Jos Montferrand designated as national historic figure

Tashi Farmilo

In a significant move to preserve and celebrate Canada’s cultural heritage, the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, announced the designation of Jos Montferrand as a person of national historic significance. This recognition, made under Parks Canada's National Historical Commemoration Program, honours Montferrand's enduring legacy as a 19th-century French-Canadian folk hero whose legendary exploits continue to resonate in the Canadian imagination.

Jos Montferrand, born in 1802, was a towering figure in the Ottawa Valley lumber industry, known for his remarkable physical strength, courage, and unwavering commitment to the French-Canadian community. Working as a foreman and cage master, Montferrand became a symbol of resilience and bravery, embodying the spirit of the working-class French Canadians who toiled in the rugged lumber camps of the 19th century.

Over time, Montferrand's life was elevated from that of a mere folk hero to a near-mythical figure, celebrated in plays, novels, and songs. His feats were so widely admired that they crossed borders; in the United States, where French-Canadian lumberjacks traveled, he became known as "Joe Mufraw," further cementing his status as a legendary figure across North America.

The Honourable Steven Guilbeault emphasized Montferrand’s significant place in Canadian history, stating, "Jos Montferrand is the basis of the legendary St. Lawrence River raftsmen stories. He is the emblem of the courage and physical strength of working-class French Canadians in the lumber camps and has inspired novelists and songwriters captivated by his exploits."

The designation of Montferrand as a person of national historic significance is part of a broader effort by the Government of Canada to recognize and commemorate the people, places, and events that have shaped the nation's history. Through the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada and Parks Canada, over 2,240 such designations have been made, each contributing to a deeper understanding of Canada’s diverse histories, cultures, and heritage.

Isabelle Regout and Alexandre Pampalon, co-founders of the Maison des Cageux, a historical site dedicated to preserving the maritime heritage of the St. Lawrence River, expressed their pride in Montferrand’s recognition. "The designation of the legendary Jos Montferrand as a national historical figure immerses us in the authentic history of the country in the 19th century," they stated. "Larger than life, the famous cage master forever marked the maritime epic of the cageux, who navigated the St. Lawrence River aboard immense rafts of rectangular beams. The Maison des Cageux is proud to be at the origin of this appellation, which is based on its know-how."

The story of Jos Montferrand is not just a tale of individual greatness; it is a reflection of the broader narrative of French-Canadian identity and the challenges faced by those who helped build Canada’s early industries. His recognition as a national historic figure invites Canadians to revisit and reflect on this important chapter of their shared past.

Photo caption: Jos Montferrand, a 19th-century French-Canadian folk hero celebrated for his strength and courage, has been designated as a person of national historic significance, an honor reflected in a Canadian stamp featuring the legendary lumberjack. 

Photo credit: Courtesy of Library and Archives Canada