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
What to know about avian influenza in dairy cows and the risk to humans
Why is H5N1, or bird flu, a concern, how does it spread, and is there a vaccine? Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about avian influenza.
'I was scared': Ontario man's car repossessed after missing two repair loan payments
An Ontario man who took out a loan to pay for auto repairs said his car was repossessed after he missed two payments.
opinion The special relationship between King Charles and the Princess of Wales
Royal commentator Afua Hagan writes that when King Charles recently admitted Catherine to the Order of the Companions of Honour, it not only made history, but it reinforced the strong bond between the King and his beloved daughter-in-law.
New Norad commander calls Canada's defence policy update 'very encouraging'
American troops will be spending more time training in the Far North, the new commander of Norad says, a strategy that fits 'hand-in-glove' with Canada's renewed focus on Arctic defence.
$70M Lotto Max winners kept prize a secret from family for 2 months
During a special winner celebration near their hometown, Doug and Enid shared the story of how they discovered they were holding a Lotto Max ticket worth $70 million and how they kept this huge secret for so long.
Are Canadians getting sick from expired food?
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
Documents reveal Ottawa's efforts to get Loblaw, Walmart on board with grocery code
It was evident to the federal government as early as last fall that Loblaw and Walmart might be holdouts to the grocery code of conduct, jeopardizing the project's success.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Improve balance and build core strength with this exercise
When it comes to cardiovascular fitness, you may tend to focus on activities that move you forward, such as walking, running and cycling.