Dr. Alfred Shadd Virtual Exhibit – Reflection Resource
Virtual
September 2, 2025 - June 26, 2026
Grades:
Grade 8, Grade 9, High School 10-20-30
Subjects:
ELA, History, Social Studies
Program Cost:
FREE
Length:
Variable
Description
Dr. Alfred Schmitz Shadd was the first person of African ancestry known to travel to what is now Saskatchewan. Coming to the Northwest Territories from Ontario to teach, he later returned with a medical degree and established himself as a pillar of the Melfort and Kinistino (formerly Carrot River Settlement) communities. Though he faced discrimination at first upon his arrival in the Northwest Territories, the community quickly grew to accept him and he became an important and well-respected figure in the communities of Carrot River Settlement and Melfort.
Exploring Dr. Shadd’s life and legacy will help students understand how policies adopted in the United States influenced people on both sides of our shared border, challenge the myth that racial and cultural diversity among settlers in Saskatchewan is a recent phenomenon, and encourage them to think about what makes someone historically significant.
Dr. Alfred Shadd Virtual Exhibit – Reflection Questions – Full Resource Information (PDF)
Visit the Dr. Alfred Schmitz Shadd virtual exhibit.
Download the Reflection Questions (PDF)
Download the Reflection Questions – Teacher Key (PDF)
Dr. Shadd portrait, date unknown.
Photo courtesy Melfort & District Museum
Program Type
-
Virtual
- A safe opportunity for students to learn from their own classrooms or homes. Virtual programs feature digital content like videos and printable activities like worksheets, crafts, and colouring pages. Some virtual programs may include a live component, such as a Q & A session with WDM Education Staff. Check each program listing carefully for details about what is included.
Curriculum Connections
Grade 8
Social Studies IN8.2, DR8.3
ELA Cr8.1, CR8.2, CR8.3, CR8.6, CR8.7
Grade 9
Social Studies DR9.4, PA9.3, RW9.2, RW9.3
ELA CR9.1a/b, CR9.2a/b, CR9.3a/b, CR9.7a/b
Social Studies 20
History 30
Social Studies 30
Resources
Saskatchewan African Canadian Heritage Museum
Melfort Museum
Canadian Encyclopedia
Historical Thinking Project
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Melfort and District Museum,
Saskatchewan African Canadian Heritage Museum and
Western Development Museum.
All Rights Reserved.
