“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