Canada, a nation built on the premise of many peoples beneath one flag, has long benefited from the cultural diversity of those people's within our nation. But perhaps some are less celebrated than they should be. For centuries, black Canadians have long played a prominent role in our country, from its time as a British colony to modern day. Whether they were soldiers, politicians, activists or artists, black Canadians have long helped Canada define itself through their achievements and sacrifices.

To begin, black Canadians' most prominent role at the beginnings of our history was perhaps their involvement in our wars during the American Revolution and War of 1812. In both cases black Canadians were former American slaves who joined the British cause to fight against their former masters for the freedom they so deserved. Indeed some 3,000 black loyalists would later move to Nova Scotia and the Maritimes after the fighting. During the American Revolution numerous black loyalist troops were formed to fight Americans, including several notable units such as the Royal Ethiopian Brigade and the Black Brigade, which won recognition for their service to the crown.

During the War of 1812, black Canadians would once more step up to defend the land known as Canada alongside their fellow citizens. Amongst these people were the Coloured Corps, formed to help fight off the American invasion; they were formed in the Niagara region and served with distinction at Queenston Heights up until their disbandment in March of 1815. Indeed it was through these people's sacrifices that we are the nation we are today. However this is not the end of black Canadians' many contributions in terms of military service in Canada over the centuries.

Perhaps one of the most well-known black Canadians and indeed one of the first Canadians to receive the Victoria Cross, one of the British Empire's highest honours, was William Hall. Hall who was born in Nova Scotia to black loyalists, served in the British navy (largely due to the fewer race-based recruitment rules for that branch), fighting aboard the HMS Rodney in Crimea and serving aboard the HMS Victory and the HMS Shannon all the way from the Atlantic to India. It was there where he won the Empire's highest order, the Victoria Cross, which he won for his "gallant conduct at a twenty-four-pounder gun... at Lucknow on the 16th November 1857" (Maritime Museum of the Atlantic) during the Sepoy Rebellion.

After serving with pride and distinction as a Quartermaster in 1879, Hall retired from the service. Though Hall largely went unnoticed for years despite his being among the first non-Caucasians to be awarded the Victoria Cross, he briefly re-emerged on the visit of the future King George V in 1901 before eventually dying peacefully here in Nova Scotia in 1904. Although he was buried in an unmarked grave, his service cannot be denied, nor can the way he showed a truly Canadian fighting spirit on behalf of his King and country.

Though racial prejudice would affect the Canadian military after its foundation, that did not stop black Canadians like Hall from doing their part. During WW1 and WW2, despite racial laws in place, they served as part of the military and proved to be capable fighters and soldiers in service to the nation.

However black Canadians haven't just fought with guns for freedom, they've fought with words as well. Most notable of these individuals was Viola Desmond, whose refusal to move from the 'white seats' of the theatre led to charges against her (though for an incredible charge of tax evasion), something she would fight, which eventually helped end the racial segregation laws of Nova Scotia.

Through this and other actions during the Civil Rights Movement in Canada, we saw the fall of racial segregation laws across the country, ensuring a freer society. We also saw changes in national policy ending discrimination based on race in immigration. This allowed Canada to become the multi-cultural land it is now, and allowed for the emergence of great black Canadian politicians such as Michaëlle Jean and Lincoln Alexander, who served as Governor General and Lieutenant Governor respectively.

Ultimately whether they were soldiers or activists, black Canadians have changed Canada greatly. Whether it was through helping defend her liberty, or the liberty of others on her behalf in battle, or through creating the multi-cultural land we know today, they truly have shaped Canada as a nation for the better.