1693) The Story of "Black Loyalists" in Canada: A Legacy of Courage: A $20 (Twenty Canadian Dollars) Silver coin issued by the Royal Canadian Mint: Year of Coin Release: 2021:
Black history is Canadian history. And one of the most important moments in Canada's history dates back over 200 years ago on the shores of Port Roseway, Nova Scotia.
As the War of American Independence (1775-1783) raged on, the British sent out proclamations to enslaved people across the United States and promised them full protection, freedom, and land if they joined the battle against American Freedom Fighters.
The Reverse of the 20 Dollars Silver Coin issued by the Royal Canadian Mint, placed against an enlarged representation of the Reverse of the Coin
Some of the ships on which the British Loyalists" sailed to Canada
They sought freedom and a better life in Canada. In the time of the War of American Independence (1775-1783), thousands of Black Loyalists—some free, some indentured, and others still enslaved—came to British North America and put down roots in present-day Canada. But the hardships they endured are a reminder of how complex Canada's history can be.
These courageous people who took up arms in pursuit of a better life came to be known as “Black Loyalists,” and were loyal to the British Crown. As history holds though, we know the British in deed lost this war and were forced to flee the US in 1783.
When they departed, over 3,000 Black Loyalists and close to 30,000 white Loyalists voyaged up the east coast to British North America.
The large majority of Black Loyalists, roughly 3,000 of them, landed in Nova Scotia and present-day New Brunswick in 1783.
An outline Map of the initial settlements of "Black Loyalists" in Canada.
They settled in areas such as Halifax, Annapolis Royal, Fort Cumberland, Shelburne, Port Mouton, Saint John, and along the Saint John River; they also established communities in Tracadie and in Birchtown, N.S., then the largest settlement of free Black people outside of Africa.
At the time, this was the largest settlement of free Black people outside of Africa.
Not all Black Loyalists were free. White Loyalists brought enslaved persons with them when they settled in British North America (Canada).
It was only in 1807 that the slave trade was prohibited throughout the British Empire, including present-day Canada, while slavery itself was abolished in 1834.
For many Black Loyalists, the promise of a better life went unfulfilled. Climate and agricultural conditions here were harsh, the land grant system favoured white Loyalists, and unemployment, lower wages and discrimination were the norm.
Tensions mounted in some places, and in 1784, a mob of disbanded soldiers targeted Black Loyalists in Birchtown and Shelburne, N.S., in the first recorded race riot in North America.
Disillusioned, about 1,200 Black Loyalists left Nova Scotia in 1792 to build a new life in the West African country of Sierra Leone. Those who remained in British North America helped redefine Canada's history and character.
Today, the descendants of Black Loyalists can lay claim to an extraordinary legacy of courage and perseverance, a fundamental part of Canada's story that should be honoured and remembered.
Their triumphs and tribulations are a fundamental part of Canada's story that is being commemorated and remembered, on this pure silver coin, which features the armorial bearings of the Black Loyalist Heritage Society.
The Black Loyalist Heritage Society is an organization committed to discovering, interpreting, safeguarding, and promoting the history and heritage of the Black Loyalists. Cynthia Dorrington, a descendant of Black Loyalists, is the site manager at the Black Loyalists Heritage Centre in Birchtown, N.S.
To celebrate Black History Month, the Royal Canadian Mint has brought out this Silver Coin, featuring the Black Loyalist Heritage Society Coat of Arms and their motto, “the heart of your knowledge is in your roots.”
The Commemorative Coin:
On the Reverse of the $20 (Twenty Canadian Dollars) Silver Coin is featured the armorial bearings of the Black Loyalist Heritage Society granted in 2006 by the Canadian Heraldic Authority and designed by Darrel E. Kennedy, Assiniboine Herald.
On the Shield, three Loyalist Civil Coronets represent the non-combatants who fled to British North America (Canada), while the ship's wheel represents both the past (the ships landing in 1783) and the present (the Society's focus on community development).
The Lion supporters symbolize the pride of Africa and the courage demonstrated by those who sought a better life in Nova Scotia.
Beneath the shield, the province is represented by its official floral emblem, the Mayflower, while the rock symbolizes the landings near Birchtown, N.S.
The anchor in the Crest honours the sacrifices of the families who undertook the journey, which is represented by the footprints in the mantling.
The motto "THE HEART OF YOUR KNOWLEDGE IS IN YOUR ROOTS" speaks to the Society members' interest in their heritage.
The armorial bearings are flanked by maple leaves.
On the Obverse of the $20 (Twenty Canadian Dollars is featured a repeating maple leaf field pattern and the effigy of Queen Elizabeth II facing right, designed by Susanna Blunt.
31) North-west Territories, Canada: 150th Anniversary (1870-2020): A $30 (Thirty Canadian Dollars) Silver Proof Coin minted by the Royal Canadian Mint, celebrates the milestone: Year of Coin issue: 2020
32) An "Inuk" and a Quilliq", Canada: New 1/20 Ounce $10 Coins minted in Arctic Gold by the Royal Canadian Mint symbolise cultural diversity in Canada and features deeply symbolic elements that are important expressions of Inuit identity: Year of Coin issue: 2020
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