
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.
Places
Black Islanders: The Shephards
Cardigan, Prince Edward Island
The settlement of David and Keisha Shepard
Dembo Sickles and Planter Era Slavery
Montague, Prince Edward Island
Dembo Sickles arrived in the region in the 1760's and is believed to be buried here.
Memorial for the Forgotten – Highfield Cemetery
Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island
Commemoration to unmarked Black graves on Prince Edward Island.
Road Map
Cardigan, Prince Edward Island to Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island
Popular VisitLists
Civic Museums of Winnipeg
Winnipeg, Manitoba 5 places
Take a tour across the City of Winnipeg to explore the Civic Museums of Winnipeg!
View VisitList
Discover Transcona
Winnipeg, Manitoba 2 places
Explore the history of our community by visiting these two sites in Transcona.
View VisitList
Historic Places of Scenic Route 7
Agassiz, British Columbia to Mission, British Columbia 8 places
Get off the main drag, avoid the traffic, take in the sites, discover the heritage.
View VisitList
Gallery 78 in the Crocket House
Fredericton, New Brunswick 1 place
Explore the architecture of the late 19th century along the water in downtown Fredericton.
View VisitList