iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

(Also, quick note, I am a not an expert in this field and much of this was a Wikipedia/internet dive. If anything is incorrect, please let me know - if there's any good sources, that'd help too! Same with if there are any indigenous threads for me to re-share!)

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King and Queen showcase lights up Lamport Stadium kicking off carnival weekend

And... That's it, really. I just wanted to share some of the history I found. A lot of this isn't broached by the media nor included in our textbooks. I'll leave you with a video that I think shows you a good taste of what Caribana is like! Knowledge is power. Happy Emancipation Day!

youtube.com

YouTube video by CityNews

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They were referred to as 'Panis.' I am not indigenous and I do not feel qualified to speak on their behalf. I prefer to cede ground for indigenous voices and scholars who know far better than me. I'm linking the Wikipedia article below, but if you wish to learn more, please seek out their voices.

Panis (slaves) - Wikipedia

thecanadianencyclopedia.ca

In fact, I'm going to take a moment to highlight a sad and upsetting truth that I only found out today. For a long while, indigenous slaves made up 2/3 of slaves in Canada before black slavery became the norm. This sadly appears to have been lost in the discussion.

Enslavement of Indigenous People in Canada

To a tremendous extent, the enslavement of Indigenous peoples defines slavery in Canada. Fully two-thirds of the slaves in the colony of New France were Indigen...

Residential schools, day schools, day scholars: what you need to know | CBC News

Now, am I trying to say that anyone's better than anyone else or credit Graves alone? Heck no. Slavery ended but many lives were lost, and impacts are still felt today. Anti-black racism still exists here, and let's absolutely not forget Canada's treatment of indigenous and Métis folks.

cbc.ca

For over a century, Indigenous children in Canada were forced to attend schools aimed at stripping away their culture and language, and many also suffered physical and sexual abuse at these institutio...

Costumes, closures and the Grand Parade: What to know about Toronto Caribbean Carnival this weekend | CBC News

The grand parade is just that - an entire parade along the waterfront where people march and dance with ornate costumes. Many of these costumes, they make themselves. I've never been to Mardi Gras, but I'm told it's kind of similar to that?

cbc.ca

A guide to what's happening at this year's festival, how to get there and what roads are closed for the parade Saturday.

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But that's not the biggest event! That would be the Toronto Caribbean Carnival (formerly/affectionately known as Caribana). Every year millions of people descend upon the city from the Canada, US, and the world to party their hearts out in a pan-Caribbean display of culture and heritage.

Caribana - Wikipedia

‘Welcome aboard the freedom train’: Jubilant crowds take overnight TTC ride to mark Emancipation Day

Back to Toronto, though. Every year on the night of July 31st, hundreds of people gather in the subway to ride the 'Underground Freedom Train' to mark this day - a nod to Harriet Tubman's legacy - when slaves fled to freedom in the Northern US and Canada. Here's footage from last night.

youtube.com

YouTube video by Toronto Star

Emancipation Day in Trinidad and Tobago

Trinidad and Tobago celebrates it too! With processions, church services, and more!

nalis.gov.tt

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As a result, in many countries, the first of August, or the first Monday of August is celebrated as 'Emancipation Day.' This day/long weekend is celebrated in a myriad of ways, including festivals, marches, prayer, and commemoration of rebellions and resistance.

Emancipation Day - Wikipedia

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The story doesn't end there, though. As mentioned before, slavery was abolished throughout the British Empire on August 1st, 1833 - including Canada and the Caribbean/West Indies countries where my family is from. Again, it wasn't perfect - full emancipation didn't happen until 1838.

Slavery Abolition Act 1833 - Wikipedia

Though Governor for only 4 years, Simcoe's legacy remains, including the founding of my hometown, Toronto (formerly York) in 1793, which is now the 4th most populous city in North America. Fun fact - 'York' became the capital of Ontario because they were concerned about... international relations.

Toronto - Wikipedia

Nonetheless, this made 'Upper Canada' the 'first jurisdiction in the British Empire to pass a law freeing slaves' - 40 years before the British Parliament's "Slavery Abolition Act" banned slavery in the British Empire, and 70 years before the United States' "Emancipation Proclamation."

Act Against Slavery - Wikipedia

In 1793, John Graves Simcoe, the 1st Lt. Governor of what would become the Canadian province of Ontario, wanted slavery gone, and got the "Act Against Slavery" passed. He was only able to pass a compromise bill that stopped the importation of new slaves and freed children of slaves at age 25.

John Graves Simcoe - Wikipedia

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ForeBucks @forebucks.bsky.social · 06/07/2025

Did you know that today (Aug 1st) is Emancipation Day when slaves were freed in many former British Empire colonies (e.g. Canada, Barbados, Guyana)? I only began to learn more about it all recently! If only one person learns something from this thread, I'm happy. ⬇️ for more...

Moses Brantford Jr. leading an Emancipation Day parade down Dalhousie Street, Amherstburg, Ontario, 1894. Moses is riding a horse in a black-and-white photograph of black adults and children holding flags in celebration of Emancipation.

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Smol PCs are fun! The newest build I did last December, I went mATX! There's some really awesome cases that straddle the ITX and mATX line that you should totally check out. You might not have to give up nearly as much as you think!

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Reposted by ForeBucks

AnthroExpo 2027: Maskfurade! @anthroexpo.com · 27/06/2025

We at AnthroExpo...i mean...Weaselworx are happy to bring you this special announcement! Please see the following video for more information! See you at the office! anthroexpo.net

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ChronoWolf 🔜 BLFC @chronowolf.bsky.social · 13/06/2025

You've caught my eye... now what? #FursuitFriday 📸 taken at BLFC 2024 by @forebucks.bsky.social

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Shubbabang @shubbabang.bsky.social · 02/04/2025

another classic for bluesky

The image is a six panel black and white comic.

The first panel shows a person at their desk, saying "I don't know if I should post this art. Who would even want to see it?" to themselves.

The next panel features another person bursting through the door behind them.

The third panels shows this new person shoving the other one to the side as they slam the enter key on their keyboard, showing the art to be posted in the next panel.

The fifth panel then shows the same person firmly pressing against their phone as if entering in a post.

The post is shown on the last panel, with a comment on the art stating "I FUCKING LOVE THIS AND I LOVE U"

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Reposted by ForeBucks

❄️ 'Tris' Trisuniel ❄️ @trisuniel.bsky.social · 21/03/2025

All ready for Furnal Equinox 2025! The weekend I've been waiting for since the last time! This year will be a lot different as I'll be assisting @alltro.bsky.social (DeerFoxPaints) in the 18+ dealers den. See everyone at the dance soon! #Furnal2025 📷 @forebucks.bsky.social ✂️ x.com/EchoxMaster

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Reposted by ForeBucks

behemot☁️ @behemotthedog.bsky.social · 12/03/2025

Call a dog 'good boy' and you'll get the brightest smile in the world

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ForeBucks @forebucks.bsky.social · 08/03/2025

We claim no liability for any TFs that may or may not happen! ;3