Type Archives | British Columbia’s Black Pioneers

Oberlin College Class Photo 1855

Oberlin College, originally called Oberlin Collegiate Institute until 1850, is a private liberal arts college in Oberlin, Ohio. In 1833, Presbyterian ministers John Jay Sipherd and Philo P. […]

View of Oberlin College 1865

Oberlin College, originally called Oberlin Collegiate Institute until 1850, is a private liberal arts college in Oberlin, Ohio. In 1835 it became the first predominantly white collegiate institution […]

Giscome Portage Trail

The original Giscome Portage Trail was only wide enough for foot passage; approximately 8.5 km (5 miles) long. It crosses the Continental Divide as the shortest route between […]

Map of British Columbia Gold Fields and Related Places

The map highlights • McDame Creek in Northern BC named after Henry McDame (circa 1859) • Giscome Portage Trail named after John Robert Giscome (circa 1863) • Barkerville […]

Map of North America showing Black migrations

Black migrations to Canada from the United States took place largely between 1780 and 1863. A provision in Canada’s 1793 Act to Limit Slavery stated that any enslaved […]

Central Saanich United Church formerly Shady Creek Church

Central Saanich United Church formerly known as Shady Creek Church, 7180 East Saanich Road, Vancouver Island. Charles Alexander initiated and assisted in the building of the original church […]

Black Businesses were HERE!

John Adams is an author, historian, and owner/operator of an historical walking tour company “Discover the Past” in Victoria Location: Lower Yates Street, Victoria BC. Many shops and […]

“I greatly admire Mifflin Gibbs” – Ron Nicholson

Ron Nicholson, long-term member including serving on the Board of the BC Black History Awareness Society, in interview format. Location: Ron is seated in the Mifflin Wistar Gibbs […]

“You Ain’t Gone” Adelene da Soul Poet

Adelene da Soul Poet is a spoken-word poet, her ancestors are Black Pioneers Location: Studio, black background. Adelene is seated on a stool, but the video is focused […]

“I’m a direct descendant of Charles and Nancy Alexander”

Karen Hoshal is a long-term member including serving on the Board for the BC Black History Awareness Society, in interview format. Location: Karen is seated on a piano […]

James Douglas scouts the site for Fort Victoria

John Adams is an author, historian, and he owns and operates a walking tour company “Discover The Past” that offers walking tours of Victoria. Location: On the south […]

“There are ample examples of discrimination”

Ron Nicholson, long-time member including serving on the Board of the BC Black History Awareness Society, in interview format. Location: Ron is seated on a park Bench at […]