The Harriet Tubman Institute (HTI) for Research on Africa and its Diasporas at York University is a globally recognized hub for multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary scholarship. It is dedicated to exploring the complex histories and present-day realities of Africans and people of African descent, offering a unique space where academic inquiry, historical memory, and community engagement converge.
At the heart of the Institute’s mission lies a profound truth: the past is inseparable from the present. The lived experiences of Africans and their diasporas continue to shape Canada and the wider world. Through this lens, the HTI amplifies the diversity of Blackness, examines its meaning within the Canadian context, and deepens understanding of the contributions and struggles of African-descended peoples.
By carving out this distinctive research niche, the Institute provides York faculty, students, and the broader public with insights into the richness of African and diasporic life. Its work not only enhances knowledge of Canadian society but also situates Canada within wider global conversations about race, migration, and identity.
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Harriet Tubman’s Canadian Legacy
In recognition of the International Decade for People of African Descent (2015–2024), the HTI is launching a groundbreaking initiative: a Virtual Museum dedicated to Harriet Tubman’s years in Canada.
Entitled The Underground Railroad to St. Catharines: Harriet Tubman’s Canadian Legacy, this digital museum highlights Tubman’s time in St. Catharines, Ontario — her northern base and the final stop on the Underground Railroad.
By the 1850s, after the U.S. Fugitive Slave Act, St. Catharines became a refuge and center of abolitionist activity. With community support, freedom seekers built new lives, while Tubman’s leadership and networks drew figures such as Frederick Douglass and John Brown, making the city a powerful site of resistance and resilience.
Developed with Digital Museums Canada (DMC), the Virtual Museum will feature:
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Archival photographs and documents from Tubman’s era
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Stories of early Black settlers in southern Ontario
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Testimonies from descendants who carry forward this history
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Resources from partner museums and historic sites in Amherstburg, Buxton, St. Catharines, and Dresden
Through this online archive, the HTI honours Tubman’s courage while preserving the legacies of those she helped guide to freedom.
A Hub of Events and Engagement
The Harriet Tubman Institute extends beyond research — it is a space of dialogue, creativity, and connection. Recent and upcoming highlights include:
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Open House 2024 & Networking Event (October 3, 2024) – Bringing together scholars, students, and community members for knowledge-sharing and collaboration.
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United Nations Workshop – Co-led by HTI Director Salewa Olawoye, addressing commodity price volatility and sustainable development.
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Poetic JuXtice: Resilience – A performance by poet Kay Tracey exploring Black identity, autonomy, and resilience.
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International Conference in Dakar, Senegal (2023) – A global gathering for dialogue on African and diasporic research.
Why This Work Matters
The Harriet Tubman Institute demonstrates that the study of African and diasporic histories is not simply a look backward but a living dialogue shaping today’s identities and communities. By amplifying these stories, the Institute preserves memory, enriches scholarship, and empowers future generations to carry forward a legacy of resilience and transformation.
The forthcoming Virtual Museum is another milestone in ensuring that Harriet Tubman’s vision of freedom — her courage, leadership, and unyielding fight for justice — continues to inspire Canada and the world.
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