Part of the Black History Month series, this stamp issue pays tribute to Marie Joseph Angélique, whose story has come to symbolize Black resistance to enslavement and to remind Canadians of the history of Black enslavement in what is now Canada.

Good to know

Every year, Canada Post issues Permanent™ stamps to mark Black History Month.

About the issue

Canada Post commemorates the notable achievements of Canadians of diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds.

Annual stamps and collectible Official First Day Covers have been issued to celebrate Black History Month since 2009.

Many Black Canadians have been honoured on stamps for their efforts to break new ground and set an example for coming generations – despite facing racism and discrimination themselves.

Marie Joseph Angélique

Marie Joseph Angélique (circa 1705-1734) was an enslaved Black woman in Montréal. In 1734, she was arrested and accused of setting a fire that consumed much of Montréal’s merchant quarter. It was alleged that Angélique and an accomplice committed the act while attempting to flee her bondage.

Court records detail her arrest, trial (based mostly on hearsay), death sentence, appeal, brutal torture for her confession and information on her accomplice, and public execution.

While historians disagree on whether she was guilty or innocent, her story has come to symbolize Black resistance to enslavement and to remind Canadians of the history of Black enslavement in what is now Canada.

The design features a portrait of Marie Joseph Angélique defiantly facing the viewer. A city ablaze is seen in the background.

There is no known portrait of Marie Joseph Angélique. This portrait, illustrated by Alexis Eke, is based on a photograph by Jorge Camarotti of actress Penande Estime.

The details of her clothing, pose and defiant gaze are the result of detailed feedback from historians who specialize in this period and subject.

Product # 414280111

Marie Joseph Angélique: Booklet of 6 stamps