2025 Black History Month stamp features Marie Joseph Angélique

Canada Post’s new stamp calls attention to the harrowing story of Marie Joseph Angélique. Reminding us of the history of enslavement in what is now Canada – and shedding light on how those who were enslaved resisted their bondage.

Marie Joseph Angélique was a Black woman who was enslaved by Thérèse de Couagne in Montreal. She had a reputation for defiance, and ultimately was accused of a crime for which there was no real evidence against her, and which she denied committing.

In early 1734, she learned she had been sold for 600 pounds of gunpowder and heard rumours that her new enslaver was planning to sell her into enslavement in the West Indies. She decided to flee.

She ran away with her lover Claude Thibault, who was a white labourer. However, two weeks later, they were found. Thibault was sent to jail briefly, while Angélique was sent back to her enslaver. This event added to her reputation for rebellion, which would have fateful consequences for the 29-year-old.

On the evening of Saturday, April 10, 1734, a fire broke out in Montreal that engulfed much of the city’s merchant quarter. Dozens of buildings and homes burned down. The next morning, Angélique was accused of starting the fire with Thibault. It was alleged she lit the fire to aid another escape attempt. Although he could not be found, she was arrested.

Her trial lasted several weeks and included more than 20 witnesses, although not one is believed to have seen the crime committed. Most accused Angélique because she had tried to escape before, and they said she had a history of rebelling against and threatening her enslaver.

Angélique maintained her innocence throughout the trial. “Madam, although I may be wicked, I am not miserable enough to do an act like that,” she said during her interrogation. However, the courts found her guilty. They condemned her to death and had her tortured to force a confession. On June 21, 1734, she was publicly hanged.

Although historians disagree on whether Angélique was guilty, her story continues to encourage ongoing conversations about racial equality, justice and the importance of acknowledging the complexities of Canada’s past.

Representing Angélique on a stamp

The stamp features an illustration of Marie Joseph Angélique, who is shown with agency and resolve while defiantly facing the viewer. With no known portraits of Angélique, the illustration was based on a photograph taken by Jorge Camarotti of actor and model Penande Estime.

The stamp was designed by Nathalie Cusson of Scooter Design, illustrated by Alexis Eke and printed by Colour Innovations. The issue includes a booklet of six Permanent™ stamps and an Official First Day Cover.

The stamps are available at canadapost.ca and at select postal outlets across Canada.