Re-presenting the Lives and Language of Black Cowboys

Although most people are unaware of it, Canada has a Black History that stretches back centuries. Even the prairies have been home to various black people and black communities as far back as the late 18th century.
Every stage of prairie history, from fur traders to homesteaders is peopled with black contributors. Researching this history has its challenges. Historically, black people have rarely been in a position to author their own narratives, and white people often did not feature them in more than a cursory way.

Recently, Bertrand Bickersteth has been researching Black Cowboys in Alberta and is incorporating his research into a poetry project he is currently pursuing in his role as the writer in residence for Athabasca University. In this talk he will discuss: the challenges of uncovering the history of Black Cowboys, what he has found, and how he has integrated it with his most recent poetry.
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To find more histocial photos of the Palliser Hotel visit the Williams & Harris Shared History Centre Postcards From the Past -just part of our digital Calgary Story collection.

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