Essence:
Canada Post to issue two national commemorative stamps in celebration of the 400th
anniversary of Black Canadian heritage and culture - for individuals of special merit, important
events.
Canada Post and the Stamp Advisory Committee produce approximately fifty stamps on twenty themes per
calendar year. Individuals proposed:
George Dixon: 1870 - 1909 professional boxer, the world’s first professional champion in any
sport, held three world championship titles simultaneously in the 1890s. The inventor of shadow
boxing and the punching bag. Born in Halifax (Africville), Nova Scotia.
William Hall: 1829 - 1904 war hero, the first person of colour, the first naval person and the
second Canadian to win the Victorian Cross - the most prestigious medal of honour in the
British Empire and Commonwealth. For extraordinary acts of bravery during the British-controlled
East India uprising in 1857. Born in Horton Bluff, Nova Scotia.
Goal:
Commemorate Black Canadian heritage and culture on its 400th anniversary. Dixon and
Hall’s actions and awards are major milestones in Black Canadian history - but not well-known.
The stamps will illuminate and educate.
History/Status:
Originally there were three designated stamps - Mathieu Da Costa, George Dixon and
William Hall. The first two Da Costa 400 brochures had a panel / form to be filled in, as part of
a letter writing campaign to the advisory committee. Perhaps, several hundred letters or forms
were mailed to Canada Post. Approximately 6,500 brochures were distributed across Canada.
Canada Post at the time required a letter writing campaign before they would consider a stamp
proposal. This policy has been discontinued.
Mathieu Da Costa was dropped after consultations. He had been submitted and rejected at least four times over the
past twenty years. Speculation - because of lack of information (see Project 7) and
subject integrity - supposedly his only accomplishments were his presence and his acting as
interpreter for Pierre Dugua, Sieur de Mons, who along with Champlain was the leader of the first permanent
European settlement in Canada. Not enough to warrant a stamp. What is ignored is that he is
the first namable Black person to come to Canada.
Consultations:
Canada Post/Stamp Advisory Committee. Da Costa 400 would like to be involved
in the designs and printing techniques.
January 2005 - George Dixon and William Hall were formally submitted to the stamp advisory
board , which makes the decision for national stamps. Decision will be announced August 2005 for
the 2006 stamps.
A note: An Oscar Peterson stamp was debated in 2003 but because Canada Post’s policy
did not allow them to issue stamps for living persons - he was not considered. Policy change 2: Canada
Post changed this and in February 2005 they announced that an Oscar Peterson stamp will be issued on
his eightieth birthday, August 15, 2005. Quote:
“Oscar Peterson gets ultimate stamp of approval.”
“We are recognizing a legendary Canadian, someone whose life work is established,” said Cindy
Daoust, Canada Post’s marketing manager. “His legacy as a pianist and a composer is solid.” The
stamp would be the first in Canada to celebrate a living individual.” – Canadian Press
(February 26, 2005).
Legacy:
Recognition and illumination for Dixon and Hall - Black Canadian heroes. Every time
a person puts a stamp on a letter - a puff of recognition, a pulse of memory, a tiny showcase,
a reminder of the significant contribution of Black Canadians to Canada’s rich culture and
history. A souvenir of the 400th anniversary.
Budget/Action Plan:
Part of Da Costa 400's job. If the stamp proposals are rejected we shall
re-submit in 2006 for 2007. A request to Canada Post has been sent for an invitation to the
media launch/unveiling of the Oscar Peterson stamp, in Montreal, August 15, 2005.
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