The Colored Hockey League was formed in the 1890's in Nova Scotia, Canada. They were the first and only all-Black hockey league in North America.
The No. 2 Construction Battalion, also known as The Black Battalion, were the first all-Black military unit in Canadian history. They fought in the First World War (1914-1918).
This page contains information on selected historical and modern Black people who had an impact on Canadian history. On the left-hand side, you will find links for groups and communities. They are remembered and talked about not only for the struggles they faced but for what they achieved in their lives.
Mathieu Da Costa was the first recorded Black man to travel to North America.
VANSDA. (2016). Mathieu Da Costa. [Online image]. https://vansda.ca/heritage-trail/mathieu-da-costa/
Anderson Abbott was the first Canadian-born Black man to receive a medical degree.
William Neilson Hall was the first Black person to be awarded the Victoria Cross, the highest award given in the British Military.
Willie O'Ree was the first Black hockey player in the National Hockey League (NHL).
According to student Jaspreet Singh -
She became the motivation for the Black community especially for Black women to move forward in their life by eliminating discrimination and racism to earn an education. She proved that if you have courage and dedication you can achieve anything you want no matter from which community you belong. She also earned respect in her community and became a woman role model for the upcoming generations and set an example for women with her achievements.
Donovan Bailey is a Canadian Olympian. He won the gold medal and broke the world record for the 100 meter dash in the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, Georgia.
Bashir Mohamed is an Edmonton activist, writer, and journalist.