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Episode 332: In this episode of Dark Poutine, we delve into a troubling chapter of British Columbia\u2019s history that reveals the deep-seated racism and fear that plagued our past.\xa0D\u2019Arcy Island, a small and isolated landmass off the coast of Vancouver Island, became home to a\xa0leprosy colony\xa0from\xa01891 to 1924. But this wasn\u2019t just any colony; it was a place where\xa0Chinese immigrants\xa0who had contracted the disease were forcibly sent to live out their days in harsh and inhumane conditions, far from society\u2019s view.\nLeprosy, now known as Hansen\u2019s disease, has been misunderstood and deeply feared throughout history. The disease, although not highly contagious and treatable today, was seen as a mark of shame and led to the isolation of those afflicted. The establishment of the D\u2019Arcy Island colony was rooted not only in fear of the disease but also in the racist attitudes of the time, which viewed Chinese immigrants as expendable and less deserving of care.\nSources:\nLeprosy | WHO\nD'Arcy Island Marine Park\nW\u0331S\xc1NE\u0106 First Nations: History & Territory\nThe Creation of Indian Reserves and their Impact On The W\u0331S\xc1NE\u0106 Nation\nBritish Columbia Indian Treaties In Historical Perspective\nAn introduction to First Nations' history in the Gulf Islands\nTales from the Vault: The lepers of D'Arcy Island\nThe lepers of D'Arcy Island\nThe Dark Past Of D'Arcy Island \u2022 British Columbia Magazine\nHow a tiny island off Victoria became part of B.C.\u2019s racist history - UBC News\n\u2018Island of Death\u2019: BC\u2019s Forgotten Racist Leper Colony\nHealth campaigners call for an end to the use of the word leper\nD'Arcy Island | Wikipedia\nChinese Canadian historic places receive provincial recognition\nChinese Canadian Historic Places | PDF\nA Measure of Value: The Story of the D'Arcy Island Leper Colony By Chris Yorath | Google Books\nCity of Victoria Archives | International Leprosy Association - History of Leprosy\nTracadie and D\u2019Arcy and Bentinck Islands (Canada) | International Leprosy Association - History of Leprosy\nThe Lepers of Tracadie\nLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices