Black Islanders

Canadians collective myth is of our nation as the land of freedom, and the terminus of the Underground Railroad. But before 1833, as part of British North America (BNA), slavery was not only legal here, but many relied on enslaved labour and enslaved people and actively supported the institution. Prince Edward Island is unique in BNA as having enacted “positive law” to legislate slavery under colonial law. As a result, Blacks on the island lived in dreadful conditions. Despite this, Black people exhibited a resilience that manifests in their descendants, who have not forgotten who they are, and proudly hold on to their past.

Image courtesy of the “Prince Edward Islands Black Islanders” facebook group.