The Practice of Slavery in Canada

Grade 7: History: British North America

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Historical Background

Slavery in Canada

Britain’s and France’s involvement in the Transatlantic Slave Trade began in the 1500s and expanded with the establishment of their colonies in North America and the Caribbean. In 1713, British slavers became the main traders of Africans when they won the assiento from Spain. The assiento was permission given by the Spanish government to sell slaves in the Spanish colonies. The captured Africans were exported to British colonies in North America, South America, the Caribbean, and Britain itself. There is no evidence of either British or French slave ships landing in Canada, but we know that slaves lived in Canada and that they were often purchased in other slave markets and brought here either by their owners or by merchants.

Slavery was part of Canada’s early development, starting with the enslavement of Aboriginal peoples. Enslaved Aboriginal people were called Panis because it was the Panis (or Pawnee) tribe from which most of them came. Slaves were needed to work in the developing industries of fishing, mining, and forestry, but Panis were sometimes difficult to control so the colonists began to use Africans as a source of free labour.  French settlers imported and used enslaved Africans as early as 1628.  The enslavement of Africans existed in Canada for just over 200 years.

During the French regime, the majority of enslaved people were Aboriginals. However, when New France came under the control of Britain in 1760, the overwhelming number of enslaved people were of African descent.

King Louis XIV gave approval for the purchase and use of enslaved Africans on May 1, 1689. Then in 1709, Intendant Jacques Raudot declared that slavery was legal in New France:

Canada’s early nation building depended on slavery, albeit on a smaller scale. The inhabitants of New France brought enslaved Africans to work in the fur trade, in mining and fishing, and to clear and farm the land. Many also worked as domestics in households. Under British rule, settlers also benefited from the free labour of enslaved Africans in a variety of capacities, as well as through the import and use of slave-produced goods and by profiting from the sale of products like cod and timber that were transported along the Transatlantic Slave Routes to plantations in the Caribbean.

Slavery was institutionalized, meaning it was supported by the government and protected by laws in New France and British North America.  When Britain gained control of Acadia in 1713, under the Treaty of Utrecht, more enslaved Africans were brought into the new province of Nova Scotia from New England by White settlers. When Britain conquered the French forces in 1760, the Treaty of Paris was signed between the two powers.  Article 47 of the Articles of Capitulation acknowledged and recognized Canadians’ right to continue to own slaves:

After the American Revolution, there was an increase in Canada’s African population, both enslaved and free. Hundreds of enslaved Africans came with the migration of United Empire Loyalists in 1783, such as those who arrived in St. Armand, Quebec with Loyalist Phillip Luke. Others, known as Black Loyalists, were freed and brought to Nova Scotia where they established free communities. The Imperial Act of 1790, which encouraged the immigration of more White settlers into British North America, also allowed those settlers to bring their “Negroes, household furniture, utensils of husbandry, or cloathing…” The settlers used enslaved Africans to develop Canada’s agricultural industry– to clear land and plant, cultivate, and harvest crops. Enslaved Africans also worked in various industries and as household servants.

Because of Canada’s climate of long, cold winters, the duties of enslaved Africans in Canada differed somewhat from those of their Caribbean and American counterparts. The growing season was shorter in Canada, so slaves performed farming activities for a shorter part of the year. The rest of the year enslaved Africans worked as house servants or were hired out by their owners as skilled and unskilled labourers. They also worked in towns and cities in hotels, taverns, and other businesses.

Enslaved Africans were owned by Europeans from all levels of society: merchants, farmers, military men such as Colonel John Butler, the commanding officer of Butler’s Rangers, members of the clergy and government officials. Peter Russell, the Receiver General of Upper Canada and member of Lieutenant-Governor Simcoe’s Executive Council, owned a family of six enslaved Africans. William Jarvis, Upper Canada’s Provincial Secretary, also owned numerous enslaved Africans. Solicitor General Robert I.D. Gray owned enslaved Africans, as well as did well-known Aboriginal Chief, Joseph Brant.

Treatment

Slavery was socially accepted throughout the British colonies. Blacks were regarded as less than human. In fact, enslaved Africans were legal chattel, sold as property along with livestock and household items.

Enslaved Africans in Upper Canada experienced both humane and cruel masters, just like their counterparts in the Caribbean and the United States. Various methods of punishment were used against enslaved Africans. Some were whipped. Others, like Peggy Pompadour, were jailed for running away. Jupiter, her son, was held in a truss in a storehouse for a day. A few were even hanged.

