Part of the Black History Month series, this 2025 Official First Day cover 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.

About 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.

About the design

The front of the OFDC features an archival map of Montréal from 1731. Stylized flames roughly indicate the portion of the city destroyed in the 1734 fire.

The front of the OFDC features an archival map of Montréal from 1731. Stylized flames roughly indicate the portion of the city destroyed in the 1734 fire.

Product # 414280131

Marie Joseph Angélique: Official First Day Cover