
Why did we come to Canada?
About this theme
This theme shows people talking about their decisions to immigrate to Canada. Many state that political and economic pressures were compelling.
Refugees from U.S. slavery cross the Detroit River
Refugees from U.S. slavery cross the Detroit River
1952
Excerpt (0:51)
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> Ontario | Refugees | Racism | Black people | Social action
Windsor, Ontario was an important Canadian entry point for refugees from American slavery. The Detroit River was a line of the Underground Railway, particularly after 1850. Black people arriving in Canada brought African-American culture with them and encountered new challenges. This sequence shows a theatrical re-enactment of escape. Surrounded by fog, three Black people cross the river by rowboat.






