National Historic Person

National Historic Person is a title of honor bestowed by the Government of Canada upon individuals of profound national significance. Administered by Parks Canada under the authority of the Historic Sites and Monuments Act, the designation forms a core part of the country's national program of historical commemoration. It recognizes individuals whose actions, ideas, or lives have shaped the social, political, cultural, military, or economic fabric of Canada.

Designation process

The process for designating a National Historic Person is initiated through submissions from the public, historical societies, or government bodies to the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada (HSMBC). This independent advisory board, composed of representatives from each province and territory, rigorously reviews each submission. The board conducts extensive research, often consulting academic experts and primary sources housed in institutions like Library and Archives Canada, to assess the nominee's historical impact. Following a positive recommendation from the HSMBC, the final approval authority rests with the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, who is responsible for Parks Canada. This multi-layered process ensures that designations are based on scholarly merit and reflect a national consensus on historical importance.

Criteria for designation

To be designated, an individual must have demonstrated an exceptional and lasting contribution to Canadian history, with the primary consideration being national significance. The contribution must be substantive and have occurred at least forty years prior to the date of nomination, allowing for historical perspective. The criteria encompass a wide range of fields, including but not limited to political leadership, such as that of a Prime Minister; artistic or literary achievement; scientific innovation; military service in conflicts like the War of 1812 or the Normandy landings; advocacy for social change; or exploration. The individual's influence must have transcended local or regional importance to affect the course of the nation, its identity, or its development in a meaningful way.

Examples of National Historic Persons

The roster of National Historic Persons includes a diverse array of figures from all periods of Canadian history. Early political architects include Sir John A. Macdonald, the first Prime Minister of Canada, and Louis Riel, a central figure in the Red River Rebellion and the North-West Rebellion. Cultural icons such as the painter Tom Thomson of the Group of Seven and the novelist Lucy Maud Montgomery, author of Anne of Green Gables, are recognized for shaping Canadian artistic identity. Human rights trailblazers like Nellie McClung, a key figure in the Persons Case, and Viola Desmond, who challenged racial segregation in Nova Scotia, are commemorated. Other notable designees include the explorer David Thompson, the military leader Sir Arthur Currie of the Canadian Corps, and the Indigenous leader Tecumseh.

Commemoration and recognition

The principal form of commemoration is the installation of a federal plaque, typically in a location closely associated with the person's life or work, such as a birthplace, residence, or site of major achievement. These plaques, bearing the official symbol of the Government of Canada, provide a concise historical summary for the public. In some cases, more substantial commemorative measures are undertaken, such as the preservation of a related National Historic Site, like the Sir Wilfrid Laurier National Historic Site. The designations are also recorded in the Canadian Register of Historic Places, ensuring permanent documentation. While the title is honorary and does not confer legal status on properties, it serves as an enduring, official testament to the individual's role in the national narrative.

Impact and significance

The program of designating National Historic Persons plays a crucial role in defining and reflecting Canada's evolving historical consciousness. It elevates figures from marginalized communities, such as Mary Two-Axe Earley, a champion for First Nations women's rights, and Lincoln Alexander, the first Black Member of Parliament in Canada, ensuring a more inclusive historical record. By commemorating individuals from all walks of life, the program educates the public, fosters national pride, and stimulates dialogue about the nation's complex past, including difficult chapters related to residential schools and conflicts. Ultimately, it reinforces the idea that Canadian history is a tapestry woven from the lives and contributions of countless individuals, whose legacies continue to inform the country's identity and future.