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
Familiar landmarks: heritage lighthouses in Canada
Victoria, British Columbia to 4 places
Stories about Canadian heritage lighthouses, their keepers and families.
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Atlantic Canada’s Hidden Histories
Shelburne, Nova Scotia to Fredericton, New Brunswick 40 places
geocaches that demonstrate the rich, diverse histories of Atlantic Canada.
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50 Great Saves: The Heritage Railway Stations Protection Act
Duncan, British Columbia to McAdam, New Brunswick 10 places
In 1990, the Heritage Railway Stations Protection Act came into effect after years of lobbying with the help of the National Trust for Canada. The act has granted over 150 railway stations federal legal protection across the country including the Duncan train station in Duncan, BC and the McAdam Railway Station in McAdam, New Brunswick.
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Afro-Nova Scotia
Halifax, Nova Scotia to Middle Sackville, Nova Scotia 9 places
The geography of Black urban Halifax and Windsor encompassing the waves of Black migration
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