François-Xavier Garneau facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
François-Xavier Garneau
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François-Xavier Garneau
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| Born | June 15, 1809 |
| Died | February 2 or February 3, 1866 (aged 56) Quebec City, Canada East
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| Occupation | notary, civil servant, historian, poet |
François-Xavier Garneau (born June 15, 1809 – died February 2 or 3, 1866) was an important French Canadian writer and public servant from the 1800s. He was a notary (a legal professional), a poet, and worked for the government. He is best known for writing a three-part history book called Histoire du Canada (History of Canada). This book was published between 1845 and 1848.
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About François-Xavier Garneau
François-Xavier Garneau was born in Quebec City. When he was 12 years old, in 1821, he started attending a school. This school was located in the basement of a chapel. Later, he studied law at the Quebec seminary. In 1830, he became a notary, which is a type of legal professional.
Garneau held several important jobs during his life. He worked as a clerk for the legislative assembly. He was also a member of the council for public education. From 1845 until his death, he served as the city clerk of Quebec. He was an honorary member of many historical and literary groups. For several years, he was even the president of the Institut Canadien of Quebec.
Histoire du Canada (History of Canada)
Garneau's most famous work is his history book, Histoire du Canada. He wrote this book between 1845 and 1848. In his book, Garneau wrote about the British takeover of Canada, known as the Conquest. He believed this event was a sad time for French Canadians. He felt it led to a long struggle for French Canadian identity.
Garneau's book was a response to a report by Lord Durham. This report suggested that French Canadian culture was not growing. It also said that French Canadians should become more like English speakers. Garneau's history book argued against this idea. It showed the rich history and strength of the French Canadian people. By 1866, his book was seen as the main history of French Canadians.
Garneau's Legacy
François-Xavier Garneau left a lasting impact on Canadian history and culture.
François-Xavier Garneau Medal
The Canadian Historical Association gives out the François-Xavier Garneau Medal. This is the highest award for historical research in Canada. It is given out every five years to a Canadian who has made an outstanding contribution to studying history. Some past winners include:
- Louise Dechêne (1980)
- Michael Bliss (1985)
- John M. Beattie (1990)
- Joy Parr (1995)
- Gérard Bouchard (2000)
- Timothy Brook (2005)
- John C. Weaver (2010)
- Bettina Bradbury (2015)
Garneau at the 2010 Winter Olympics
During the opening ceremonies of the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, a special moment honored Garneau. Canadian actor Donald Sutherland read a quote from one of Garneau's poems. The poem beautifully describes the Canadian winter:
- In what other climate does the Queen of Silence
- Show us more splendour?
- I love, Oh Canada, night, the vast plain
- Shining with whiteness!
