Community Footprints

C a n a d i a n Icons Who Left A Footprint

Every Great Dream Begins with a Dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars and to change the world.

~Harriet Tubman

“a country that respects the rule of law and of openness, in which a young woman of no particular note could become a lawyer and a judge and a chief justice”

~ Beverley McLachlin

Beverley Marian McLachlin, PC CC CStJ Born September 7, 1943 Pincher Creek, Alberta

Beverley McLachlin is a former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Canada, who served as the 17th Chief Justice of Canada from 2000 to 2017, the first woman to hold that position and the longest serving Chief Justice in Canadian history. She simultaneously served as Deputy Governor General of Canada.

She is the Chairperson of the Canadian Judicial Council, on the Board of Governors of the National Judicial Institute, and on the Advisory Council of the Order of Canada.

She is a Member of the Queen's Privy Council for Canada. She was made a Commander of the Legion of Honour by the Government of France in 2007. On December 15, 2006, she was appointed Commander of the Order of St. John (2006).

Harriet Tubman Born in 1820 Dorchester County, Maryland Died on March 10 1913 in Auburn New York.

Harriet Tubman escaped from enslavement in the southern United States and went on to become a leading abolitionist before the American Civil War. She led numerous enslaved persons to freedom in the “free” Northern states and Canada through the Underground Railroad — a secret network of routes and safe houses that helped people escape enslavement.

She forged her own routes through the swamps and forests of various states, using the North Star to navigate her path. She travelled only during the night and safely hid her passengers during the day in inconspicuous locations.

She devoted her life to serving others and fighting for freedom and equality.

In honour of her courage, humanitarian efforts, heroism, and her life of service, 10 March was declared Harriet Tubman Day in the US, as well as in St. Catharines, in 1990. In 2005, she was designated a Person of National Significance by the Government of Canada. She remains a notable international icon of freedom.