A History Exposed: The Enslavement of Black People in Canada

A painting of a Black woman dressed in long skirts and a shawl. It is night time and she carries torch.

Marie-Josèphe Angélique (1705-1734) depicted by artist Marilyn Carr-Harris. Courtesy of Dr. Afua Cooper.

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 with guest curator Dr. Afua Cooper and in partnership with the Black Cultural Centre for Nova Scotia.

Dr. Afua Cooper holds up heavy iron shackles. 

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

$3,000 CAD for 12 weeks (transportation included).

Availability

As early as June 2025

Contact

Sara England, Curator, Temporary and Travelling Exhibitions
sengland@pier21.ca
902-425-7770 ext. 280

Schedule

VenueDate
Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21August to December 2024
Black Cultural CentreJanuary to May 2025
Museums of MississaugaSeptember 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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