The power of history
Historian receives prestigious honour for her efforts
A public historian with local ties is receiving high praise from as far afield as Ottawa.
Sylvia D. Hamilton of Grand Pré will soon be presented with the Governor General’s History Award for Popular Media: The Pierre Berton Award.
The distinction will be awarded in recognition of Hamilton’s efforts to shine a light on the stories of Black Canadians for more than 40 years.
“Her groundbreaking documentaries, essays, artworks and poetry have revealed new truths about the lives and experiences of African Canadians,” states a media release circulated by Canada’s History Society.
“Sylvia Hamilton’s life’s work has been uncovering the stories of the struggles and accomplishments of African Canadians and sharing them with mainstream audiences,” said Janet Walker, president and CEO of Canada’s History Society, in the release. “Thanks to her efforts, Canadians everywhere have a deeper understanding of their country and of the many threads of history that connect us all.”
Hamilton is a celebrated filmmaker, artist, poet and storyteller.
The award recognizes exceptional achievement in the exploring and sharing of Canadian history through popular media such as books, film, television and new media.
Hamilton was slated to receive the award, as well as a $5,000 prize, from Governor General of Canada Julie Payette at Ottawa’s famed Rideau Hall Jan. 20.
“I am most appreciative of this singular honour that I accept with humble gratitude to my ancestors who made it possible for me to be here to do this work,” said Hamilton, a descendant of War of 1812 survivors. “I consider it recognition not only for my work but significantly for the people — African Canadians — who have so generously encouraged me to share their stories. I hope it says to them, your stories, contributions and your lives do matter here.”
Governor General’s History Award recipients were invited to present at a forum hosted in the Canadian Museum of History Jan. 19.
“We are thrilled to recognize Sylvia Hamilton’s long career in telling important stories of women and Black Canadians in the Maritimes,” said historian Tim Cook, who served on the award review committee. “Through film, books, poetry and journalism, Hamilton has restored many aspects of our collective forgotten history — reaching new audiences and reminding us of the power of history in seeking justice and meaningful memory in the complex and contested history of Canada.”