NORTHERN
Canada
(NU, NT, YT)
There is fascinating Black history here too - as seen in the unique lives of Black Northerners like:
Perro Lenoire - the earliest Black person documented in, what is now, Yukon's history
Lucille Hunter - one of the first Black settlers in the Yukon; recognized by Yukon Order of Pioneers for her decades as a prospector beginning during the Klondike Gold Rush
Peter Risby - owner/operator of the Indian River mine (a leading gold producer and a major contributor to Yukon’s economy)
Sam Agee - star player with Dawson City’s Renzoni Championship Hockey Team
Dora Bennett - A performing artist in Dawson City, nicknamed "Snake Hips Lulu"
Honorary Mention to these Americans who made history in Canada’s North:
Matthew Henson. The segregated 93rd, 95th, and 97th Regiments of the US Army Corps of Engineers for their role in constructing the Alaska-Canada (ALCAN) Highway in 1942
“Pete was raised among the Alberta Cree. He wished that Yukon First Nations were integrated more in the development of mining in the territory, as well as the industry as a whole in Canada. Pete had great confidence in First Nations as natural prospectors, and he began teaching prospecting and mineral identification courses to Indigenous students. Some of his graduates were involved in major mineral finds.”
- Kluane Adamek, Regional Chief of the Assembly of First Nations Yukon Region and Peter Johnston, Grand Chief Council of Yukon First Nations on the induction of Peter Risby into the Canadian Mining Hall of Fame
Fun Fact:
Iqaluit held its first ever Black History Month celebration in February 2014 (commemorated in CBC News article from February 18, 2014)