A virtual exhibition
FRom slavery to resistance
Inspired by wanted notices published in newspapers in Quebec City and Montreal during the 18th century, Fugitifs! restores visibility to African, Afro-descendant, and Indigenous people who resisted slavery in Quebec.
Through unique archival materials and contemporary artistic interpretations, the exhibition highlights stories of resistance, courage, and the quest for freedom.
On the Trail of the Fugitives!
On the Trail of the Fugitives!
12 illustrations, 12 stories
Discover the stories and life journeys of the people featured in the exhibition through a series of original illustrations and historical content.
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![Illustration de André]()
André, a "remarkable large mouth" and "thick lips"
Illustrated by DIMANI M. CASSENDO
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![Illustration de Bell]()
Bell, "Escapes during the night without shoes or stockings"
Illustrated by AMEL ZAAZAA
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![Illustration de Bett]()
Bett, "big with child, and within a few days of her time"
Illustrated by MALICIOUZ
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![Illustration de Ismael]()
Ishmael, "a remarkably down-cast Countenance"
Illustrated by Richard Vallerand
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![Illustration de Jack]()
Jack, "no other tongue but English and that upon the Guinea accent"
Illustrated by EM
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![Illustration de Jacob]()
Jacob, wanted "mulatto"
Illustrated by Paul Bordeleau
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![Illustration Jacob2]()
Jacob, an enslaved "panis"
Illustrated by Kaysun
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![Illustration de Joe]()
Joe, the printer
Illustrated by EM
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![Illustration de Lowcanes]()
Lowcanes, "plays the Violin very well”
Illustrated by Caroline Soucy
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![Illustraion Marie Jeannevieve]()
Marie Jeanneviève, becoming "panise"
Illustated by Kaia’tanó:ron Dumoulin Bush
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![Illustration de Nemo et Cash]()
NEMO ET CASH "carried with her a considerable quantity of Linen"
Illustrated by Valmo
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![Illustration de Robin, Lydia et Jane]()
ROBIN, LYDIA and JANE, the last wanted fugitives notice in Quebec
Illustrated by DJIEF
The history of slavery in Quebec in 8 key dates
Eight key dates to help you better understand the history of slavery in Quebec and the realities faced by Africans, people of African descent, and Indigenous people who resisted it.
1604
Arrival of Mathieu da Costa with Samuel de Champlain. A black free man, interpreting between Natives and Europeans.
1629
Olivier Le Jeune arrives in Quebec City. He is the first enslaved African living in Canada.
1733
Mathieu Léveillé, an enslaved person from Martinique, becomes the executioner of New France.
The Exhibition
as a Podcast
Explore the exhibition’s content in audio format and delve deeper into the themes, characters, and historical context through an enriched listening experience.
Listen on
Did you know that wanted notices were published in Quebec newspapers to track down fugitives?
Explore history in a new way with this interactive 5-question quiz.
test your knowledge
Continue the discussion
Educational resource kit for teachers, educators, and youth workers.
Access a comprehensive educational program featuring activities, reflective exercises, and resources designed for educational and intervention settings.