More than 100 years ago this March, the first deployment of men from No. 2 Construction Battalion - Canada’s largest segregated Black military unit - sailed from Halifax. Today, students across York Region District School Board are gaining new opportunities to learn about the Battalion’s legacy and the Black soldiers who served during the First World War.
Updates to the No. 2 Construction Battalion Map and a new portable exhibit for schools are helping students deepen their understanding of this chapter of Canadian history and the enduring contributions of Black Canadians.
No. 2 Construction Battalion, Canadian Expeditionary Force, was formed in 1916 as a segregated unit after many Black volunteers were turned away from recruiting stations as a result of anti-Black racism. March 28 marks 109 years since the first deployment of men in No. 2 Construction Battalion sailed from Halifax on the S.S. Southland in 1917.
York Region District School Board’s Museum and Archives partnered with historian Kathy Grant, descendants and researchers to develop the online No. 2 Construction Battalion map. The interactive map was created from archival records held at Nova Scotia Archives, Library and Archives Canada, and the collections of community members.
“This digital map started as a simple idea and has grown into an incredible snapshot of a piece of Canadian history that deserves to be shared,” said Rebekah Mitchell, Curator, Museum and Archives. “This education kit builds on the map. We feel it is important to show that these men were trailblazers who didn't stand alone, but were shaped by the families and communities who supported them.”
Since its launch in 2022, the map has attracted over 40,000 views. Students can use the map to explore where the soldiers came from and learn more about the men, their families and their military service.
“Learning Black history empowers students to see the full truth of Canada—its courage, its contradictions, and the people whose contributions were too often overlooked. It builds empathy, pride, and a deeper sense of belonging, said Kathy Grant, Historian, Black Canadian Veterans Stories. “Tools like the YRDSB map of Black people in the Canadian Expeditionary Force make these stories visible, reminding students that Black Canadians have always shaped this nation’s history and its fight for justice.”
With funding from Veterans Affairs Canada’s Commemorative Partnership Program, the project team worked alongside community partners and descendants of soldiers to add information about additional soldiers including those who served in non-segregated units, and to create hands‑on history kits for schools.
“We are excited to keep building on this resource because we have seen such a strong desire from our educators, students and the community to learn their names and read their stories. We are hopeful that this project sparks an interest for students to learn more Black history, as they discover the story of No. 2 Construction Battalion,” said Mitchell.
Beginning in September, schools will be able to borrow these kits, which include pop-up banners, soldier portrait cards, historical replicas such as medals and a jersey from a Black baseball team in Chatham, cultural artifacts including sports cards, books and teaching guides to support meaningful learning experiences.
These resources align with the new Grade 7 and 8 Social Studies and Grade 10 History curricula that will be implemented in September 2026. The new curricula, among other topics, includes learning about the long and rich history of Black Canadians.
“The YRDSB Museum’s exhibit and learning toolkits on No. 2 Construction Battalion gave our students a powerful opportunity to engage directly with an often-overlooked chapter of Canadian history,” said Robert Garisto, a teacher at Alexander Mackenzie High School, who recently trialed the kit with students. “By bringing primary sources, artifacts and hands-on materials into our school, they helped students understand not only the Battalion’s vital contributions to the First World War, but also the broader story of resilience, service and the fight for equity that shapes Black history in Canada.”
The story of No. 2 Construction Battalion did not start or end with the First World War. Explore the map to learn more about these trailblazers and the legacy and advocacy of Black Canadians.
Watch this video to learn more about the No. 2 Construction Battalion Map.