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!
lala, 
mosachoff, and 8 others are discussing.
Nadir Surani 11:18 am on September 5, 2013 Permalink | Log in to Reply
Canada is the world’s second largest country by area, after Russia, but Canada’s population (approximately 35 million), at slightly less than that of the state of California (approximately 38 million), is small by comparison. Regardless of its population size, Canada plays an important role in the world’s economy and is one of the largest trading partners of the United States.
Canada is often referred to as the ‘land of immigrants’ and this applies to my heritage as well. Although I was born in Vancouver, B.C. (one of the ten provinces in Canada) and have lived here all my life, my parents emigrated from Kenya and their ancestors from India. As such, immigration has played an integral part in the development of multiculturalism within Canada. With its scenery and mild climate, Vancouver is one of the most ethnically and linguistically diverse cities in Canada with over fifty percent of its population speaking a first language other than English, including Mandarin, Spanish, Hindi, and other dialects.
As beautiful as Canada and the province of British Columbia we live in is, the way Canada developed into a country is very interesting as it has not been spared from conflicts of cultural assimilation, conflicts between the English and French, and more. From the Canadian Confederation in 1867, the forging of the nation through the two World Wars, and its development as an independent nation, the history of Canada is fascinating. Even though I am a born Canadian, I have little knowledge about the history of Canada, so I am eager to learn about the development and evolution, which has led to the present-day Canada.
schan 6:08 pm on September 6, 2013 Permalink | Log in to Reply
Canada is a country in North America that is 146 years old. It is a country of freedom, respect, diversity, and a continuously growing market. With the vast amount of land/area in Canada, it is known as one of the most beautiful places on earth. Our country is unique in a way that there are many languages spoken here (French and English being the main ones), everyone has a different culture, and come from all around the world! Each and everyday, you can learn something new about this country. Canada consists of 10 provinces that are all unique and special in their own way. When the question “What is Canada known for?” I think the most well known things our country is known for include: hockey, snow, wilderness, kind people, mountains, etc. Canada has much to offer for everyone no matter where your from. That is why so many immigrants come here to start a new life. This country is known for “great new beginnings” for many, and that’s what makes our country so wonderful.
Canadian history is how our country came about. Our country is inhabited by many Aboriginal people that own much of this land, and they play an important role in our laws. Others that helped shape Canada include the French, and veterans from events such as World War II. Our country wouldn’t be the way it is today without historical events that changed legislation, laws, etc. Canada is known as one of the most liveable countries for its climate, outdoors, opportunities, and much more! I am looking forward to learning more about my home, Canada!
Wesley Livermore 9:53 am on September 8, 2013 Permalink | Log in to Reply
Canada is a fantastic country filled with a fantastic population. Whether it is the Rocky mountains out west or the french speaking culture in Quebec, Canada has it all. Being the second largest country in total area, Canada spreads all that area out in only ten provinces and three territories. The population is not even the size of the State of California, but ask any Canadian and we will tell you we don’t care if we are the size of California. Canada thrives on living differently than any other country or state in the world. Canada not only accepts differences, but rather embraces them. Our history tells the story of why Canada is so multicultural, and when push comes to shove we can hold our own. Canada’s history is about the growth of new land and many cultures coming together to make one.
Athletically Canada does extremely well in skiing and most of all beloved hockey. Hockey brings many Canadians together during International tournaments and separates many when it comes to the National Hockey league when each others teams play. All in a loving way, of course…Most of the time. When people discriminate based on some ones beloved NHL team it can be taken too far and is much too immature if you ask me. Everyone knows Canada’s team is the Maple Leafs! GO LEAFS GO!
Pierre-Marie B. 1:18 pm on September 8, 2013 Permalink | Log in to Reply
Located in North America, Canada is widely known for being one the largest countries in the world, it is ranked in the second place after Russia, it spreads between the Pacific Ocean to the West and the Atlantic Ocean to the East. The country shares borders with the United States of America in the South and in the northwestern part with Alaska. Canada is divided in three territories and ten provinces, they are all mostly bilingual but English prevails over French except in the province of Québec which is mainly and officially French speaking. The capital is Ottawa in Ontario.
I come from France and unfortunately I don’t know much about the history of Canada although there are special links between these two countries. Of course some of the basics, for instance that it was discovered by a French explorer called Jacques Cartier and that the city of Quebec was founded by another famous Frenchman, Samuel Champlain. When the first settlers arrived the country was inhabited by native tribes. Then there were times of war between the multiple colonies, the French and Indian Wars.
