Black History and Canada
CW Slavery, Racism, Colonization
As a child I didn't know there was a black history in Canada. Even when I did learn about it, the stories were always about American oppression that Canada was the saving grace.
HA!
Today we will discuss the history of slavery in Canada, the first reported race riot in North America and the destruction of Africville as just some examples of Canada’s difficult Black History.
In 1705 Slavery was legalized in France this was law throughout the French colonies including New France which covered a great deal of Turtle Island. Most salves were Indigenous people and there are records of black slaves in the region now known as Canada. Slavery continued when the British Conquered New France in 1763, though shifted to more “owning” of Black people.
In the late 1700s the British colonies of upper Canada were slowly shifting away from slavery with laws that allowed the lawmakers to keep their slaves but move away from the practice. It is important to note that slavery has not ceased to exist in Canada and human trafficking enslaves Black and Indigenous people at higher rates than white people today.
The end of legalized slavery did not mean Black people were free from oppression and racial tensions were high as Black people settled in Canada, often escaping from Slavery in the United States. The first reported race riot was in Canada in Shelburne County Nova Scotia in 1784 when 40 white loyalists broke into the homes of 21 Black people in Birchtown resulting in a 10 day long riot.
Again, Canadian history was not so kind to Black people for longer than was taught to us. One exemplifying story is in 1964 when the Halifax City Council voted to relocate the community they had under supported and was largely represented by Black residents, Africville. The destruction of Africville took several years, some residents could prove they owned the land but were given $500 to relocate but there were reports of bribery and intimidation to force those out who didn’t want to leave. In 1970 the community was destroyed. In 1980 the Africville Genealogy Society was formed and it took until 2010 for a public apology to be made by the mayor of Halifax and compensation to be paid.
In each of these instances inspiring groups fought back, demanded to be seen, heard and respected leading to change. This is part of the importance of Black History month as many have worked hard to erase these stories and paint Canada in a friendlier light. Something that continues today as Black people continue to face descrimination, violence and hate in Canada.
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