July 28, 2015 – Fort Smith, Northwest Territories - Parks Canada
Dr. Colin Carrie, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of the Environment, on behalf of the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of the Environment and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, today commemorated François Beaulieu II as a person of national historic significance. Mr. Carrie unveiled a Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada plaque at a special ceremony in Fort Smith.
One of the founding fathers of the Métis in the Northwest Territories, François Beaulieu remains a revered figure among the Métis people. As head of the Beaulieu family and as a Chipewyan-Métis trading chief, he is a notable example of Métis leadership.
Beaulieu’s work, both for the fur trade companies and later as an independent trader, helped to establish economic and social links between the people of the Mackenzie River Basin and what, in his lifetime, would become the Dominion of Canada.
As our country nears its 150th birthday in 2017, the Government of Canada invites Canadians to learn more about the major places, persons and events that have shaped their country’s history. Canada’s national historic designations enable us to experience our rich history and heritage in a special way and play a big part in the celebration of Canada 150.
Jonathan Lefebvre
Office of the Minister of the Environment
819-997-1441
Mike Keizer
External Relations Manager
Southwest Northwest Territories Field Unit
Parks Canada
867-872-7942
Media Relations
Parks Canada
1-855-862-1812
www.twitter.com/parkscanada
