A History Exposed: Enslavement of Black People in Canada

An older Black woman wearing an apron is surrounded by five white children. One child rests on her lap.

Canada’s connection to slavery is not just the Underground Railroad; Slavery played a significant role in the early settlement of Canada and its legacy can be seen and felt today.

  • Discover the experiences of enslaved Black people in Canada through individual biographies and archival records;
  • learn how slavery came to be in Canada; and
  • find out who were Canada’s enslavers.

Created by the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 with guest curator Dr. Afua Cooper

Content Highlights

  • Global context of slavery in Canada
  • Origins of enslaved Blacks in Canada
  • Identifying Canada’s enslavers
  • Culture, work, and experiences of enslaved peoples
  • Biographies of individuals who were enslaved
  • Legacies of slavery in Canada
Components
 7 lightweight, self-standing panels with text and images
Required Exhibition Space
700 square feet. Multiple configurations possible.
Languages
Bilingual (English and French)
Loan Fee
$2,500 CAD for 12 weeks (transportation included).
Availability
As early as June 2025

Contact

Sara England, Assistant Curator
sengland@pier21.ca
902-425-7770 ext. 280

Schedule

Venue Date
Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 August to December 2024
Black Cultural Centre January to May 2025
Museums of Mississauga September to December 2025

Museums Assistance Program

MAP provides financial assistance to Canadian museums and related institutions for the cost of borrowing travelling exhibitions. Find out more.

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