Black Canadian Curriculum – ETFO – 2014
Michaëlle Jean Timeline
Sept 6th 1957Michaëlle Jean was born in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. Her mother was Luce
Depestre, and her father was Roger Jean
1965 She was homeschooled by her parents.
1967 Michaëlle Jean’s father emigrated to Canada
1968 A year after her father came to Canada, Michaëlle Jean, her mother and
her sister traveled to Canada and moved to Thetford Mines, Quebec.
Canada seeking a safer, more stable life and she grew up in Montreal.
1980 – 1985 After graduating from high school, Michaëlle Jean attended several
universities including the University of Montreal and the University of
Florence. Because of her background and University Education, she can
speak and read five languages fluently.
1982 She worked in shelters for abused women and helped set up a chain of
shelters for battered women around Quebec
1982 - 1985She studied Italian and Hispanic languages at the University of Montreal,
earning her masters degree and began to teach at the University. Her
interests also extended to working with shelters for battered women and
helping to setup a network throughout Quebec and other parts of Canada.
1988 – 1990Michaëlle Jean became a reporter and broadcaster for Radio Canada.
1992 Michaëlle Jean was married to Jean-Daniel Lafond.
1999Adopted a daughter, Marie-Eden.
2001- 2014 She worked in French and English CBC broadcasts and shows, while
gaining fame as a prominent figure.
Sept 27, 2005 Became the 27th Governor General of Canada
She was: • the first Governor General of Caribbean descent
• third woman to be governer general -fourth youngest
• fourth former journalist
• second to be not of political or military heritage
2010 Steps down as Governor General of Canada. November 8th, 2010, she
became a “special envoy” for Haiti, via the UN, with a focus on fighting
poverty and promoting education and culture.
2010 - present The Michaëlle Jean Foundation was created to promote education, culture,
and creativity for the younger generation in places like small, northern and
poor communities.