We pack a lot into the pages of every issue of Kayak, but there’s always more great stuff we just can’t fit in. So join Teeka and Beau, our otter mascots, to find out more about the theme of each issue, or just pick up some random bits of Canadian history.

The Shame of Slavery

Black History Month is an important time to remember that for a lot of our past, people with dark skin were treated very badly. Europeans went to Africa, grabbed people, threw them on horribly crowded, dirty ships and brought them to the United States to be slaves. (There were slaves in Canada in our earlier days, too.) The lucky ones escaped using a system of safe places known as the Underground Railroad. Where did they end up? You guessed it—Canada! They crossed the Detroit River to southwestern Ontario. There are lots of great places to learn more about Canada’s Black history around Windsor and Chatham—be sure to visit if you’re there!

One of the best is the Buxton National Historic Site and Museum near Chatham. When you visit, say hi to Shannon Prince and tell her you saw her on the Kayak website! You’ll also like the book Elijah of Buxton, which tells the story of how slaves found freedom in the Black settlement.

In this video Shannon Prince from the Buxton National Historic Site and Museum explains how enslaved Africans had to wear chains around their ankles.