Joseph-Henri Tabaret (12 April 1828 – 8 February 1886) was a French-born Roman Catholic Priest and academic, best known because of his long and important association with the University of Ottawa. He was a member of the Oblate Fathers of Mary Immaculate. The Oblates founded the College of Bytown in 1848. Under Tabaret's leadership from 1853–1861, Bytown College became an official university.

Joseph-Henri Tabaret
Born(1828-04-12)12 April 1828
Saint-Marcellin, France
Died8 February 1886(1886-02-08) (aged 57)
Ottawa, Ontario

He was rector (president) of Collège d'Ottawa / College of Ottawa from 1861–1864, 1867-1874 and 1877–1886. Rev. Joseph-Henri Tabaret, OMI, served the College for a total of 30 years during the 19th century, and is generally regarded as the builder of the University. Father Tabaret was an ardent defender of bilingualism, often heard to say: "...in this part of Canada, the use of both languages is not a matter of discussion; it is a matter of necessity."

A statue of Tabaret is on display at the University of Ottawa in front of Tabaret Hall. In May 2024, the statue was vandalized with red-orange paint, with "Colonizer" written in black under the statue. The act was speculated to have been done by pro-Palestinian protestors on the campus, as the statue resides close to encampments set up by protestors, but it is currently unknown whether the action was performed by one.[1][2]

References

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  • Halpenny, Francess G, ed. (1982). "Joseph-Henri Tabaret". Dictionary of Canadian Biography. Vol. XI (1881–1890) (online ed.). University of Toronto Press.
  1. ^ Mazloum, Toula (25 May 2024). "J.H. Tabaret statue at uOttawa vandalized". CTV News. Retrieved 28 May 2024.
  2. ^ "Paint splashed on statue of uOttawa founder J.H. Tabaret". Ottawa Citizen. 25 May 2024. Retrieved 28 May 2024.
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Academic offices
Preceded by Rector of the College of Bytown/College of Ottawa
1853–1864
Succeeded by
Preceded by Rector of the College of Ottawa
1867–1874
Succeeded by
Preceded by Rector of the College of Ottawa
1877–1886
Succeeded by