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.