The purpose of this Guide is to enhance your students' knowledge and appreciation of the Black Canadian experience, drawing from Lawrence Hill's award-winning historical fiction, The Book of Negroes, the remarkable journey of Aminata Diallo and the historic British document known as the "Book of Negroes." Structured around themes of journey, slavery, human rights, passage to Canada and contemporary culture, this Guide asks students to examine issues of identity, equality, community, and nation-building in both a historical and contemporary context.
Today, and every day, we recognize the powerful words of Black Canadian authors who have provided insight into both the struggles and triumphs of their community, through the power of words and literary imagery.
We also recognize that these communities have been speaking out for decades about how Black people experience anti-Black racism in Canada. It’s time to listen: racism is not up for debate – it is deeply entrenched in the systems and structures in the Canada of today.
We invite you to check out Amnesty Canada’s Book Club resource guide below on ways you can celebrate Black History today and beyond.
2021 marked the 25th anniversary since The Honourable Jean Augustine introduced the motion to make February, Black History Month in Canada. Alongside Augustine, many Black Canadians have played an important role in shaping our country’s history, all while facing much discrimination and racism. Although such achievements should be recognized year-round, this month is a time to honour the legacy of Black Canadians and reflect on the many contributions they have made to our country. Brightspark has compiled a list of teacher resources to help you do just this! Find videos, podcasts, activities and more designed to celebrate Canada’s Black heritage and introduce diverse learning in the classroom.
Read the biographies of some notable Black Canadians who have helped shape Canadian heritage and identity, and who have made and continue to make enormous contributions to the wellbeing and prosperity of our country.
The Canadian Encyclopedia has curated a collection of featured articles, timelines, quizzes and video resources that can be used for a variety of grade levels.
We have divided this list into two, beginning with more traditional picture books, and moving into Anthologies and Middle-Grade books. Books that serve as Anthologies and include many short biographical profiles may still be absolutely appropriate for younger readers when used in bite-size parts.
Curated by Natasha Henry Dixon, this bank of lesson plans is a great place to get started when lesson planning for Black Focused Courses at both the elementary and secondary levels.
Founded in 2013, By Blacks Magazine has been empowering self-identified Black Canadian writers to cover topics ranging from new Black Canadian entrepreneurs, Black Canadian business profiles, Black Canadian history, and profiles on Black Canadian artists.
If you're a teacher or educator looking for classroom content for Black History Month, CBC's educational portal Curio.ca has released a new Black on the Prairies teacher's guide.
Through audio, video and online formats, Black on the Prairies explores the history and present lives of Black people on the Prairies through their triumphs and challenges. Other resources are also available on this website.
This edition of Kayak, featuring guest co-editor Natasha Henry-Dixon, shares some amazing stories and examples of the ways Black Canadians built and shaped this country. Not only will you get the same great stories as the original, we’ve added three new articles featuring people who have helped preserve and promote Black history, Black women’s organizations with long histories, and we will introduce you to Canadians with Afro-Indigenous heritage.
This bank of resources was curated by teacher librarians Jonelle St. Aubyn, Rachel Luke and Christina Niro for use by classroom educators and BSA leaders.