Chapter 14: Canadian Identity By:Javairia, Hafsa, Saide, Mansoor, and Ibrahim

National Myths Myths tells a story about the place, city, or nation and the people who live there Provide people with a foundation for their culture, laws, and traditions for their nation Also myths bring people within a nation closer together because they have something in common National myths promote values and perspectives of people An example of a national myth in ancient myths of the greek gods of Mount Olympus and the Hindu poem Ramayana The stories of voyageurs canoeing westwards and the building of the Canadian Pacific Railway is seen as Canadians being hardworking, ingenious, and determined to other countries

Using National Symbols to Promote Canadian Identity People associate Canada with the symbols of the Rocky Mountains, hockey, the Canadian goose, the loon, and the maple leaf Myths unite people together and also shapes a nation's identity An example of this is when the Canadian government used the story of how the European pioneers triumphed nature and built Canada based this myth to attract settlers Canada is seen as an international peacekeeper in the communities perspective

How Have Institutions been used to promote a National Identity in Canada Institutions are organizations that are established for a specific purpose Use symbols to identify themselves and to create a sense of belonging An example would be Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies which are organizations that help in conflict zone during wars and uses symbols as identification Governments cooperate with each other so they are able to provide more services to people (Hoogeveen, 2008) (Page 317) Some examples are sponsoring, culture events, education, and social assistance National and regional treasures give the message of heritage and culture

Cultural Institutions Cultural institutions are used for Canadian heritage and history An example would be the Glenbow Museum which have an exhibit of Mavericks are hardworking and spirited people who have shaped Canada Some institutions help the music and science industries Other institutions helps athletes get to international competitions and to promote French,Aboriginal, and pthrt groups languages

Educational Institutions Schools teach students about Canadian culture, history, and identity to promote Canada

The Historica Foundation The Historica Foundation started in the 1999 Their main purpose is to ensure that all Canadians know the history of Canada Historica Minutes are short films shown on the television about Canadian’s stories Historica fair are there to educate students history, heritage, and different cultures

The Council of Canadians Found in 1985 All are voluntary members that research and write reports to tell the Canadian government want type of Canada the citizens want Tries to educate citizens about the issues that Canada is facing like health, changes in drug regulations, changing in security rules, and etc Between 2007 to 2008, the Council of Canadians tried to raise awareness about the water crisis They established the Blue Covenant which battles for global water rights

Institutions that seek Influence Political institutions try to influence government policies by promoting the national interests of different groups in society By doing so, they ensure that the voices and stories of their members are heard so that they become part of national myths and identities Institutions contact companies asking them to fill surveys, publish books, maintain websites, and magazines to make sure that their voices and stories become national myths and identities.

Aboriginal Organizations Many organizations were created across Canada for the sole purpose of working and helping Aboriginal people such as the Assembly of First Nations and the Metis National Council These organizations support Aboriginal people by starting campaigns to support and improve aboriginal traditional lifestyles and allow access to pure water These organizations also try to ensure that the Aboriginals aren’t affected by the national interests of a nation

The National Anti-Poverty Organization The National Anti- Poverty Organization which was formed in 1971, works for those who are poor. The organization represents over 250 groups which include food banks, and homeless shelters as well as abused women across Canada NAPO stated that Canada failed to meet the needs of its international human rights obligations The UN committee has shown concern about increasing poverty rates in canada among Aboriginal people, African- Canadians, immigrants, people with disabilities, youth, low income women and single mothers.

