Canada

History

Native tribes and peoples populated Canada for centuries living in peace and harmony; for thousands of years they had no contact with Europe or the western world, that is up until the first explorations of the Vikings around the year 1000 A.C.  As you can learn from the video, the original inhabitants were in touch with nature and respected it completely; they were part of nature.

There is evidence of a Viking settlement to be found in Lance Aux Meadows, which is in Newfoundland. Possibly the native people traded goods an food with the Vikings, or were maybe even unfriendly towards the newcomers. Not much is know about why the Vikings left, maybe disease, maybe native hostility, but what is certain, is that this was the first contact between two previous unknown worlds. 

New France as Canada was called at some point in time, came into existence, due largely to the explorations of one man Samuel de Champlain. He founded Quebec City and traveled (1599-1601) to unexplored places such as the Niagara Falls, and the Saint Lawrence river on orders of the French king. 

But there were also English trading outpost in Canada around the same time as French presence. Both, the English and the French, had alliances with native tribes and there were frequent clashes as to decide who was really in control of the land. With a final decisive battle in 1759, England was victorious. This conflict was a fight of empires for the control of land and sea power, and due to British naval superiority, was won, in the case of Canada, by England.

The Brits and French Battle it out

So Canada became part of the larger colonial empire, until 1867, when a colonial self government was grated to the Canadian confederation, which made Canada a country with its own name.

National flag

Everybody knows the Canadian flag, largely because of the red maple leaf in its center. The flag was designed by John Ross Matheson in 1960's, on commission from the then Pearson monitory government. We could already see the importance of the maple leaf in the times of the French colonies, when it was adopted to identify the region and in the words of the then mayor of Montreal (1836) who described the maple as "the king of our forest; ... the symbol of the Canadian people." So the maple leaf is a representation of the Canadian identity.

Canadian pride

Canadian territories and provinces

Canada consists of 13 political divisions: 10 provinces and 3 territories. The territories are Northwest Territories, Nunavut and Yukon. As we can see in the map the territories can be found north of the provinces. The capital city is Ottawa, which is located in the province of Ontario, and Quebec City is in the province of the same name Quebec.

Territories and Provinces 

The biggest difference between a Canadian province and a Canadian territory is that a province is a creation of the Constitution Act (17 April 1982), while a territory is created by federal law. We also see that the territories cover larger areas of landmass that are not as populated as the provinces.

The federal government has more control over the territories, while provincial governments have many more competences.

Play the game and find out what you know about the Canadian Provinces. Click on the word (GAME ) enjoy!

The languages of Canada

Since this blog is about English speaking countries we obviously include Canada, but officially the country has 2 languages : English and French. Over 85% of Canadians have working knowledge of English while only 30.1% have a working knowledge of French. English is the the prominent choice of much of Canada but French is seen as an important part of the Canadian heritage, and laws have been created to foster the continued use and equality of French as a language spoken by Canadians. Canada is also home to many native tribes but only 1% of the population speak an aboriginal language.

Wisdom of the aboriginals

Aboriginal legend

Algonquin Glooscap, is a mythical culture hero, and "transformer" of the Wabanaki peoples. He was an important figure for Atlantic Canada, as well as the Passamaquoddy and the Mi'kmaq (Micmac) tribes, all part of the Wabanaki Confederacy. He is represented as the creator in the Penobscot Native Nation's Creation Myth, as transcribed by Joseph Nicola in The Red Man.

Glooscap is portrayed in a creator role similar to that of the Ojibwa Nanabozho and the Cree Wisakedjak. His name, Kloskabe, means "Man who came from nothing" or literally, "Man created from only speech". 

Eskimo story teller

Canada has in its territory a special group of people, the Eskimos, who have been able to survive in the coldest climate known to man. This of course requires skill, knowledge and wisdom. This is one of the reasons one has to respect these native tribe, because of their ancient wisdom. We should look for their guidance, then we will be able to find peace and clarity in todays hectic times. The right words at the right time are like medicine.

Listen and Learn  

Places to visit

Suggesting the best places to visit in Canada is a daunting task since the country is so enormous, and there are so many possibilities that all deserve to be mentioned. The written words has the ability to waken our imagination, but the visual medium allows the eyes to see what the heart may want to discover. I therefor bring to you the visual experience of what Canada offers from coast to coast.

Famous Canadians

There are many actors, actresses and singers that we know and whose music and movies we adore; that were born in Canada. Most of them now live and work in America, since this is where the mayor music and movie industries are located. Maybe you already knew 

Beam me up Scotty!

that Celine Dion and Justin Bieber are Canadian as is Ryan Gosling, the first two are singers the third an actor. Avril Lavigne and Drake Graham are also Canadian, both are singers. Did you know that Captain Kirk from starship Enterprise and the T.V. series Star Trek, played by the actor William Shatner, is also Canadian? Check out the other Famous Canadians at this website ( click on FAMOUS CANADIANS) 

A national Hero

But the most famous person of Canada, is not known because he can sing or act; no he is famous because he wears a distinctive red jacket, which is part of his uniform. Can you guess who he is? 

Indeed it is the Canadian mountie. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police or in short mounties are seen as heroes in Canada and they are very popular, many shops have postcards with images of these fine ladies and gentlemen, who protect the peace and maintain the right. 

Canadian winters

To say that Canadian winters are very cold is an understatement. Everybody has seen, on the news and in movies and magazines, how cold and severe the weather can really get. On average more people, in Canada, die form exposure to the winter cold than from lightning, wind storms and tornadoes combined. 

Fallen trees and branches due to harsh winter weather.

Expressions such as snow squall and flash freeze are not commonly used in other countries of milder climates such as Mexico, but they are well known and feared in Canada. These are alerts given by the Canadian authorities in case of severe weather conditions. The people in Canada have learned to endure these extreme conditions and well prepared for them.

winter fun!

The up side is that Canada is a paradise for those who love winter sports. People can ski and skate their hearts out. 

The country side looks spectacular in the winter snow, so if you are dressed for the cold and well prepared to face these conditions; you can have lots off fun.

http://www.canadahistory.com/sections/eras/prehistory/Pre%20History.html

http://www.nationsonline.org/oneworld/canada.htm

http://q961.com/the-canadian-flag-where-does-the-maple-leaf-design-come-from/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flag_of_Canada

http://ec.gc.ca/meteo-weather/default.asp?lang=En&n=D2F64537-1