St. Catharines, Ontario, May 27, 2011 – On behalf of the Honourable Peter Kent, Canada’s Environment Minister and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, Mr. Rick Dykstra, Member of Parliament for St. Catharines, today commemorated the importance of Harriet Tubman, a person of national historic significance. A special ceremony was held in St. Catharines at the Salem Chapel, British Methodist Episcopal Church National Historic Site with the Chair of the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada, Dr. Richard Alway.
“One of the early leaders of the abolition movement, Harriet Tubman played a pivotal part in bringing American slaves safely to St. Catharines,” said Mr. Dykstra. “Ms. Tubman worked tirelessly to free slaves from the American south. Today we are very proud to remember her sacrifice and celebrate her achievements.”
Born to slaves in Maryland in c. 1822, Tubman faced a life of cruelty and hardship. But by the time of her death nearly 100 years later, she was acknowledged as a great hero. Leading refugees from American slavery safely into Canada West, an influential member of the Abolition Movement, and the public face of the Underground Railroad in British North America, the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada recommended her for designation as a person of national historic significance.
“Harriet Tubman played a significant and central role in the functioning of the Underground Railroad,” said Minister Kent. “We are very proud to celebrate her legacy as one of Canada’s leading abolitionists. Ms. Tubman was instrumental in freeing hundreds of slaves and guiding them safely into Canada. Today her sacrifices continue to serve as an inspiration for all Canadians.”
Created in 1919, and supported by Parks Canada, the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada advises the Minister of the Environment regarding the national historic
significance of places, persons and events that have marked Canada’s history. Parks Canada manages a nation-wide network of national historic sites that make up a rich
tapestry of Canada’s cultural heritage and which offers visitors the opportunity for real and inspiring discoveries.
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Information:
Alice R. Willems
Manager, National Historic Sites
Southwestern Ontario Field Unit, Parks Canada
905-518-6585
www.twitter.com/parkscanada
Backgrounder associated with this News Release.
Harriet Tubman c. 1822
