Field Unit
Parks Canada
902-733-3514
http://twitter.com/ParksCanada
Backgrounder associated with this News Release.
Marie Marguerite Rose (ca. 1717-1757)
