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
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