Black farming settlements in Canada
February 28th 2018. 18:00 to 20:30Presentation by Abena Offeh-Gyimah exploring Black farming settlements in Canada
February 28, 6:00-8:30
Black Creek Community Farm
4929 Jane St
Black farmers have a long history in Canada going as far back as Guysborough, Nova Scotia in the late 1700’s; Buxton, Queen Bush, and Dresden in Ontario in the mid-to-late 1800’s; and Amber Valley, among other smaller communities, in Alberta in the early 1900’s.
However. very few studies have examined and analyzed the historical role of Blacks in Canadian agriculture.Very little studies have examined and analyzed the historical role of Blacks in agriculture. The stark gaps in history speak to how Black farmers are socially and culturally positioned as minority among Canadian farmers and the lack of representation and participation in decision making. Exploring and examining Black farming settlements in Canada is an opportunity to discuss meanings attributed to land are grounded in the history of race, class, gender, and culture.
This presentation is meant to be conversational, and an opportunity to discuss tensions and opportunities in the food movement, by asking ongoing questions of who can access and own land? How does land ownership play a role in the practice of racial exclusion? There are more questions than answers, looking forward to the conversation.
RSVP to blackcreek@everdale.org as space is limited.