Andrea L.

Vancouver, British Columbia

Vancouver Heritage Fair

How did those fleeing slavery in the Underground Railroad impact Canada today?

My project is on how African slaves escaping to Canada in the Underground railroad formed together Canada's society today. The pain that these slaves went through has changed North American thinking and perspective forever.

 

 

What was the most interesting thing you learned about your topic?

Per all shipping records to the United States during the Underground Railroad era, it's estimated that at least two million slaves were imported to the US. However, only about 100 000 of them escaped to Canada. Facts like this just tell me that thousands and thousands of innocent people can die throughout a horrific event in history.

What important lessons have you learned that you want to share with other Canadians?

Immigrants and refugees make up Canada. Without them, most of history would be blank. Some people think that the concept of slavery is bad (which it is), but, if this event in history never happened, it would be hard to imagine what life would be like now.

How would you compare your life today to the lives of those studied in your project?

For both me and those trying to run for their life in slavery times, I agree that we'd both want freedom. Unless we've done some bad things, everyone deserves the right to their own life. Everyone from the past, present, and future has a voice and impact on this world, and all voices are important.