Government of Canada Commemorates the National Historic Significance of Mifflin Wistar Gibbs
News Release
February 19, 2017 Victoria, BC Parks Canada Agency
Today, John Aldag, Member of Parliament for Cloverdale—Langley City, on behalf of the Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, Catherine McKenna, recognized the importance of Mifflin Wistar Gibbs as a person of national historic significance. A special ceremony was held in Victoria as part of the British Columbia Black History and Heritage Day celebrations.
The Government of Canada is committed to connecting Canadians to the significant events that contributed to our country’s rich and varied history. Born in Philadelphia, Gibbs moved to San Francisco where he became a prosperous Black merchant and a leading spokesman for his community. Following the hostile racial climate in the United States, Gibbs helped lead an exodus of Black residents from California to Victoria in British Columbia.
He was the first Black person to be elected to public office in British Columbia, serving on Victoria’s city council between 1866 and 1869. Gibbs also became an innovative entrepreneur, investing in resource development at an early time when such industry was in its infancy.
As part of the centennial of national historic sites, Parks Canada invites Canadians to be inspired and captivated by the stories of the people and events that shaped the Canada of today. Canada’s national parks, national historic sites and national marine conservation areas enable Canadians to experience their rich history and heritage in a special way and will play a big part in the celebration of Canada 150.
Quotes
“With his contribution as a politician, businessman, and defender of human rights, it is clear why Mifflin Gibbs is being recognized as a person of national historic significance. Black History month provides a great opportunity to share and learn about the experiences, contributions, and achievements of peoples of African Ancestry. I encourage all Canadians to celebrate our nation’s cultural heritage in 2017 and discover the many places and events that have helped shaped us as a country.”
John Aldag
Member of Parliament for Cloverdale—Langley City
“Mifflin Gibbs was very active in local politics, representing James Bay on Victoria City Council. But his vision extended beyond British Columbia, and he became a leader in the Confederation League, seeking a place for British Columbia in the Canadian Confederation.”
Yvonne Brown
Proponent and Educator
Quick Facts
- After helping lead the exodus of 800 Black residents from San Francisco to British Columbia in 1858, Mifflin Wistar Gibbs became the recognized leader of the Black community on Vancouver Island.
- Through his political abilities, Gibbs made Black residents a force in colonial politics and, when elected to Victoria City Council, became the first Black person to hold public office in British Columbia, revealing a clear vision for the future of the colony within Confederation that was rare in the hurly-burly politics of the day.
- Created in 1919, the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada advises the Minister of Environment and Climate Change regarding the national historic significance of places, people and events that have marked Canada’s history.
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Contacts
Laura Judson
Public Relations & Communications Officer
Costal BC Field Unit
Parks Canada Agency
250-654-4086
laura.judson@pc.gc.ca
Media Relations
Parks Canada Agency
855-862-1812
pc.media@pc.gc.ca