As far as I am concerned, many popular beliefs about Canada and Canadians have turned out to be true since I arrived : people are friendly, very polite and willing to help whether or not they know you. They are also really concerned about environment and health, consequently it is shown through the landscape and in the nature. I have the feeling that the sense of belonging is very important here in Canada, almost every person I have talked with seemed so proud of their hometown. Now I’m discovering what a real campus is and the way of life which goes with it.
lindseyaw 2:01 pm on September 8, 2013 Permalink | Log in to Reply
Canada is a nation of multiculturalism, and takes great pride in its diversity. Canada has a relatively small population for its physical size, and most of the population lives very close to the American border. It is made up of ten provinces and three territories, and a Federal government, which is based in Canada’s capital, Ottawa, Ontario. Canada’s head of state is Queen Elizabeth II, making Canada a commonwealth nation. From sea to sea to sea, there is a lot of environmental diversity, from the Rocky Mountains, the Canadian Shield, to the tundra in the territories. Canada is also known for its great amount of natural resources, such as fresh water, oil, and forests. Canada is also known for its universal health care, and its legacy of peacekeeping with the United Nations.
Canadian history is about the contact between different groups from different cultures and backgrounds, and how this contact created a unique nation and government. I think that as a country, Canada is unique, as it embraces the different backgrounds of its people and protects their rights and freedoms. Although Canada now defines itself as a multicultural nation, Canada’s history contains many negative narratives when it comes to its treatment of Indigenous peoples, as well as immigrant groups over the years. Canada’s history is important because it deals with history that still affects people today. The issues, such as colonialism and assimilation, occurred in the past, but are still relevant and continue to create dialogue between many groups of people across Canada and with the government. Therefore, Canada’s history is a very relevant topic to discuss in the modern day, because it defines the nation in so many different ways.
geenalee 3:20 pm on September 8, 2013 Permalink | Log in to Reply
Canada is an extremely unique country. While it is the second largest country in the world geographically, Canada is also classified as a significantly young country which has a much smaller population in contrast to other nations, including its superpower southern neighbor, the United States. With that said, Canada is popularly known as a diverse and multicultural nation due to its population being primarily dominated by immigrants from different parts of the world. Despite different ethnic and religious backgrounds, people are united through their Canadian citizenship. Moreover, Canada’s reputation as a democratic and peaceful nation further reinforces its international image as a welcoming and friendly country. Thus, Canada has become a globally desirable place to live, a place where people can depend on to be safe, as well as being acknowledged and accepted for their differences.
As for Canadian history, I believe it is simply about the process of different groups of people coming together to live as Canadians. Indeed, this process included many challenges which Canada as a nation had to overcome. For instance, the conflict between European immigrants and the First Nations people has been ongoing throughout Canadian history and still to the present day. The conflict between English Canadians and French Canadians is also extremely significant. Moreover, early generations of other ethnic groups also found it difficult to live peacefully when the Canadian government discriminated against them at times. Unfortunately, such struggles were seemingly inevitable due to the heterogeneous nature of Canada. Different groups of people had different interests, which almost always came into conflict with each other. I find it fascinating how much Canada has developed as a modern nation where people live, for the most part, harmoniously, and I feel that exploring Canadian history is key in understanding Canada’s distinct identity in the contemporary world.
chliane 4:46 pm on September 8, 2013 Permalink | Log in to Reply
Canada is a country made up of a plethora of different cultures. Our multiculturalism, and particularly our embrace of the wide variety of peoples may be what defines us most. Our sense of nationalism comes from our shared rights as Canadian citizens, and not from shared traditions and backgrounds. Being part of the ‘new world,’ Canada’s history and modern culture grew out of those that had been carried over from the ‘old world’ after its discovery, including everything from Europe to Asia and beyond. As a country of immigrants, we are also seen as a place for new beginnings and fresh starts. My parents came here to find better education and a healthy place to raise kids, which is what many others come to do.
In Canada we have relatively high living standards, being very large in terms of area and having a very small population density. This means lots of uninhabited space and parks all over the country. Our amazing forests and majestic views attract thousands of tourists every year, which makes up a large part of our economy. Our environment is something Canadians take great pride in. Canada is full of natural resources, some of which have been exploited. The fight to save our land and the wildlife that lives on it is all part of our history. Our interactions with the natives takes up a great deal of our history as well, and they are major players in the battle for the land.
The many cultures and the physical geography are all part of the history that has shaped Canada into what it is today. Canada’s multiculturalism and vast, rich landscape made a great impact on our world today, which is why the history of Canada is so important to study.
jonathangeorge 4:50 pm on September 8, 2013 Permalink | Log in to Reply
My preconceptions of Canada is that it is a country that is very young in age and is very rich in natural resources also with a wide diversity of multi-culturalism. The country is so vast in area that it is the second biggest country in the world. It is divided into ten provinces and three territories it also has two languages that are spoken here English and French. It is a society that is based on the freedoms and rights that every single human should be allonlywed to life their life and have an equal opportunity to be successful in todays world. The unique thing about this great land is that it is so beautiful and a great place to live that a lot of people from other countries have a strong desire to become Canadian citizens which in turn makes this a super friendly place to live. Canada is a young, wild and free country.
