Joe, Sylvester National Historic Person

Conne River, Newfoundland and Labrador
Image not available (© Parcs Canada / Parks Canada 2011)
Image not available
(© Parcs Canada / Parks Canada 2011)
Address : Conne River, Newfoundland and Labrador

Recognition Statute: Historic Sites and Monuments Act (R.S.C., 1985, c. H-4)
Designation Date: 2002-07-18
Life Date: 182 to 0

Other Name(s):
  • Sylvester Joe  (Designation Name)
  • Joseph Sylvester  (Other Name)
Research Report Number: 2001-23

Importance: Aboriginal guide who contributed to the exploration and mapping of Newfoundland

Plaque(s)


Existing plaque: Bay d'Espoir Highway Conne River, Newfoundland and Labrador

Thanks to his knowledge and understanding of the natural world, Sylvester Joe, a Mi’kmaw, ensured the success of William Eppes Cormack’s expedition across Newfoundland in 1822. Their mapping and exploration efforts in the rugged interior, traversing a landscape not yet explored by Europeans, formed the basis for subsequent work by the Geological Survey of Newfoundland. With Sylvester Joe’s invaluable aid, the expedition amassed a great deal of information for future students of the island’s natural history.