When nuns first arrived in Quebec City, 378 years ago, they were trailblazers not just in coming to the New World, but in setting up hospitals and health care.
Three young nuns belonging to the Augustinian order arrived in Quebec on August 1, 1639, to build a hospital for indigenous people and European settlers.
Hotel Dieu de Quebec became the first hospital north of Mexico, and the Augustinian sisters went on to build a dozen hospitals in Quebec, all of which were eventually absorbed by the provincial health care system.
The first nurses and pharmacists in Canada were rarely recognized for their skills.
"Nuns often, especially in the early days, didn't have degrees, titles, doctor and so on, but at that time they contributed significantly, scientifically in a whole wide range of areas," said Nicole Neatby of the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada.
But now, that is changing, with the federal government issuing a plaque honouring the achievements of the Augustinian Sisters.
Sister Lise Tanguay, one of the roughly 100 nuns belonging to the order, said it's a proud moment.
"It's a great honour, and as we receive it we think of all of those who came before us, working hard in conditions that were not easy," said Tanguay.
Liberal MP Remi Massé was on hand for Tuesday's ceremony.
"Three hundred and seventy eight years history and contributions to the health of Canadians. These women had a vision. They were visionaries," said Massé.
At its peak 800 women were Augustinian nuns, but as members have aged and their numbers have dwindled, the nuns have closed half of their convents.
Six nunneries are still operating, and one is open to the public.
The Monastere des Augustines in the heart of Quebec's old city operates a hotel with a wellness retreat--part of the innovation and emphasis on holistic health the sisters have always encouraged.
"They didn't just contribute to their patients, they advanced science for the rest of Canada," said Neatby.
