Learning ModuleCan one person influence history?

Some people are remembered not because they were famous or held political power, but because their lives help us understand how society was organized at the time. Their experiences show how people were treated, who had rights, and who did not. By learning about individuals whose lives were shaped by unfair laws, forced labour, or acts of resistance, we can better understand a country’s values in the past and how those values have changed over time.

This learning module will demonstrate how significant stories help us see history not just as events, but as real people living through them.

First, let’s define the concept of historical significance.

Historical significance means evaluating the importance of a person, place, or event based on its impact and effect over time, and how it connects to current issues. If something or someone is historically significant, it means it had an important impact on people in the past and can help us better understand our world today.

Next, consider the following questions before you begin. You may wish to record your answers in a notebook, or a method of your choosing.

It is often assumed that Black communities arrived in Canada only within the last century. However, the Black presence on this land dates back more than 400 years, before it was even called Canada. To understand the history of Black Canadians is to better understand Canada itself.

Tracing this history over time helps us recognize patterns of racism, segregation, exclusion, and resistance from the past to the present. It also allows us to discover or rediscover influential individuals whose lives reveal what Canada was at the time, and what it was becoming.

Next, you will be introduced to four historically significant Black Canadians. As you read each passage, consider the following:

• What do their lives reveal about Canadian society during that time?
• How did each individual persevere through unfair circumstances?
• How did their actions impact the lived experiences of Black people at this time?

While not much is known about him, the records indicate that he spoke several languages including French, Portuguese, and likely Pidgin, which combined European and Indigenous languages.  Matthieu Da Costa’s ability to communicate with many groups and cultures was invaluable; it was essential to negotiate food, shelter, and gain knowledge of the landscape.

On April 11, 1734, a fire destroyed 45 houses in Montreal. Marie-Josèphe Angélique was accused of setting fire to her owner’s house. Her trial lasted six weeks.

Marie-Josèphe Angélique has remained a strong symbol of resistance to enslavement over time thanks to her determination to fight for her freedom and independence.

Kidnapped in Guinea, in West Africa, at the end of her adolescence, Marie Marguerite Rose was forcibly brought to French colonies. She landed on Île Royale (present-day Nova Scotia) where she was given the name Marguerite. At the age of 19, she was sold to Jean Chrysostome Loppinot where she performed domestic duties in the household for 19 years. She was released at the age of 38 and married a Mi'kmaq man, Jean-Baptiste Laurent.

Together, they opened a tavern in Louisbourg, which was a major financial and military hub in New France.  The Tavern became a popular and important place to eat, drink, meet, and discuss ideas. Despite her beginnings and the barriers that existed for Black people in New France, Marie Marguerite Rose became an accomplished businesswoman and asserted her rights at a time when they were not guaranteed to her.

They reported the incident to Lieutenant Governor John Graves Simcoe. Her actions caused a public outcry, and the event helped bring attention to the violence of enslavement which was a key factor in prompting the proposal of an act called the 1793 Act to Limit Slavery in Upper Canada, which was an important first step toward ending enslavement in Canada. Chloe Cooley’s story shows us that even in impossible circumstances, one person’s brave resistance can expose injustice and help to begin a movement for change.

Complete the following check for understanding to determine where you are in your learning. Select the correct answer, then press the Check Answer button to see how you did.

Task: You will create a historical significance card for one of the following individuals. Some of these individuals were explored in this learning module, while others were not. You will need to use information from this learning module and conduct additional research to understand why your chosen individual is historically significant.

Your historical significance card MUST include specific details and information. Press the following tabs to learn more.

Share your work in a format of your choice. You might create a poster, a digital slide deck, or an infographic. Your goal is to show why this person is historically significant and what their life reveals about Canadian society during their time.