May 26, 2021

Treaty 1 Territory, Homeland of the Métis Nation, Winnipeg MB— Yesterday Jamie Moses, NDP MLA for St. Vital, and one of the first Black MLAs to be elected into the Manitoba Legislature, introduced a bill that will recognize August 1st as Emancipation Day in Manitoba.

“Emancipation Day is about celebrating freedom,” said Moses, “it is about learning and understanding the history of Slavery in Canada and Manitoba. It is time for us to recognize the role that the Black enslaved people played in building Manitoba, as well as their descendants, who continue to make this great community better. If we understand more and recognize this history, we can begin to reflect on the present-day struggle for equality.”

Emancipation Day is observed on August 1st by the Black community. It celebrates the abolishment of slavery in Canada on August 1, 1834. The day also serves as a reminder that Black History is rich in Manitoba. The contributions of Black immigrants from those who have recently arrived to those who have called Manitoba home for generations, show the strength and resilience of the Black community and make Manitoba what it is today. Recognizing August 1 st as Emancipation Day is an important step towards reconciliation so that we can build a more inclusive future.