Week 1 Wall
Vancouver 2010 Olympic Street Party
What is Canada?
To give us all an idea of our preconceptions coming into the course, write your blog entry on what you think Canada is and what the storyline(s) of Canadian history are; i.e. “Canada is ….” And “Canadian history is about ….” – you fill in the blanks!
rustyj, 
hartcamp, and 12 others are discussing.
Vincent Yam 10:39 am on September 4, 2013 Permalink | Log in to Reply
Canada is a country of a multitude of nationalities and cultures. It was first the territory of a multitude of native american cultures, (some prominent cultures/tribes include Iroquois Confederaxcy and Huron). It was colonized by the French and then taken by the British in the 7 Years War, where Canada remained a dominion of the British Empire, it recently (well sortof recently) achieved independence) and is one of the younger countries of the world. However, it has contributed significantly on an international stage in both world wars.
And Canadian history is about the development of Canada’s culture and national identity, including the assimilation and amalgamation of the various cultures/national identities/races, as well as the conflicts and issues that arose from them (some of which still exist today). It also includes the role of this many-cultural country/colony/dominion on the international stage.
Vincent Yam
maxgardiner 2:13 pm on September 5, 2013 Permalink | Log in to Reply
Canada is the name given to the country located on the northern part of North America directly above the United States. It was first settled by Europeans in the late 15th century. Eventually the country was settled by primarily French and English settlers along the St. Lawrence River. Canada as a country was created by the unification of Upper Canada, Lower Canada, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick in 1886 by the passage of the British North America act. Early Canadian history was been dominated mainly by the theme of western expansion and nation building. The building of the CPR to bring British Columbia into confederation helped expand western influence into the uncharted west. The railway also helped to bring together the country by linking the Pacific to the Atlantic. As well, conflict was common in early Canadian history, both internationally and domestically.
With this expansion also came a downside. As settlers built the nation, they did so at the expense of the aboriginals who had lived on the land for thousands of years. Aboriginals were often forced to sign treaties and made to move onto reserves. As well, the establishment of the Residential Schools by the Canadian government with help from the churches worked to systematically destroy aboriginal culture, in a sense to “kill the Indian in the child”. The repercussions of the residential schools are so great that their effect are still being felt today even as the last school closed close to 20 years ago.
In a sense, Canadian history is about the westward expansion of the country and those who that expansion came at the expense of. Of course, Canada has also played a part in major world events in the 20th century such as World War I and II. Canada is a great country with a rich history, but it cannot be forgotten what has been sacrificed to create it.
squamptonmafia 6:19 pm on September 5, 2013 Permalink | Log in to Reply
Canada is a country of toque wearing, igloo living, hockey playing, “eh” saying, beard growing lumberjacks who just want to go for a beer. Right? Even though stereotypes are generally rooted in some sort of fact, Canadians are, actually, a bit more complicated than that. It’s a nation that stretches over 5500 km from east to west, with some parts that would rather not be there in the middle (here’s looking at you, La Belle Province). It’s a place where everybody is welcome, no matter where you come from, and once you get here, it’s pretty likely that there will be a community of people somewhere who are just like you. Examples of these sorts of places are Little Italy in Toronto, the Haitian community in Montreal, the Eastern European community in Winnipeg or the Chinese community in Vancouver, to name but a few. One thing that I feel isn’t talked about enough in relation to Canada is that even though we get the tag of being a multicultural country today, we’ve been multicultural since the very beginning, what with the English and French bickering over who would get to keep us before Confederation. Canadians are often perceived in the international scope as “too nice”, which I’ve always found really funny. I mean, who’s complaining when the worst anybody can say about you is that you’re nice? Even though Canadian history sometimes gets a bad rap for being “too boring” (owing to our lack of killing people to get what we want), I believe that it is important for every Canadian and even people who are just students here to have an understanding of what makes this country unique. Being Canadian is something to be proud of, even if that means sucking up a few Don Cherry or Tim Horton’s jabs along the way.
