The History of Black Settlements in Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan’s history is often associated with European settlers, but Black pioneers also played a significant role in shaping the province. Despite facing systemic racism and harsh living conditions, Black settlers established vibrant communities in the early 20th century.
Early Black Migration to Saskatchewan
The early 1900s saw an influx of Black settlers to the Canadian Prairies, primarily from the United States. Many were drawn by Canada’s promise of free homesteads under the Dominion Lands Act. The largest group came from Oklahoma, where increasing segregationist policies and threats of violence pushed them to seek a new home. Between 1905 and 1912, hundreds of Black families settled in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba (Mensah, 2010).
The Shiloh Community
Shiloh People, c. 1910, SaskCulture.
One of the most well-documented Black settlements in Saskatchewan was the Shiloh community near Maidstone. Around a dozen families, primarily from Oklahoma, settled there in 1910. They built homes, established farms, and constructed the Shiloh Baptist Church, which became the center of their community. Today, the Shiloh Baptist Cemetery, where many of the original settlers are buried, is a historic site (Shepard, 1997).
Challenges Faced by Black Settlers
Black settlers in Saskatchewan faced significant discrimination. The Canadian government, under pressure from white citizens, attempted to discourage Black immigration. In 1911, an order-in-council was drafted (but never passed) that would have explicitly banned Black immigration to Canada (Walker, 1980). Additionally, Black settlers endured racism from neighbors, as well as economic hardships due to the region’s challenging farming conditions.
Decline of Black Settlements
Over time, many Black settlers left Saskatchewan. Factors such as economic difficulties, isolation, and continued racial discrimination led younger generations to seek opportunities in larger cities such as Edmonton, Calgary, and Vancouver. By the mid-20th century, few remained in rural Saskatchewan, and the once-thriving Black farming communities gradually disappeared (Korneski, 2014).
Legacy and Preservation
Though many Black settlements in Saskatchewan no longer exist, their legacy is preserved through historical research, museums, and cultural initiatives. The Shiloh Baptist Cemetery, for example, stands as a testament to the perseverance of Black settlers. Organizations such as the Saskatchewan African Canadian Heritage Museum work to ensure this history is not forgotten.
The contributions of Black settlers to Saskatchewan’s history remain an essential part of the province’s multicultural heritage. Recognizing their struggles and achievements helps to create a more complete understanding of Canada’s past.
References
Korneski, K. (2014). Race, Empire, and the Canadian State: Black Migration to the Canadian Prairies, 1905–1912. Journal of Canadian Studies.
Mensah, J. (2010). Black Canadians: History, Experiences, and Social Conditions. Fernwood Publishing.
Shepard, R. (1997). Deemed Unsuitable: Blacks from Oklahoma Move to the Canadian Prairies. Umbrella Press.
Walker, J. W. (1980). A History of Blacks in Canada: A Study Guide for Teachers and Students. Minister of State, Multiculturalism.