The Hudson’s Bay Company The Hudson’s Bay company was established in 1670 and governed a huge part of Canada up until 1860 While the Hudson’s Bay owned a large part of Canada, the Bay created its own laws, supplied its own money, and controlled specific parts of its employees lives The Bay’s past is one of Canada’s national myths due to its past which included stories of adventure, explorations and greed. The Hudson’s Bay blanket became a symbol of the company and was traded to Aboriginal trappers

The CBC, NFB, and CRTC An Act called the Broadcasting act was passed which stated that the CBC and other canadian news outlets to be specifically canadian to support and promote Canadian identity The National Film Board creates films that represent and show Canadian perspectives in english and french Broadcasters in Canada are obligated to meet the requirements set by the Canadian Radio- television and Telecommunications Commission such as including canadian performers and including a specific amount of canadian written work. The CRTC controls and licences all broadcasting in Canada. Broadcaster

Educational Programs Education is an important aspect in society which is under the responsibility of the provincial and territorial government. However, the federal government plays an small role by providing funds. The federal government plays a greater and more direct role in the education of First Nations students on reserves and universities. Providing an education to First Nations students on reserves is a treaty obligation The federal government a specific amount of programs that encourage Canadian national identity

Katimavik During 1977, 1986, and 1994, the federal government managed a program called Katimavik which was created to educate and teach Canadian youth by having them work in the community Individuals between the ages of 17-21 were given the chance to explore and learn about different regions in Canada to increase their knowledge, relations, and work skills. Over 25,000 individuals have volunteered in over 2000 communities over Canada In 2006, a study was conducted on the costs and benefits of the program. For every dollar that the government spent, the program produced 2.20 in participating communities.

Programs that Promote Peace, Order, and Good Government “Peace, order, and good government” is an expression that was written in the BNA act of 1867 and the Canadian Constitution of 1982 The expression symbolizes and describes Canadian values and National identity The expression “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness” describes the national identity and values of Americans

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police To achieve “peace, order, and good government” the RCMP was one of the first institutions founded to reach this goal The RCMP first began as the North- West Mounted Police in 1873 which was then re-named as the Royal Northwest Mounted Police in 1904. And In 1904 it was renamed to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police till today The RCMP issues national, federal, provincial, and even municipal policing in certain parts of Canada The RCMP uniform became a symbol of Canada which includes a scarlet tunic, brown riding boots, jodhpurs, and wide stetson

Immigration and security Programs When people immigrate or visit Canada, the first government representatives that they meet are part of Canada Customs and Revenue, Citizenship and immigration Canada, and the Canada Border Services Agency Each of these government institutions are responsible for dealing with a specific program: The Canada Customs and Revenue Agency makes sure that Canadians do their fair share of supporting the country by collecting taxes evenly between people Citizenship and Immigration Canada is responsible for affairs regarding citizenship and immigration and also helps new citizens fit into society The Canada Border Services Agency works with police forces such as the RCMP, government agencies and international agencies to ensure that Canadians are safe and that the borders are secure

Economic Programs Between 1858 and 1908 canadian coins were made in britain at the royal mint Then a canadian branch was opened up in ottawa to make both canadian and british coins In 1931 the canadian government took control of the royal mint. In 1934 the the bank of canada was founded. The royal mints coins and bills have carried symbols of canadian identity throughout all these years Publicly funded canada day celebration is one way the canadian federal government can promote unity and canadian identity.

Individuals Expressing Canadian Identity Musicians and painters have been expressing canadian identity ever since they were able too. An example of a singer that has expressed canadian identity to the rest of the world was in 1988 when gordon lightfoot sang alberta bound in the opening ceremony of the winter olympics. In the 1920 seven canadian artists set out to paint the canadian landscape and its beauty While many other artists were being influenced by the european style of art these men were set out to show the world what the canadian style of art was all about.

Sports Many athletes have shown the world canadas identity and one althete in particular is wayne gretzky at a young age his father built the world famous backyard hockey rink so that he could teach wayne to play hockey. Hockey is a big part of canada's identity majority of canadians either play or are really big fans of hockey In 2008 when jeffrey butle won the world figure skating championship that marked another big milestone in canada's history.

References Hoogeveen, M. (2008). Understanding Nationalism (pp. 314-318). N.p.: McGraw Hill Ryerson.