Tyler Cole
connordm 8:32 pm on September 7, 2013 Permalink | Log in to Reply
Canada is a country of diversity, from the people to the land and everything in between. Multiculturalism is evident throughout Canada as immigrants arrive and add to the growing diversity of languages as well as religions and cultures. The two official languages of Canada are English and French. There are still many other languages that are spoken in Canada everyday. The land spreads from sea to sea and borders the United States making Canada the second largest country in the world. The extreme weather in Canada that feels like a desert in the summer and blizzards in the winter make Canada’s weather diverse through its many provinces. While Canadians may be stereotyped as overly nice people, Canada welcomes everyone and continues to add to the communities that are in each city.
Canadian history is about immigration, the treatment of previous immigrants, the treatment of previous immigrants being harmed, the first immigrants and the First Nations that made Canada. Canada had mistreated many cultural groups in its past and is now trying to make amends. The country is attempting to right the previous wrongs like the Komagata Maru Incident to the Head tax, the treatment of the Japanese after the bombing of Pearl Harbour as well as the treatment of First Nations and the Fur Trade. Canada has tried to change its image and has done so somewhat(even though they are still trying to make amends for various incidents). Canada is now where immigrants look to for a place of peace, security, a better life and future for themselves and family. Canadian history is what represents Canada to the world as a premiere destination in life to either visit or move to.
jerry942 4:13 am on September 8, 2013 Permalink | Log in to Reply
Canada is a country where multiculturalism is apparent and respected. Everywhere we go, there are talented individuals that may come from different cultures. These are people who wanted a better life, and also to contribute to the Canadian society as best as they could. However, this is only part of what makes this country unique. Canada also plays a huge role in the world’s economics, politics and even sports. Out of the 196 counties in the world, Canada has the 13th highest GDP, which is astonishing considering it’s merely 33million population. As a proud member of the NATO, Canada has also taken part in many wars and peace missions. When it comes to sports, the Canadian people take pride in their national sport, hockey. Whether it’s to play or to watch, this sport has never failed to bring together fans, friends and families.
Canadian History is all about where and how this great nation was formed. How multiculturalism was adapted and how it was able to influence the world in a huge manner.
To be more precise, the relationship between the First nation people and the Europeans are one essential part of the story. Also, how Chinese railway workers came to this country and their life here in Canada. We can even turn back the clock to Second World War and Korean War to see what kind of a role Canada played on the world stage. All in all, Canada is a great nation with a long and interesting history to study from.
jamesrm 10:02 am on September 8, 2013 Permalink | Log in to Reply
Canada is my home. I have lived in Canada my whole life, spending brief amounts of time living abroad in England, the United States and France and whenever I return home, I am flooded with patriotism and pride, stemming from the pleasant demeanour of the Canadian population and by Canada’s own natural beauty. Having lived in the Lower Mainland my whole life and having connections in Ontario, my current dream is to take a month to drive across Canada and experience everything this vast country has to offer.
Unfortunately, like everything in this world, Canada is not without its controversies. Whether it’s Residential Schools scarring our nation’s history or the refusal of the Komagata Maru boat into Vancouver’s port, Canadian history is tattered with racism, sexism and bigotry. Despite Canada’s historical controversies, Canada has set many international benchmarks that make me extremely proud to call myself Canadian. Being the first non-European country and the fourth country overall to legalize gay marriage, having a huge part in both World Wars, as well as contributing Penicillin, Standard Time and the Canadarm to the modern world are all prime examples of International Canadian contribution. And hey, being the best in the world at hockey doesn’t hurt either.
To me, Canada represents my home, my identity and my favourite place on the planet.
tling 11:05 am on September 8, 2013 Permalink | Log in to Reply
Canada is located in North America along with two other countries. It borders the United States on both the Northwestern (with Alaska) and the Southern side. Canada consists of ten provinces and three territories. The Canadian flag is white with two red stripes on the sides and a red maple leaf in the middle. The capital of Canada is Ottawa and the two official languages are English and French. Canadians are usually stereotyped as people who love hockey, tend to say “eh” at the end of every sentence, and are always respectful to everyone.
However, Canada is not without its faults. A couple of these faults include the residential schools, which tried to assimilate the First Nations children with those of European descent, and also the Head Tax, which tried to keep out all people of Asian descent. Conversely, in modern day, Canada is well known for their universal health care as well as their peace-keeping efforts.
