Edmonton Alberta, Vancouver, Ashley Yeates

Edmonton Alberta, Vancouver, Ashley Yeates

Benton Public School, Campsie, Debbie Beaver

The History of Campsie, Alberta

Campsie, another notable Black settlement in Alberta, shares a similar history of perseverance and community building. Settled around the same time as Amber Valley, Campsie attracted African American families who sought to escape the systemic racism of the southern United States. These settlers faced numerous challenges, including harsh climatic conditions and the difficulty of establishing agricultural livelihoods in unfamiliar territory. Despite these obstacles, the residents of Campsie, like those of Amber Valley, succeeded in creating a vibrant community with strong social and cultural institutions.

The importance of preserving and sharing the stories of Amber Valley, and Campsie cannot be overstated. They highlight the significant contributions of Black Canadians and the systemic challenges they faced, providing a more comprehensive and truthful account of Canada’s history. These narratives honour the legacies of the Black pioneers who helped shape these regions, ensuring their contributions are not forgotten. By integrating the histories of these communities into the broader Canadian narrative, we pay tribute to the past and inspire future generations to continue advocating for social justice and recognizing the diverse fabric of Canadian heritage. These stories serve as enduring reminders of the resilience, courage, and determination of Black Canadians in the face of adversity.

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Did you know?

1900 – Campsie was settled in the early 1900s when hundreds of African-Americans, fleeing escalating violence of newly enacted Jim Crow laws, left the United States and settled in the Canadian Prairies.

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Interviews

Musical Griots

The History of Amber Valley in pictures

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