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In memory of Emily Arabella (Emma) Stark 1856 – 1890

3 women of varying ages viewing a plaque mounted on a brick wall.

Image 2005001022 Courtesy of Salt Spring Island Archives.

Emma’s great-grandniece Naidine Sims with her daughter and granddaughter view the plaque at Emma’s former address in Nanaimo, B.C. The plaque reads:

In memory of Emily Arabella (Emma) Stark
1856 – 1890
Emily was the daughter of Louis and Sylvia Stark. She was appointed the first teacher in the new North Cedar School in 1874, thereby becoming the first Black teacher on Vancouver Island. When Emily moved to Nanaimo, she owned a home at 331 Wesley Street.