My Great Big Interactive Haitian Activity Book
St-Firmin Monestime
Saint-Firmin Monestime
Date of birth: December 16th, 1909
Place of birth: Cap- Haïtien, Haiti
Biography:
Saint-Firmin Monestime was born in Cap-Haïtien, Haiti. He graduated from medical school in 1936 where he specialized in rural medicine.
In 1940, he immigrated to Canada. He intended to open a medical practice in Timmins, Ontario, but on the way there stopped for lunch in Mattawa. After learning the small town was in need of a doctor, he chose to remain in Mattawa and opened his medical clinic in 1951.He quickly became a valued member of the community and was elected leader of the Progressive Conservative Party in Mattawa.
In 1963, he was elected as the very first Black/Haitian mayor in Canada's history!
As mayor, he championed numerous housing and building developments including a 60 bed private nursing home that is still operational today.
Interesting facts:
Saint-Firmin Monestime was a talented dancer and is remembered for his “joie de vivre”.
As a doctor, Saint-Firmin Monestime helped the wounded during the Parsley massacre of 1937.
The University of Ottawa created a scholarship in his name.
What is a politician?
A politician is someone who participates in how the country is run. He or she is normally part of a political party, which is a group that share similar beliefs. Politicians can be elected through voting, which happens in democracies, or they can be appointed by a leader.
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