Sylvia D. Hamilton is a multi awarding Nova Scotian filmmaker and writer who is known for her documentary films as well as her publications, public presentations and extensive volunteer work with artistic, social and cultural organizations on the local and national levels. Her films include Black Mother Black Daughter, Speak It! From the Heart of Black Nova Scotia and Portia White: Think On Me, a documentary about the legendary Canadian contralto Portia White. She was a contributor to and co-editor of We’re Rooted Here and They Can’t Pull Us Up: Essays in African Canadian Women’s History. (University of Toronto Press, 1994) Her writing has appeared in a range of anthologies and journals. 

In recognition of her outstanding contribution to arts and culture, she was awarded The Portia White Prize, Nova Scotia’s highest arts award. Ms. Hamilton is recipient of two honourary degrees (Saint Mary’s University and Dalhousie University), a Gemini Award, the CBC Pioneer Award and The National Trailblazer/Expression Award (Canadian Heritage/CHUMTV, NFB), among many others. She held a Distinguished Chair (Nancy’s Chair) in Women’s Studies at Mount St. Vincent University in Halifax and was a Visiting Professor at the University of King’s College. In addition to developing films through her company, Maroon Films Inc., she teaches part-time at the School of Journalism at the University of King’s College. She was the inaugural Educator in Residence for Nova Scotia’s Council on African Canadian Education and most recently was appointed a 2008 Mentor with The Trudeau Foundation Her newest documentary isThe Little Black School House, a candid exploration into the history of Canada’s all Black segregated schools.