The federal government has unveiled a plaque at the Bar U National Historic Site honouring black cowboy John Ware.

He's been recognized as a person of National Historic Significance.

Ware, a former slave came to Alberta in 1882.

The federal Minister of Parks, Steven Guilbeault, says in a release that Ware embodied the resilience and strength of black Canadians.

Ware worked at the Bar U ranch before settling his own ranch with his wife and their children.