In some instances slaves received benevolent treatment. For example, a number of slaves were taught to read and write at the expense of their owner. Peter Russell, for example, paid a schoolmaster to teach the son of one of his slaves to read and write. Robert I.D. Gray freed his slave, Dorinda, and her children upon his death. Gray also awarded her and her sons land and money. He even purchased Dorinda’s mother’s freedom and brought her to Upper Canada.

Resistance

Enslaved African men and women reacted to and resisted their status and treatment in a myriad of ways. There were many who ran away. Ads for these runaways can be found in the early newspapers of New France and Upper Canada. Ironically, a number of enslaved Africans even escaped to free northern territory in the United States. In 1734, Marie Josephe Angélique staged a public display of her objection to being sold when she allegedly set fire to her mistress’ home, inadvertently causing 46 buildings to burn down. She was charged, tried, found guilty of this crime and subsequently tortured and hanged. One enslaved African took his master to court, citing illegal enslavement.

Another form of resistance was truancy. Slave women often left for short periods. It was far more difficult for them to escape permanently since they did not wish to leave their children behind. Peggy Pompadour, who was owned by Peter Russell, absented herself all too frequently from his household. She was jailed for this behaviour. Enslaved people also resisted by lying and inventing schemes and excuses to avoid work or to get their own way. Elizabeth Russell (the sister of Peter Russell) kept a diary in which she described Peggy and her children as lazy and insolent, and accused them of lying and stealing.

Enslaved Africans were pioneers just like the European settlers arriving in Canada. The enslavement of Africans in Upper Canada was restricted in 1793 when Lieutenant-Governor John Graves Simcoe enacted a law banning the importation of slaves and which allowed for the gradual abolition of the children of enslaved people. Britain’s involvement in the Transatlantic Slave Trade continued until 1807, although the practice of slavery continued until 1834, when it was abolished across the British Empire.

Slavery in Upper Canada Comprehension Questions

1. In what year did Britain become the main trader of enslaved Africans? What is the name of the agreement that gave them control?
2. Who were the first enslaved people in early Canada? Why did Colonists stop using their labour?
3. How long were enslaved Africans used in early Canada?
4. Which government official of New France gave the first approval for the use of enslaved Aboriginals and Africans?
5. List the work that enslaved people did in New France and later in Upper Canada.
6. How did the 47th Article of Capitulation support the continuation of the enslavement of Africans?
7. Why did the population of enslaved Africans and free Blacks increase after 1783?
8. Why did the practice of slavery differ from that in the Caribbean and the United States?
9. What kinds of people in Upper Canada enslaved Africans?
10. Enslaved Africans were legal property. Find and use support from the ‘Historical Background’ handout to prove this statement.
11. Identify some of the ways that enslaved Africans resisted their condition.
12. Who enacted a law preventing the importation of newly enslaved Africans?
13. What system ended in 1807?
14. When was the practice of slavery abolished in all British colonies?

Video Analysis Questions for “Becoming a Slave in Canada”

1. Which waterway was used to import enslaved Africans into Canada?
2. Most enslaved Africans entered Canada via the northern United States. How do you think they were transported?
3. How did Marie Josephe Angélique resist her enslavement? How was she punished?
4. Where were the enslaved Africans owned by the Luke family of St. Armand, Quebec buried? How do you think this evidence was obtained?
5. Historian Dorothy Williams notes that, “most slaves in Canada have been forgotten.” Why does she say that?
6. Describe the work performed by the enslaved Africans owned by the Luke family. How did they forcibly participate in the Triangular Trade?
7. Why does Hank Avery want to recognize the unknown enslaved Africans? Do you agree? Why or why not?

Student Activity Package: Slavery in Upper Canada

Your Task

Using the ‘Historical Background’ handout, notes from the video analysis, and information from additional research, your group will design a memorial in tribute to the Luke family slaves.

Designing a Memorial

In your group, brainstorm on the ideas, feelings, and messages you would like your memorial to communicate. Then decide on the kind of memorial your group will create.

Your memorial plans should include the following:

• A sketch of the design and a physical description, size specifications, colours, and building materials
• A proposed location for your memorial and an explanation of why this is the best location
• How your memorial captures the experiences and contributions of enslaved Africans in Upper Canada
• Information from at least three historical sources that helped inspire the design

Once your group has completed its plans, present them to the class for feedback and suggestions.

Your group will then create a model of your memorial using materials of your choice. Write a description of your model.

A chosen member of your group will share your memorial with the class. Submit your written description of the ideas that support your memorial.