I have lived in Vancouver all my life. I love the lush, green environment, and the friendly people that live around me. In my life, I have only been as far as Edmonton, Alberta (within the Canadian border) but I would love to see the eastern part of Canada in the near future. I am proud to be considered a Canadian.
-Tamara Ling
brendanjf 11:11 am on September 8, 2013 Permalink | Log in to Reply
I put this on the wall for the wrong discussion group earlier.
Canada has been many things to different people and at different times. Canada is one of the largest nations on Earth, and yet it is also one of the least densely populated, with vast swathes of pristine natural beauty. It’s a country whose history involves interactions, disagreements, treaties and wars between multiple groups all with strong cultural identities. It has been host to an enormous multitude of distinct independent aboriginal tribes. It was the location of the first European settlements in North America when the Vikings landed in Newfoundland. It saw the establishment of the French colony of Canada, the subsequent wars between the French and the British, and the handover of French territories to the British at the end of these wars. The Hudson’s Bay company laid claim to and administered vast swathes of territory. It saw conflicts between some of the indigenous tribes and the European colonists, cooperation and trade with other tribes, and even the creation of entirely new cultural groups like the Metis from the mixing of European and indigenous peoples. Though its much of its history as the nation we know today stems from European colonization, unlike many other American nations, whose identity was forged in fire and revolution, Canada attained its independence through peaceful negotiation and diplomacy, and maintained good relationships with their former British owners. As a nation, Canada fought in several wars, experienced rapid territorial expansion, and saw the growth of large migrant populations. The predominant theme of Canadian history, at least in my perspective, has been a search for identity. The history of Canada has been dominated by the interactions and disputes between a number of cultural groups with strong senses of self-identity, and it has struggled to define itself outside of its relationship to its boisterous neighbour to the south. It has attempted to construct a unique cultural identity through all of this, while still maintaining, all of the separate cultures of its citizens, resulting in the multicultural approach we see today. It has attempted to make a place which all may call home, regardless of background, welcoming variety and celebrating diversity.
slali 3:41 pm on September 8, 2013 Permalink | Log in to Reply
Diversity, multicultiralism and equality. These are all some significant abstractions that come to mind when Canada is mentioned in conversation. It is no secret that Canada is made up of people from all over the world and that if you looked around your university classroom, you would see people of all colours and cultures. We live in such a non-discriminatory country that welcomes you no matter what your origins are and what your background is. People can live and breathe without feeling suffocated by the judgements of society that may be felt in other countries. Women can feel equal to men, lesbians and gays have the same rights as heterosexuals and people have the right to be themselves in this country so tame, civil and free. What is Canada? It is one of the most beautiful countries in the world. Its beauty shines through the rights Canadians receive on a daily basis, and how easy it is to live here. The stresses and struggles felt in Canada cannot be compared to those felt outside of North America. As a country, our struggles are minor compared to those of South America etc. As a proud Canadian, there is no other place I would call home.
Canada is not only home to many diverse Canadians but it is originally home to the aboriginals. These are a group of people whom lived with the earth. Their souls were connected to Canada’s nature and beauty and they were one with the world. European settlers came afterwards, settling in Canada, and to this day many take credit for inhabiting these lands before the aboriginals. Because of what has been taken from the aboriginals, from what has happened in the past, the Canadian government is still making up for it today. Some may find it unfair that the first nations population in Canada receives benefits, free post-secondary schooling, priority housing, no taxes etc. But I believe that they had so much taken from them that this is the least our government can do to restore what has been broken in the past.
-Suman Lali
eself 4:10 pm on September 8, 2013 Permalink | Log in to Reply
Canada is my home. I am Canada. Canada is me.
