How Winnipeg marked Canada's first Emancipation Day
August 1 marks the very first Emancipation Day in Canada, a day that recognizes the end of slavery in the British Empire.
On Sunday, key speakers and politicians gathered at the St. Norbert Art Centre to acknowledge emancipation.
Laurelle Harris, a lawyer specializing in anti-racism work, said the emancipation took place on August 1, 1834.
"So 187 years ago is when the emancipation of enslaved persons in Canada took place. Indigenous and Black peoples were both enslaved in Canada," said Harris.
On March 24, 2021, Canadian members of parliament voted unanimously to designate August 1 as Emancipation Day in Canada.
Harris said there's a lack of knowledge in our country about black history, Emancipation Day, and the effects of slavery in Canada.
"Black folks and Indigenous folks disproportionally suffer from unemployment, are disproportionally involved in the criminal justice system, are disproportionally involved in the child welfare system. Those are not consequences that come out of nowhere."
City Councillor Markus Chambers was another speaker at the event.
Not only is Chambers the first black city councillor in Winnipeg in 2018, but he was the first elected black politician in the province.
He said Emancipation Day is an opportunity to learn more about our past and the legacy of Canada.
"It doesn't have to define us. It is something that we do need to acknowledge and accept and move forward. That's the only way true reconciliation can happen."
Former Chief of Brokenhead First Nation, Jim Bear, spoke about the emancipation of Indigenous People in Canada.
He said at one point, there were more Indigenous slaves in Canada than there was black.
"We all know about 1492 and the alleged discovery of North America. Shortly after that, our people start to be shipped overseas," said Bear.
"The truth will hurt a lot of us on both sides, but with the truth comes freedom,"
Harris said we all have a role to play in reconciliation.
"Once we know our history, we can then understand how we are operating, or maybe doing things that are contributing to part of the problem."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
B.C. man used Bobcat as 'weapon' while chasing away homeless people, judge says
A B.C. man has been convicted of assault with a weapon after using a skid-steer Bobcat to chase two homeless people from his lawn, injuring one of them in the process.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Flat tire on a highway? Here's why you shouldn't try to fix it
If you're cruising down a highway and realize you have a flat tire, you may want to think twice before stopping to fix it on the side of the road.
Miss Teen USA steps down just days after Miss USA's resignation
Miss Teen USA resigned Wednesday, sending further shock waves through the pageant community just days after Miss USA said she would relinquish her crown.
'Nobody should be getting away with murder': Grieving mother speaks out after son killed in North Preston, N.S.
A grieving mother is speaking out after her 36-year-old son was shot and killed in North Preston, N.S., Wednesday night.