“Every dream begins with dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, 

the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world.”

      -Harriet 

Tubman

Black Canadian Women – A Legacy of Strength

With the attached poster and curriculum resource, the Elementary Teachers’ Federation 

of Ontario encourages you to celebrate the strength of Black Canadian women in the 

development and creation of Canadian culture and identity.   We have chosen five Canadian 

women whose lives span decades but whose struggle still resonates with many of us. 

When we acknowledge individuals like Viola Desmond who is often referred to as ‘Canada’s 

Rosa Parks’, we bring to the fore the struggle against segregation in the 1940’s. When 

we discuss the contributions of women in sport, we celebrate the triumphs of the first 

female Hockey Hall of Fame inductee, Angela James.  When we look to changing political 

leadership, we recognize the first Black Governor General of Canada, the Right Honourable 

Michaelle Jean.

To understand why it’s important to acknowledge Black Canadians, we need look no further 

than Rosemary Sadlier who initially put forward this notion.  And finally, when we need to 

understand our history of segregation, anti-racist activism, and the ideal of education for 

all, we acknowledge 86 year old Wanda Robson who has spent decades breaking down 

barriers and showing us that the freedom to speak, be educated, and be respected are 

rights for all Canadians.

The curriculum and teacher resource (grade 1 to 8) is posted on the ETFO website –etfo.ca 

along with the poster for easy access for all members.

Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario

Fédération des enseignantes et des enseignants de l’élémentaire de l’Ontario

136 Isabella Street, Toronto, Ontario M4Y 1P6

Telephone: 416-962-3836 Toll free: 1-888-838-3836

Fax: 416-642-2424

Website: etfo.ca