BCBHAS President, Silvia Mangue “The Importance of Including Black History in B.C. Curriculum and Heritage Programming” “… when we understand history and its subjects, we are better equipped to write laws and policies that are more equitable and just for all of us.” Read the article
British Columbia Resources
This BC Black History Timeline covers events in B.C. as well as some significant events in Canada, the United States and/or globally that had/is having an effect on Black settlement in BC and the experiences of Blacks in BC. The first settlers arrived in April 1858; however the first entry in the timeline is August 1, 1834 when slavery was abolished in the British Empire which included Canada.
Explore the timeline
“BC Black Pioneers: Influencing The Vision of Canada“ This BILINGUAL exhibit, designed and developed by BC Black History Awareness Society with investment from Digital Museums Canada, tells the story of the Black Pioneers who came to British Columbia starting around 1858. It includes 20 short stories, some with videos and more than 80 archival images and materials. Visit
“Challenging ‘Racist’ British Columbia: 150 Years and Counting”
Examines the historical thread of racism and how it connects to the racism that is ongoing. Individuals, educators, and policymakers can use this to amplify the diversity of voices and experiences in our movement and pathway forward. Co-authored by activists & scholars from diverse communities, this resource will assist anti-racist educators, teachers, scholars, and policymakers. Teachers Corner includes glossary, pre/post chapter questions and links to other resources. Enhanced Digital Edition and Videos
Canadian and other Province resources
Black History in Canada: This guide (pdf) explores events and personalities in Black Canadian history through discussion and interactive activities.
Black History timeline for Canada beginning in the 1600’s. “Black history did not begin in recent times in Canada, but in ancient times in Africa. People connected by their common African history and ancestry have created Black history here.” The first recorded person of African Heritage to come to what is now Canada, arrived in 1604. His name is Mathieu Da Costa who arrived with the French explorer Samuel de Champlain. Explore the timeline
Ontario: Teaching African-Canadian history: The goal of this site is “to share resources and provide support to educators striving to include the African Canadian experience across the curriculum with the aim of enriching the learning experiences of all students in the classroom.” The site is maintained by Natasha Henry, the president of the Ontario Black History Society. She is an educator, historian, and curriculum consultant, specializing in the development of learning materials that focus on the African Diasporic experience.
Nova Scotia: Education and Early Childhood Development, African Canadian Services Branch (ACSB): Dedicated to collaborating across the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development (EECD) with students, parents, families, community, education partners, and stakeholders to build a Nova Scotian education system that is equitable, culturally responsive, and a safe learning environment. Visit the site.
The ACSB was established in February of 1996 to implement the Department’s response to the Black Learners Advisory Committee (BLAC) BLAC Report on Education Some of the areas covered in the report include cultural education and self esteem, under-representation of Black teachers and administrators, need for multi-culturalism/anti-racist policies, learning-teaching resources, teacher education and professional development, school discipline, community and parent involvement. There are 120 recommendations.
def·i·ni·tion (noun) a statement of the exact meaning of a word
What does Anti-Black Racism mean? Is prejudice and racism the same? The Canadian Race Relations Foundation maintains a glossary with definitions of key concepts relevant to race relations, the promotion of Canadian identity, belonging and the mutuality of citizenship rights and responsibilities. We’ve selected some of the CRRF definitions that you will find here and a link to their complete glossary.
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Earn a BC Black History Awareness Society Certificate!
Photo Credits:
.Online, At Home: Photos by August de Richelieu from Pexels
.Classroom: Photo By CDC, Unsplash
.Children with Backpacks: Note Thanun, Unspash
.BC Black History Timeline ©BC Black History Awareness Society
.DMC Home Page: Images courtesy of City of Victoria Archives, Royal BC Museum and Archives, Salt Spring Island Archives, Collage designed by Beth Cruise, BC Black History Awareness Society
.Challenging ‘Racist’ BC: The book and its cover were designed by John Endo Greenaway using the painting Flight Through the Four Winds by Master Carver Ahtsik-sta Qwayachiik (Sanford Williams