Dunkley's recent work reflects the discovery of her ancestors’ involvement in War of 1812. Though it was presumed her maternal lineage was enslaved in Trinidad, W.I., primary documents confirm that they were among the 4000 enslaved in the U.S., who ran off with British during the War of 1812. In a proclamation issued on April 2, 1814, the British Royal Navy offered the refugees freedom in the colonies of Nova Scotia and Trinidad, W.I. However, only the runaways who volunteered as Colonial Marines (a.k.a. Merikens) were each awarded 16 acres of land in South Trinidad in 1815. Today the descendants of those marines thrive in what is known as The Company Villages, representing the six companies in which they served. The title of this multimedia exhibition, Sanctuary for the Internal Enemy: An Ancestral Odyssey includes a published book for middle-school, The Merikins: Forgotten Freedom Fighters in the War of 1812, and a catalog. Gallery tour: 12 min. www.youtube.com/watch?v=GiO51okBW1E&feature=youtu.be
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