When it comes to Canadian history it seems to me that there are a lot of things that are not told or taught to us in the school system which are what really made this country what it is and how the world sees us as Canadians. From what I remember in high school is that the British Empire was where decisions where made about how the country was developed and governed. The history about our great country is what I would say totally white washed just because you only hear and learn about the good things that made this country what it is and all the dark and horrible events that took place were just swept under the rug never to be talked about. I think and believe that all the history books and classes in the schools should be rewritten and revamped the whole story should be shared and told the good, the bad, and the ugly.
mosachoff 4:58 pm on September 8, 2013 Permalink | Log in to Reply
Canada is a developed country located in Northern North America. Its 9,984,670 km2 constitute the world’s second largest country by area. The country is economically sound by standards of GDP, owning the 11th largest economy in the world. The Confederation of Canada took place 146 where three former British colonies were united into one Country, Canada, within the British Empire. The history of Canada however extends past the formation of the country we know today and even past early exploration within European exploration of the continent over a thousand years ago. Canada’s history can be described as a story of immigration and acted as a frontier beginning with the first people to enter North America over the land bridge in the Bearing Strait. As early human beings entered Canada they made their homes and formed the bands of First Nations that exist in Canada today. Canada became a frontier again as people explored it and harvested its various resources at the beginning of Colonization of North America. After Canada became a nation, it became a destination for immigrants to come from Europe to start a new life and escape plight in Europe. In modern Canada, multiculturalism is a product of continuing influx immigrants from around the world. Canada remains a diverse country culturally and ethnically as people search for a better life.
Tina Loo 10:52 am on September 14, 2013 Permalink | Log in to Reply
Can you edit your post and insert your name? I’ve no idea who you are…. Thanks!
lala 11:01 pm on September 8, 2013 Permalink | Log in to Reply
Connor Easton
Canada is despite being the second largest country in the world by landmass, a very small country. The population of Canada is relatively small, and a significant percentage of the population choose to live very close to the US border. Although the idea of a large country may give the idea of a diversified group of cultures who can connect on very few norms and ideas, this claim would only be half correct. I believe Canada has a diverse population from many cultures, but has been very successful in connecting these varying cultures across the country through the common love for such a great country. The liberal freedoms of this nation are what many people and nations around the world sought for. I believe this is the reason Canada has such high immigration numbers in comparison to other countries. In essence Canada is about interconnected diversity.
Canada’s history in a way can be described as a nations journey through racial, economic, and gender discrimination towards a fair and equal future. Many of the events in Canadian history may not be wars or national disasters (in comparison to other nations’ histories) but rather conflicts within the nation due to our inherent diversity from the day Europeans first settled into the lands of the Maritime Provinces and Quebec. The diversity was unnatural during the past, even between the French and the English. To include the relations of these colonies to the First Natives was a level of diversity that was unparalleled in those times. However, Canada was not always the welcoming nation it is today, and had a large number of issues with prejudice towards the Natives, and even the English oppression over the French in the 1700’s
Tina Loo 10:18 am on September 14, 2013 Permalink | Log in to Reply
I’m going to write some general comments here about your Week 1 posts, all of which were good. The only problem that I can see – and something to keep in mind more for the coming weeks and the blog entries you will write there – is that some of you didn’t address the second part of the question about what the story of Canadian history is. Or if you did, it tended to be more implicitly stated than directly. Go for the direct approach. I’ll give an example shortly.
Most of you said that Canada was a multicultural and diverse country; in addition the diverse First Nations, it’s home to people who have come here from around the world. Many of you emphasize that this makes Canada unique, especially since relations among people are peaceful. Yet at the same time, others of you pointed out that if Canadian history is about how this place became multicultural, it’s also the story of how that process wasn’t without its tensions. There was conflict; there were winners and losers. A number of you pointed out that the gains of settler society were often achieved at the cost of First Nations, yet as the two First Nations students pointed out, many indigenous cultures and communities are thriving now despite colonization. They also make the point that how history looks – what kind of story it is – is shaped by who is doing the telling….
So…what does this all add up to? A very complex history! The history of Canada is in many ways the history of relations among different groups – social relations, but as one of you pointed out, trade, or economic relations It’s about how differences were accommodated – or ignored and denied. We’ll see in the coming weeks how much of your first impressions change.
Good job everyone!