Joseph-Mathurin Bourg

Abbé Joseph-Mathurin Bourg (June 9, 1744 – August 20, 1797) was a Roman Catholic priest, a missionary and became a vicar general.

Bourg is often mentioned as the first Acadian priest. He was sent by his superiors to work in baie des Chaleurs in 1772. He learned the Mi'kmaq language and was greatly appreciated for his mediation efforts between Mi'kmaqs and white settlers. He lived in what is now Carleton and is responsible for the very first census of Carleton and Nouvelle.

The abbé's mediation efforts were appreciated by Sir Richard Hughes who in recognition gave him the Heron Island (located between Carleton and present day Charlo. However he never took possession of these lands, being busy with the congregation in Carleton and the Island was eventually given up for Loyalist settlers.

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