A History Exposed: The Enslavement of Black People in Canada

Discover a vital, often overlooked chapter of Canadian history. This thought-provoking exhibition invites you to learn, reflect, and engage with the stories of enslaved Black people and the legacies that continue to shape our society today.

When and where? 

The exhibition is held in the Market Wing Cultural Space at City Hall, 216 Ontario St. from Jan. 14 - May 22, 2026.

Opening hours

 Accessibility information 

• City Hall is located on Ontario Street, between Market Street and Brock Street.
• The location is fully accessible, including accessible restrooms and one non-gendered family restroom.  

About the Exhibition

For many, Canada’s story of slavery begins with the Underground Railroad but that is only part of the story.

A History Exposed: The Enslavement of Black People in Canada uncovers a deeper history that is often overlooked; over two centuries when Black people were enslaved in the territories that would later become Canada.

Through compelling biographies, archival records, and historical context, the exhibition explores:

• The global and local context of slavery in Canada
• The origins and lives of enslaved Black people
• The individuals and institutions who enslaved them
• The ongoing legacies of enslavement that shape Canada today

Presented through seven double-sided panels, A History Exposed invites visitors to confront a difficult but essential part of Canadian history, and to reflect on how the past continues to inform the present.

Please note: The exhibition contains images and text describing violence endured by enslaved peoples and includes documents with racist and colonialist language. This content may challenge and disturb visitors.

Adults with young children may wish to preview the exhibition beforehand.

About the Creators

A History Exposed: The Enslavement of Black People in Canada is a travelling exhibition created by the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21, in partnership with Dr. Afua Cooper and the Black Cultural Centre for Nova Scotia.

The Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21

Located in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Pier 21 is Canada’s national museum of immigration. The Museum shares the stories of newcomers who built Canada, exploring themes of migration, identity, belonging, and diversity.

As the gateway through which more than one million immigrants arrived in Canada between 1928 and 1971, the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 continues to explore both voluntary and forced migration experiences that have shaped the nation.

Dr. Afua Cooper

Dr. Afua Cooper is a leading scholar, author, and poet whose groundbreaking work has redefined the study of Black Canadian history. Her book The Hanging of Angélique — nominated for a Governor General’s Award — exposed the story of an enslaved Black woman executed in 1734 Montreal.

A founder of the Black Canadian Studies Association, Dr. Cooper also established Dalhousie University’s Black and African Diaspora Studies Minor. She continues to champion historical truth, social justice, and creative expression through her scholarship and art.

Additional resources

The exhibition identifies some of the social inequities and impacts of Anti-Black racism in Canada, which is rooted in racist ideologies established during the transatlantic slave trade. Today, statistics show that Black Canadians experience health and social inequities linked to processes of discrimination at multiple levels of society, including individual, interpersonal, institutional, and societal discrimination. For more information visit the Government of Canada website.

Credit

A History Exposed: The Enslavement of Black People in Canada Created by the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21, in partnership with Dr. Afua Cooper and the Black Cultural Centre for Nova Scotia.