Canadian slavery

I have a message for Canadians.

Canada’s past includes a history of slavery — slaves bought and sold and owned.  Both Africans and natives were held in slavery.

Most Canadians seem to believe that America had slaves and when those slaves escaped some of them came to Canada via the Underground Railroad.  That’s what my daughter was told in school.  “Americans had slaves and Canadians helped to save them.”  Isn’t that wonderful?  Yet another example of America = bad, Canada = good.  Too bad it’s not true.

Here’s the truth:  There were slaves in Canada as early as 1500 and slavery exists today but it’s been renamed “human trafficking.”

Why bring this up?  I’m frustrated because I live in Canada and for months I’ve had to listen to Canadians celebrate Obama’s election.  My daughter had to watch President Obama’s Inauguration but she can’t name Canada’s Prime Minister.

Why are so many Canadians so excited?  First, because they don’t like President Bush.  Second, it’s “historic” that America elected a black man and maybe it will “improve the relations of a nation with a history of past segregation.”  So, how will Canada improve it’s relations?   Canada has only had white leaders.  Interesting.  Can race relations improve without just shifting targets?

Here’s a request to the schools:  If you are going to teach about America, get your facts straight first.  And maybe you could teach about Canada as well?