Canada is where my national family is ethnically, religiously and culturally diverse. It is a nation where people feel comfortable to express themselves. It is a nation that comes together in skating rinks to cheer on hockey teams, where preserving the environment is important, and where beautiful forests and mountains are common all across the nation. It is also a place where there can be cultural centres for the Haida, a place for them to express their rich cultural heritage in a contemporary context. Canadians respect this, and know the importance of preserving culture. It is a country that respects that government has a role but also empowers the individual. It is a place where we all are concerned about poverty and education, and our fellow canadians who have less or who are unwell. We are all Canada. We all must protect our home.
bedard 4:12 pm on September 8, 2013 Permalink | Log in to Reply
Canada is a country many different cultures and ethnicities call home. My name is Owen Bedard and I come from the Haida Nation of Haida Gwaii, located of the coast of Northwest British Columbia. Canada has been the home to my people and other aboriginal people since time immemorial. I have spent my whole life growing up in Canada and surrounded by First Nation culture and history, however I find that First Nation history is strongly overlooked in the education system and in Canadian history. I am in the NITEP program, which is a concurrent program with the faculty of education for First Nation students. Although, now a days First Nation history is becoming more vibrant and more alive, with one example being the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada or the TRC. The TRC was established back in 2008 to inform Canadian citizens about the history of Indian Residential Schools and the impacts the schools had on First Nation children who were taken from their families and sent to the schools by the government. The TRC has enabled healing for all those affected by the residential schooling, and informs Canadian citizens what the First Nation people went through. This upcoming September 18th, UBC is showing its support to the First Nation people affected by residential schooling by cancelling classes and allowing the students to observe the events taking place and witnessing the importance of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
lsmack 4:59 pm on September 8, 2013 Permalink | Log in to Reply
Canada is made up of many different ethnic races that worked together to make up Canada. A lot of blood, sweat and tears went into creating what we now know is Canada. Generations were lost but there were new generations created.
Being a First Nations Canadian, I only learned of the ‘good’ things that the government did. I feel our Canadian History is like a coin. You only see one side until you flip the coin over then you will see there is another side. As a society, and from school standards, they were only teaching one side of the coin. Only in the last few years, they started showing and teaching both sides of the story. My point is that they only touched on the topic of “Residential Schools”, the banning potlatches, and the creations of reservations.
Even when the Asians migrated to Canada, they taught more of their culture in history and social classes. Not to insult the Asian History in Canada (comparing what they teach of each culture and history), but they focused and emphasized on their losses and gains. The Asians had a rough time too with the Head Tax, the cheap labor they were forced in, and their horrible living conditions they had while working. We even learned of the dangerous work they had to perform while laboring to build the famous Canadian Railway.
If you think about it, every country has some history they choose not to teach or choose to put on the back burner. Just like the regular person on the street, they are not going to tell you about their shady past. They will avoid or dodge what they have to say if they feel uncomfortable.
hartcamp 6:11 pm on September 8, 2013 Permalink | Log in to Reply
Canada is one of three countries in North America, and borders the United States. Some of the bigger cities such as Vancouver and Toronto are very diverse, whereas the smaller communities spread among the nation may not be as such. Canada is a peaceful country but is well aware of international affairs. Canadian history is something that I know very little about. I am a Canadian citizen, however I was born in the US and lived there my entire life. As history is one of my favorite subjects however, it bothers me that I know very little about it’s history (I practically know nothing other than a bit about the French and Indian War) and I am taking this course to get to know some of the countries essential history and have a better understanding of the nation that I study in, and may potentially live in for the rest of my life.
rustyj 8:32 pm on September 8, 2013 Permalink | Log in to Reply
Canada is the second largest country in the world, its people are as diverse as its topography from coast to coast. Canada is a country rich in cultures and traditions brought to its shores by the immigrants that formed its population through the ages. Canada’s First Nations welcomed and traded with nations from around the long before confederation. The Beotuk people of Newfoundland traded with the Norse in the 11th century; the Haida of Canada’s northwest coast traded with the Russian traders. Canada history is bound to the resources it holds in its oceans, lakes and forests; however Canada’s history is built upon conflict, alleged ownership and greed by those who would profit from its exploitation.
Canada is one of very few countries in the world where freedom of expression, association and cultural beliefs can be exercised without fear of persecution. This was not always the case when one refers to the wholesale genocide of the Aboriginal culture at the hands of Canadian government policy in the early 19th and 20 century.
Tina Loo 10:59 am on September 14, 2013 Permalink | Log in to Reply
Who are you? Could you edit your post and insert your name so I could give you credit?
rustyj 8:53 pm on September 16, 2013 Permalink | Log in to Reply
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