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A workshop at Brock this week will delve into the role of African Canadians in the War of 1812 – a topic researchers say is underrepresented in scholarly and popular literature.<\/p>\n
“We Stand on Guard for Thee: African Canadians in the War of 1812,” takes place at the University from Thursday, May 10 to Friday, May 11, in Pond Inlet.<\/p>\n
The event is co-sponsored by the Harriet Tubman Institute<\/a> at York University in co-operation with the Department of History<\/a> at Brock, the Central Ontario Network for Black History and the St. Catharines Museum<\/a>.<\/p>\n The workshop will provide a forum for scholars, students, educators, historians and members of the public to explore the important role played by African Canadians in the last war fought on Canadian soil.<\/p>\n The gathering will also showcase a new web-based project to help children “virtually” experience the history surrounding the Underground Railroad, the first phase of which will be unveiled by the Hon. Jean Augustine, Fairness Commissioner for Ontario.<\/p>\n Wilma Morrison, an Order of Ontario recipient, will be an honorary patron at the event. Morrison, a local historian, curator, advocate and educator of black history in Niagara, received an honorary degree from Brock in 2010.<\/p>\n The opening reception on May 10 at 6:30 p.m., will feature the Honorable James J. Bradley, Deputy Government Leader of the House and Environment Minister for Ontario; Brian McMullan, Mayor of St. Catharines; Paul Dyster, Mayor of Niagara Falls, New York; Brian Merrett, CEO of the War of 1812 Legacy Council for Niagara; and Bonnie Rose, Executive Vice-President of Niagara University.<\/p>\n Guest speaker Gareth Newfield of the Canadian War Museum will present “Free Men of Colour: The Coloured Corps during the War of 1812,” followed by a musical performance by Diana Braithwaite and Chris Whitely. The launch of Conestogo Bound: Black Pioneers of Wellington County, an original film by Queen’s Bush pioneer descendant Diana Braithwaite, will conclude the evening.<\/p>\n Friday’s workshops will discuss topics including the Coloured Corps stationed at Fort George in Niagara-on-the-Lake, the wartime experience of Black women and children, African Canadian service in the battle for the Great Lakes and on the high seas, and the post-war migration to Maritime Canada of the so-called “Black Refugees,” some 2,000 African Americans who fought on the British side in the War of 1812.<\/p>\n Also on Friday, Jean Augustine will launch Breaking the Chains: Presenting a New Narrative for Canada’s Role in the Underground Railroad. The web-based project includes 24 original biographies of people who came to Canada in search of freedom before the U.S. Civil War.<\/p>\n This event is made possible by funding provided by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC).<\/p>\n