Fugitives!

Discover the story of 13 runaway slaves through research notices published in Montreal and Quebec newspapers in the second half of the 18th century.

Learn more by visiting http://fugitifs.ca

Invisible in historical narratives and iconographic representations, slavery did exist in Quebec and Canada. In this episode, discover what drove the Fugitives project and the intentions of its instigator Webster.

Discover the story surrounding the escape of André, a multilingual slave of mixed race. What strategy did he use in 1767 to find his freedom and move around freely?

Bell was bought at auction in 1778 in Quebec City. It is possible that she fled in haste to avoid sexual violence, one of the most recurring aspects of slavery.

Does the quest for freedom ever stop for a slave? Of all the fugitives, Joe leads the list for the number of escapes, systematically refusing his slave status.

Jack is sold in Montreal by Loyalist Simeon Covell during the American Revolution. Described as having a "Guinea accent", this is not his first uprooting.

Lowcanes' research notice mentions that he plays the violin well. Find out how music crossed the seas during the time of slavery.

The announcement of Robin, Lydia and Jane is the last mention of runaway slaves in newspapers in Lower Canada. Find out how slavery disappeared in Quebec.

Ishmael pretended to be free, an escape strategy to camouflage his true identity.

Illustration credit: Richard Vallerand

Cash has taken a considerable amount of linen not hers. Find out how this ploy may have facilitated her escape. 

Illustration credit: Valmo