BLACK HISTORY MONTH FEBRUARY

PRESERVING OUR HERITAGE

AGENDA Black History Month Saskatchewan African Canadian Heritage Museum Inc (SACHM) United States Canada Saskatchewan Growing Up in Saskatchewan

BLACK HISTORY MONTH The proud legacy of black Canadians goes back to the early beginnings of Canadian history. The great sacrifices and tremendous contributions of their community have helped to create the Canada of today.

BLACK HISTORY MONTH United States (began 1976) and Canada (began 1995) in February and the United Kingdom in October (began 1987). Former politician Canadian, the Honourable Jean Augustine put the motion forward in the House of Commons in Canada formally recognized February as Black History Month at that time.

February 6, 2014 — The Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister for Multiculturalism, issued the following statement after the official launch event for Black History Month at the Canadian War Museum "Every February, Canadians mark Black History Month, an important annual celebration of the accomplishments of Canadians who trace their family heritage to Africa and the Caribbean.

"This year, as we mark the 100th anniversary of the beginning of the First World War and the 75th anniversary of the beginning of the Second World War, Black History Month provides an opportunity to recognize the efforts of black Canadian soldiers during these wars, and in other military campaigns.

WW11 GLEN & EARL LA FAYETTE

SACHM HERITAGE

SACHM Founded in Feb 2001 Incorporated in May 2004 Member organization of:  MCoS,  SaskCulture and  Museum Association of Saskatchewan (MAS) SACHM membership includes organizations and individuals

SACHM’S VISION, MISSION AND VALUES Vision Statement :Equal partners in the heritage and development of Saskatchewan. Mission Statement :To preserve and celebrate the heritage of African-Canadians in Saskatchewan. Values Statement: * Inclusiveness * Equal Human dignity * Perseverance and contributions * Growth through the grace of God

EARLY AFRICAN- CANADIAN MIGRATION IN SASKATCHEWAN A Century of Community

DR ALFRED SCHMITZ SHADD

* 1896 – Alfred Schmitz Shadd comes to Nipawin from Ontario. * Shadd is the grandson of Abraham Doras Shadd, an influential activist in Ontario * Shadd’s heritage is from the United States where his family were free and came to Canada in * Alfred was a teacher, doctor, pharmacist, newspaper owner, farmer, and politician.

WHERE THEY CAME FROM

JAMES, SLAVE OF WILLIAM ARMISTEAD Armistead was given permission by his master to join the revolutionary cause. In 1781, he joined the army and was put in service under the Marquis de Lafayette, who was desperately trying to fight the chaos caused in Virginia by turncoat soldier Benedict Arnold. * His forces diminished by British Gen. Charles Cornwallis' troops, Lafayette needed reliable information about enemy movements.

* Armistead began his work posing as an escaped slave, entering Arnold's camp as an orderly and guide. * Armistead was able to travel freely between both sides. One day, he discovered that the British naval fleet was moving 10,000 troops to Yorktown, Va. * Using the intricate details Armistead provided, Lafayette & George Washington lay siege to the town, crippling the British military and resulting in their surrender on Oct. 19, 1781.

Despite his critical actions, Armistead had to petition the Virginia legislature for his freedom. Lafayette assisted him by writing a recommendation for his freedom, which was granted in In gratitude Armistead adopted LaFayette's surname and lived as a farmer in Virignia until his death in 1830

JAMES ARMISTEAD LA FAYETTE

1906 Lewis, Helena, Ernest & Goldie (Joseph) arrived in Regina. Lewis had sent money for land, but no one reported receiving the money. Lived on North Winnipeg St.

Karl Hans is born in Homer Rueben is born in Anne is born Lewis has been homesteading since 1908.

Lewis travels to McGee, Herschel, Anglia, Fiske, area to homestead. Homesteads on S ½ Section 9, Township 30, Range 17 West of 3 rd Meridian

MAIDSTONE AREA

1910 Edmond & Texanna Jemison arrive from Oklahoma. Name becomes Jamerson as no one can read or write. Settle in Amber Valley, then North Battleford

STRUGGLE AND SURVIVAL Migration from Oklahoma territory to Saskatchewan Fight against racist federal legislation preventing black immigrants Realities of climate and settlement Reaction from surrounding community Impact on education and religion Legacy of early African-Canadian settlement

GOVERNMENT INTERVENTION Order in Council, August 12, 1911: His excellency in Council, invirtue of the provisions of sub-section (c) of Section 38 of the Immigration Act, is pleased to Order and it is hereby ordered as follows: For a period of one year from and one year after the date hereof the landing in Canada shall be and the same is prohibited of any immigrants belonging to the Negro race, which race is deemed unsuitable to the climate and requirements of Canada.

THE SHILOH CHURCH

SCHOOL 1913, petition for the creation of a local school district Shiloh community split, largely in favour of an inclusive school Local white community favoured segregation Appeal to the Department of Education 1915, MLA P. Lyle creates segregated school By 1920s, school became integrated

LAFAYETTE FAMILY C.1924

1932 Karl & Rose are married. Live near the homestead Have 8 children, all born on farm except 2 nd child, Karl with family returns to Regina after death of Rose.

COMMUNITY AND FAMILY

LEGACY

BUILDING A LEGACY OF AN INCLUSIVECOMMUNITY IN REGINA THROUGH PUBLIC ART AND HERITAGE

INTRODUCTION The Honouring Tree Project is a life giving legacy that celebrates diversity Who we are - the Saskatchewan African Canadian Heritage Museum (SACHM) & partners Our vision is to honour all our pasts, and build new relationships Invitation to join ~ let’s discover our future together “From Many Peoples Strength” Saskatchewan’s motto

LEGACY ACTIVITIES Hold an Annual Family Walkathon every last Saturday in June Project invitation to schools during the Education Week in September To become a Tourist site SACHM plans annual indoor activities in December

OUR VALUES AND PRINCIPLES OUR VALUES AND PRINCIPLES All are equal and have a contribution to make No barrier should impede anyone from participating fully The future is full of hope for all of us

WHAT CAN YOU DO?  Tell others about this project  Plan events relating to the Honouring Tree and what it represents

WHAT INSPIRES US? “Through many dangers, toils and snares...we have already come. T'was Grace that brought us safe thus far...and Grace will lead us home… when we allow freedom to ring, when we let it ring from every village and every hamlet, from every state and every city”. Martin Luther King

“For to be free is not to merely cast off one’s chains, but live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others”. Nelson Mandela