ppgl2eq

Activities/Extensions
Reflection: Understanding Media
Read and examine the following warning that appears at the opening of The Book of Negroes
episodes:
The following program contains [nudity,] course language and violence. Viewer
discretion is advised.
ELEMENTARY
After watching the series to this point, what is your opinion on this warning? If you were a
member of the production team deciding on the appropriate warning to include at the opening of
each episode, would you suggest the same wording or change it? Explain your reasoning. Refer
to the Canadian Home Rating System for information on the rating system for films, videos and
television in Canada:
http://mpa-canada.org/home-entertainment/
Activity: Indentured Black Loyalists
“The passage to Nova Scotia was therefore regarded not merely as an escape
from slavery, but as an entry into a new world where the dignity and
independence that came of equal citizenship were to be his.”
– James W. St. G. Walker, The Black Loyalists: The Search for a Promised Land
in Nova Scotia and Sierra, 1783-1870, University of Toronto Press, 1992 edition
As a means of survival, some Black Loyalists like Cummings Shakespeare indentured
themselves. Analyze this indenture document for a Black Loyalist by answering the questions
below:
http://blackloyalist.com/cdc/documents/official/john_harris_to_william_stone.htm
1. What is the name of the indentured individual?
2. Who did he indenture himself to?
3. When was this indenture agreement written?
4. What would the agreement require the indentured individual to do?
5. How long did this indenture agreement last?
6. William Stone agreed to give Harris “provisions.” What does that mean?
7. What do the words “his mark” mean?
8. Explain the difference between “enslavement” and “indenture.”
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