Related Issue #1 Should our identity be based on our nation? KEY ISSUE: To what extent should we embrace nationalism

What is a nation?

Elements of a nation Ethnicity Language Shared characteristics (racial, culture, linguistic) because of shared ancestry Language Sharing language helps people see the world in similar ways People who speak a language fluently can understand each other deeply Collective language (us, our, we)

Culture Religion Geography The way of life that people share bring them together Religion Priests, elders. Mullahs, imams, ministers and other religious leaders pass on traditions that help people share religious beliefs Geography Mountains, oceans and deserts are physical barriers that isolate people and they develop their own ways

Spirituality Politics Relationship to land Spiritual connections unite people Politics Any group of people who have sovereignty or even the desire for sovereignty have a sense of belonging Relationship to land Different land provides different resources and different resources influence the way people live

Is Canada a “nation”? Test Canada’s nation status against the criteria Element of a nation Relevance to Canada There is a common racial and/or ethnic background of the people   There is a common territory (land) There is a common history, common traditions, and a common religion The people have common interests and goals politically The people speak a common language 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5

A new Canada

Canada as a civic nation? Civic nation means that a nation exists, made up of people who share certain political beliefs but are different in ethnicity, language, culture, religion etc

Aspects of a Civic nation Support for social programs Freedom of Press Equal opportunity for all Freedom of peaceful assembly Active citizenship A government that reflects the will of the people Free and Fair elections Constitution Outlines the basic rules that society is based on Canada’s first 34 sections are Charter of Rights and Freedoms

Identity and Nation Human desire to belong is strong Idea of a nation sparks powerful feelings of belonging People make conscious and unconscious decisions to include national symbols/identity as part of their individual identity

How is nation part of who you are? Aspects of your identity Connection to a nation

What is nationalism?

Expressions of Nationalism Currency Borders Official languages Wars Politics Territory Flag Anthem Propaganda Religion

Setting the stage for Change: Factors that influence the Development of Nationalism Historical Factors Ancestry Language Common past experiences Political Factors Representative government vs dictatorship vs monarch Geographic Factors Large vs small territory Island vs land locked

Economic Factors Social Factors Debt Developing Rich vs poor Changes in thoughts and philosophies (shift in ideology) Rights Quality of life Population Religion Structure Language

Results of Nationalism War Countries forming/splitting Industrialization Imperialism

Loyalty firmly committed or faithful to someone or something Syn. allegiance, devotion, attachment, patriotism loyal to an idea, a value, a cause, or a nation or to other people no matter what it is very personal and significant in different situations

Show your loyalty show it publicly (at a protest or celebration) or privately (ceremony or an agreement) RAMS t-shirt Sing national anthem Wave an oilers flag at a game Maple leaf pin on your backpack Reclaiming your heritage name (tribal, inuit etc)

Nationalist Loyalties when you are committed or faithful to a nation patriotism=love for ones nation/country many groups affirm their nationalist loyalties through a variety of ways (i.e. parades, celebrations, protests, reclaiming, place names) can create conflict if you are loyal to more than one nation or if two groups loyal to different nations different things (conflicts over territory, language rights, human rights and natural resources)

Canada and Nationalist Loyalties Canada is a pluralistic society which encourages and promotes people form various cultures to affirm and promote unique cultural identities (aka multiculturalism) Reasonable accommodations are made in Canada to help people feel that they can express themselves.

Reasonable Accommodations Lots of NEW Canadians find comfort in the freedom to express non Canadian loyalties 1990 Sikh RCMP allowed to wear turban instead of Stetson 2007 Quebec had issues with allowing accommodations and refused to let an 11yr old girls play soccer in her hijab

Non Nationalist Loyalties Loyalty that is not related to the idea of a nation Religious loyal to the beliefs and values of a religion and community that shares those beliefs e.g. Irish Catholics vs Protestants Regional loyal to promoting economic, social and political interested of a specific region e.g. Oil tax on Western Canada and none on Eastern (1980s) Cultural loyal to values and ways of life of a group e.g. Oil Sands development and first nations Class loyal to your social status based on wealth, level of education, ancestry, heritage etc e.g. Protesting and demonstrating for workers rights Ethnic Loyal to people that share same cultures and ethnic background e.g.

Contending Loyalties when there is a struggle between two loyalties can cause conflicts within a person or within a larger population loyalties can change based on time, money, emotions, situations every day

Examples of Contending Loyalties Canada Day celebrations and Day of mourning in NFLD Israelis and Palestinians want to control say territory Quebec sovereignty vote came down to 50.52% NO and 49.42% YES Winnipeg General Strike in 1919 Ireland’s long history of conflict between Catholics and Protestants Alberta oil and gas industry vs government (1970s, 80s) Alberta development of oil sands

Reconciling Loyalties There are three options Live with it! Choose one loyalty over the other Accommodate by bringing change to a nation

Live with it! Reasons people might choose to live with their loyalties in conflict Too hard to choose Occupied by other issues Easier than taking action Believe they cannot make a difference

Choose one over the other When people are forced to choose one loyalty over the other they typically are forced to sacrifice an important part of their identity which leads to the feelings of alienation e.g. Michaelle Jean (Gov Gen) gave up her French citizenship so Canadians knew she was truly Canadian

Bring about change in society 2003 Alberta Hutterite colony Fought to be exempt from putting their pictures on their license for religious reasons 1957 American South Little Rock Arkansas Brown Trickey

Should nation be the foundation for identity Are they related How is nationalism shaped Contending loyalties Reconciling loyalties