About Black Settlers of Alberta and
Saskatchewan Historical Society

BSAS will archive and document material to educate, promote and officially recognize the historic role Black Settlers played in pioneering the lands that would become Alberta and Saskatchewan. For more than 100 years, Blacks have lived, worked, and contributed greatly to the prairie provinces now known as Alberta and Saskatchewan.

Many early pioneers settled in the following areas:

Alberta: Amber Valley, Barrhead, Breton, Wildwood
Saskatchewan: North Battleford, Maidstone, Rosetown
Cities: Calgary, Edmonton, Vancouver, Winnipeg

Archiving our History

Albums

We have collected and organized a lot of images from these communities. We want to preserve these stories and rich history..

View Albums

Video Interviews

We have collected videos interviews from participants to talk about these communities and their personal experiences. If you see a video you would like a copy of, contact us letting us know which one you would like.

View Videos

Our Founders

BSAS was founded in 2005 by four women, all descendants of Black slaves and early Canadian pioneers

Myrna Wisdom
Director of Communications

Alison Crawford
Director of Promotions & Productions

Debbie Beaver
Director of Outreach & Treasurer

Alene Holland-Drake
Director of Administration

Contributing Members

While we cannot list everyone who has contributed images, history, and experiences throughout the years, we would like to acknowledge the fact that sharing and archiving our history would not be possible without the contributions of settlers and their descendants .

Here are the current members involved and active in the organization: