New exhibition honours more than 200 years of military service by Black Canadians

MEDIA RELEASE

Ottawa, Ontario, March 3, 2022 – Black Canadians have an enduring presence in the military history of Canada, with compelling stories of service and sacrifice. A Community at War – The Military Service of Black Canadians of the Niagara Region, a new panel exhibition opening tomorrow, highlights the experiences of 22 Black men and women from the Niagara region and Southwestern Ontario, from the American Revolution to the present day.

“It is a pleasure to be able to present this exhibition developed by the Niagara Military Museum,” said Dr. Dean Oliver, Acting Vice-President and Director General, Canadian War Museum. “Although this exhibition is grounded in a particular region, it offers insight into the broader experience of Black Canadians and the country’s military history.”

Originally developed by the Niagara Military Museum, A Community at War explores how Black Canadians have served their country in times of war and peace, at home and overseas — fighting for freedom while struggling against systemic racial barriers within their own country. Beginning with former enslaved people who fought for the British Crown during the American War of Independence and continuing to the War in Afghanistan and recent peacekeeping operations, the text- and image-based exhibition shares the contributions of these Black women and men serving on the front lines and behind the scenes, while also exploring the challenges they faced.

“It is an honour to present this exhibition at the Canadian War Museum,” said Jim Doherty, President of the Niagara Military Museum. “This display will bring these important stories of service and sacrifice, even in the face of systemic racism, to a wider audience.”

“Through the TD Ready Commitment, our corporate citizenship platform, we are focused on taking purposeful, deliberate actions to help open doors for a more inclusive and equitable tomorrow,” said Otis Coker, District Leader, TD Bank Group. “We are proud to support the exhibition A Community at War, and help create opportunities for people to come together, share, learn and recognize the history and experience of Black Canadians.”

A Community at War – The Military Service of Black Canadians of the Niagara Region was developed by the Niagara Military Museum, and is presented in partnership with the Canadian War Museum and supported by TD Bank Group. It will be on view at the Canadian War Museum until May 8, 2022.

Visitors are strongly encouraged to book their tickets in advance through our website. Onsite admission without a pre-booked ticket is available only on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information about safety measures at the Museum and to book tickets, please visit warmuseum.ca.

The Canadian War Museum is Canada’s national museum of military history. Its mission is to promote public understanding of Canada’s military history in its personal, national and international dimensions. Work of the Canadian War Museum is made possible in part through financial support of the Government of Canada.

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Media contact
Avra Gibbs Lamey
Senior Communications and Media Relations Officer
Telephone: 613-791-0910
avra.gibbs-lamey@warmuseum.ca