Treatment of Enslaved Peoples

Previous | Exhibit Home | Next

In colonial Canadian society, enslaved people were considered property to be bought, sold, and owned. The enslavement of Black and Indigenous people was legitimized by law. This forced labour and enslavement helped to fuel the colonial economy.

The idea that Black and Indigenous people could be owned was grounded in white supremacy notions that they were inferior races. Slavery gave rise to racialization and race-based ideologies.

Enslaved people were dehumanized and seen as less than human. They were treated like chattel property, with no basic rights or freedoms. Some were willed to family members upon their enslaver's death.

“a Negroe Boy named George … [to his grandson John] until the said negroe arrives to the year the Law directs to receive his freedom, … also a Negroe Girl… named Jane… [to his granddaughter Catharine] which girl is to remain her property until discharged from her servitude as the law directs… [to his] son Andrew a Negroe Woman named Pat….”

Will of John Butler, June 11, 1796,
Archives of Ontario

Many enslaved Black people faced cruel and harsh treatment. Some enslaved men, women, and children experienced physical violence and incarceration as punishment. Enslaved Black women faced sexual violence at the hands of their enslavers and other men connected to their enslavers. Enslaved families were separated when some family members were sold to new enslavers. The treatment of enslaved Black people varied, but the idea that they were held as property highlights their overall social condition and treatment.

Click to see a larger image

Toronto Gaol, King Street East, south side at Leader Lane (1799-1827)
Toronto Public Library Archives

Whip, [ca. 1850]
Uncle Tom's Historic site

Previous | Exhibit Home | Next

In this Exhibit -