Institutional racism and systemic segregation brought African American settlers to Canada in the early 1900’s. While a portion of Canadian attitudes at the time weren’t far from those espoused in the southern states, settlers persevered to establish and maintain the now historical community of Amber Valley, originally known as Pine Creek.
Black immigration banned
A photocopy of the Order banning black immigration for a period of one year from Sir Wilfrid Laurier, Canada’s seventh Prime Minister, dated Aug. 12, 1911.
Ban rescinded
A second order, dated Oct. 5, 1911, cancelling the order which banned black immigration to Canada months after the initial Order was approved.
Old news coverage
An old newspaper clipping featuring an article from July 17, 1913, about a black man charged with stealing $250. An old newspaper clipping featuring an article from July 17, 1913, about a black man charged with stealing $250.
An excerpt from Amber Valley coverage in the Athabasca Echo from July 15, 1938, uses questionable language to describe the efforts of the well-known Amber Valley and Donatville baseball team.
Another excerpt taken from an Aug. 5, 1938 paper describes pushback from Jeff Edwards around the paper’s use of derogatory terms to report on the Donatville baseball team.
Looking back
An article in the Herald Magazine, published Aug. 16, 1974, detailing the impact of black settlers on Alberta and western Canada.
Friday, the Calgary Herald Magazine’s spread on the immigration wave to Canada from the south in Aug. 1974.
The Athabasca Advocate’s 75th anniversary tribute to Amber Valley included photos and profiles of well-known locals and their achievements, as well as ads from businesses in the area celebrating the milestone.
