The federal government has declared 2010 to be the Year of the British Home Child. Between the years 1869 and 1930, an estimated 100,000 children were sent to Canada from Great Britain. They were orphans or children whose families were unable to care for them. The belief was that the children would find a better life in Canada. However, the reality was many were used as a form of cheap labour. The majority of the boys ended up working on farms and the girls in domestic service. In many cases, the children found themselves in abusive situations.
Today, 12% of Canada’s population is descended from these British Home Children. That translates into nearly four million people or one in every eight Canadians. Of the 100,000 children who came to Canada, less than 10,000 are still alive.
A year dedicated to British Home Children gives us an opportunity to reflect upon the lives of these men and women. Most rose above early adversity and went on to raise families and become productive members of society. Many enlisted in the armed forces and served in World War I or World War II. The very least we can do is remember the courage and perseverance of these children.
The Chestico Museum would like to highlight the lives of home children who came to Port Hood. We are currently aware of four – John Guest, William Dowse, Frederick Smallwood (who later adopted the surname Leadbetter) and Eddie Parker. If you have information and/or photographs pertaining to these individuals or if you know of other home children we have missed, please contact the museum.
The Routes to Your Roots website has launched!
