Introduction

Despite a presence in Canada that dates back further than Samuel de Champlain's first voyage down the St. Lawrence River, people of African descent are often absent from Canadian history books.

There is little mention of the fact that slavery once existed in the territory that is now Canada, or that many of the Loyalists who came here after the American Revolution and who settled in the Maritimes were Black. Few Canadians are aware of the many sacrifices made in wartime by Black Canadian soldiers, as far back as the War of 1812.

Efforts to further promote Black Canadian History and Heritage

In December 1995, the Parliament of Canada officially recognized February as Black History Month, following a motion introduced by the first Black Canadian woman elected to Parliament, the Honourable Jean Augustine, M.P. of Etobicoke-Lakeshore, who at the time was Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister. The motion was carried unanimously by the House of Commons.

Parks Canada Black Canadian History and Heritage Portal

Many sites, persons and events of national significance related to Black history have been formally recognized by the Government of Canada as defining important aspects of Canada's diverse but common heritage and identity.

This Portal regroups Parks Canada’s material related to Black Canadian history and heritage in one location. Throughout, you will find:

• The listing of National Historic Sites, Persons and Events related to Black Canadians
• Virtual exhibit on Canada’s national historic designations
• Virtual exhibit and report on the underground railroad
• Curriculum-linked pedagogical resources
• Stories about Black Canadians in Canada’s history
• External links to discover more about Black Canadians’ heritage