Slavery in Canada

Overview

This 60-minute lesson introduces Grade 6 students to the history of slavery in Canada, focusing on the historical context, key events, and figures associated with this topic. It aligns with the British Columbia Social Studies curriculum's emphasis on understanding how societies evolve and the legacies that persist today. Students will develop critical thinking, communication, and personal reflection skills through discussion, analysis, and creative activities.

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Curriculum Connections

Social Studies – Grade 6 (British Columbia Curriculum)

• Big Ideas:
  • Events, decisions, and actions have impacts and consequences beyond people’s immediate experience.
  • Societies have developed systems of government, laws, and rules to influence and manage human behaviour.
• Curricular Competencies:
  • Demonstrate awareness of different perspectives of people in the past and present (e.g., Indigenous Peoples, settlers, enslaved persons).
  • Assess the significance of people, places, events, or developments in shaping Canada (including BC’s) history.
  • Communicate new understandings using various formats (discussion, writing, visual arts).
• Content:
  • The student will explore key historical events and people in Canadian history, including underrepresented topics such as slavery in Canada.

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Learning Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students will be able to:

1. Describe the history and presence of slavery in Canada, including key dates and figures.
2. Identify the impact slavery has had on Canadian society and its lasting legacy.
3. Analyse different perspectives around the institution of slavery in Canadian history.
4. Reflect on human rights, freedom, and equality through the lens of historical events.
5. Communicate their understanding through oral discussion and written or artistic expression.

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Historical Context & Key Content

• Slavery existed in Canada from the early 1600s until it was abolished in the British Empire in 1834.
• Both Indigenous peoples and people of African descent were enslaved.
• Notable figures:
  • Chloe Cooley: An enslaved Black woman whose forced sale in Upper Canada helped spark the introduction of the Act Against Slavery (1793) — the first law to limit slavery in Canada.
  • John Graves Simcoe: Lieutenant Governor of Upper Canada who passed the Act Against Slavery, limiting and setting abolition on a path.
• Slavery’s legacy influences Canadian society today, including systemic inequalities and the ongoing efforts toward equity and reconciliation.

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Materials & Resources

• Map of early colonial Canada and trade routes
• Short reading passage on Chloe Cooley and the Act Against Slavery (prepared by teacher)
• Whiteboard or chart paper + markers
• Paper, colouring materials, or digital devices for creative response
• Primary source excerpts for group reading (simplified for Grade 6)
• Reflection journal or worksheet

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Lesson Activities

1. Introduction & Engagement (10 minutes)

• Hook question: “When you hear the word ‘slavery,’ what do you think about? Do you think this happened in Canada?”
• Facilitate quick think-pair-share: students discuss with a partner and share ideas with the class.
• Teacher briefly presents the early history of slavery in Canada, emphasising it is a lesser-known but important story.
• Show map highlighting locations where slavery was practiced.

2. Story of Chloe Cooley & The Act Against Slavery (15 minutes)

• Read aloud a short, age-appropriate narrative about Chloe Cooley and how her story impacted Upper Canada’s laws.
• In small groups, students read primary source excerpts or summaries from the Act Against Slavery and discuss:
  • What does the law say?
  • What were its limits?
• Groups report back their key findings.

3. Critical Thinking Discussion (10 minutes)

• Facilitate a whole-class discussion using guided questions:
  • Why do you think slavery was allowed in Canada for so long?
  • How do laws like the Act Against Slavery help or not help people?
  • Can we see effects of slavery’s legacy in Canada today?
  • How would you feel if you were in Chloe Cooley’s position?
• Highlight multiple perspectives to deepen empathy and understanding.

4. Creative Reflection Activity (15 minutes)

• Students choose one of the following options to express their learning and feelings about the topic:
  • Write a journal entry imagining the life of an enslaved person in Canada.
  • Create a political poster advocating for freedom and equality (historical or modern-day).
  • Draw a timeline illustration showing key events toward abolition in Canada.
• Encourage students to incorporate historical facts and personal reflection.

5. Closing & Assessment (10 minutes)

• Invite a few students to share their creations or reflections briefly.
• Use an exit ticket where students write one new thing they learned and one question they still have about slavery in Canada.
• Collect exit tickets for informal assessment of understanding and curiosities.

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Assessment Ideas

Formative:

• Observation of student participation in discussions and group work.
• Review of exit tickets to gauge understanding and identify misconceptions.
• Evaluation of creative reflections for comprehension, historical accuracy, and insight.

Summative (optional extension):

• Short written assignment or presentation on the significance of Chloe Cooley and the Act Against Slavery.
• Research task on the legacy of slavery today and how Canadians work toward justice and equality.

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Teacher Reflection & Extension Suggestions

• Reflect on the emotional responses students may have and prepare to support them with sensitivity.
• Extend learning by connecting to local Indigenous histories of enslavement and broader human rights topics.
• Incorporate guest speakers or community resources focusing on Black Canadian history and anti-racism.

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This lesson supports BC curricular goals of critical thinking, ethical reasoning, and understanding the diverse stories in Canada’s past to build a more inclusive future.