The Government of Canada Commemorates the Black Pioneer Immigration to Alberta and Saskatchewan National Historic Event
News Release
May 13, 2017 Amber Valley, Alberta Parks Canada Agency
Today, Donna Zwicker, Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada Board Member, on behalf of the Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, Catherine McKenna, commemorated the Black Pioneer Immigration to Alberta and Saskatchewan National Historic Event and unveiled a Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada plaque at Amber Valley Cultural Centre in Amber Valley, Alberta.
The Government of Canada is committed to connecting Canadians to the significant events that contributed to our country’s rich history and heritage. Between 1908 and 1911, over 1,000 African Americans left the United States to settle in Saskatchewan and Alberta. Many came as families with their livestock and furniture, ready to establish themselves on their own land. Seeking refuge and freedom from the racial segregation that was taking place in the Southern United States, these Black settlers chose isolated areas in Saskatchewan and Alberta to build their own vibrant, active communities.
Despite the settlers’ desire to avoid conflict, some members of the white society in the prairies organized to stop Black immigrants from settling in Canada. The government responded to this lobbying by putting measures in place to effectively halt the flow of Black immigration to Canada until the 1960s. Though they endured the imbedded prejudice of North American society, these small groups of resilient Black settlers became successful farmers, formed independent communities, and left a lasting legacy on Western Canada.
Canada’s national parks, national historic sites and national marine conservation areas enable Canadians to experience their rich history and heritage in a special way and play a big part in the celebration of Canada 150. As part of the centennial of national historic sites, Parks Canada invites Canadians to be inspired and captivated by the stories of the people and events that shaped the Canada of today.
Quotes
“I am pleased that the history of Black pioneers who immigrated to Alberta and Saskatchewan is commemorated as an event of national historic significance. This event marked the country’s first experience with Black immigration en masse and commemorates the establishment of these courageous Black pioneers into the broader mosaic of Canada. As we celebrate the 150th anniversary of Confederation of our great nation, it is important for all of us to learn more about the people, places and events that have shaped our rich cultural and natural history.”
The Honourable Catherine McKenna
Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada
Quick Facts
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The Black pioneer Immigration to Alberta and Saskatchewan is an important episode in Canadian immigration history that led to an unofficial policy of exclusion that significantly reduced the numbers of Black people coming to Canada until the loosening of immigration restrictions in the 1960s.
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Many Black pioneers families travelled by train up through the United States to Canada. In Alberta, they established the largest community in Amber Valley (north of Edmonton), with smaller ones located in Breton (Keystone), Campsie, Lobstick Lake, and Junkins (Wildwood). In Saskatchewan, they formed settlements near Maidstone, Wilkie and in the Eldon district.
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Created in 1919, the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada advises the Minister of Environment and Climate Change regarding the national historic significance of places, people and events that have marked Canada’s history.
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Contacts
Robyn O'Neill
Partnering, Engagement & Communications Officer
Elk Island National Park
Parks Canada
1-54401 Range Road 203
Fort Saskatchewan
robyn.o'neill@pc.gc.ca
Media Relations
Parks Canada Agency
855-862-1812
pc.media@pc.gc.ca