Canadian National Identity Chapters 16 and 17 Social 20-1 Theme 4

Issues: To what extent have perspectives on Canada as a nation contributed to the development of a national identity? To what extent do individuals, groups and governments promote a national identity?

It’s all a matter of perspective isn’t it? Being Canadian means many things to many different people A community of communities? A union of 10 equal provinces? A pact between 2 (maybe 3) peoples? Probably the real problem with Canadians is that they have too many ideas of what “being Canadian” is

I am a Canadian!!... and no this is not a beer commercial... I can speak without fear, worship my own way, stand up for what I believe in and oppose what I want to. I can choose my government, and basically be what I want to be. This said by the guy who killed the Avro Arrow! Despite this, former PM John Diefenbaker states what many of us already know – Canadians identify (and are identified) with freedom, tolerance, acceptance, equality, justice and choice We’re just nice and polite people

Canada is like an old cow the West feeds it, Ontario and Quebec milk it. And you can well imagine what it’s doing in the Maritimes – this according to former Sask Premier Tommy Douglas While many feel that Canada is a successful model of tolerance and cooperation, others feel that not everyone here enjoys the benefits of Canada equally

So then, what’s the deal? Canada is many things to many people – for some it works well; for others, it doesn’t We are a nation of optimists, pessimists, immigrants, separatists, nationalists, and some would even say – moochers! Canada has its supporters, but it has its critics too – many of whom have been around for a very long time (since Confederation!) Canada has unique challenges given its diversity and disparities – it’s hard to keep everyone happy

We’ve been (and still are) many things! The home for 1 st nations A French colony A British colony Home to the Metis Home to the Inuit An independent nation A peacekeeper Yada You get the picture? No wonder we get so confused!

Historically we’ve been through a lot! As a bilingual/bicultural nation we have ▫Gotten along ▫Not gotten along ▫Compromised ▫Bickered ▫Just ask the likes of Lord Durham, “Sir John A,” Louis Riel, Pierre Trudeau and Rene Levesque – they’ll tell you! ▫And just to complicate things a little more, we’ve made the country MULTI-cultural

So where does this take us? Back to our first issue: To what extent have perspectives on Canada as a nation contributed to the development of a national identity? Your thoughts?

Do individuals, groups and governments promote a national identity in Canada? How far and how so? Some people and groups do so in a big way while others could care less – some even go so far as to try to sabotage our sense of identity Promotion can occur through symbolism, mythology, institutions, and government programs and initiatives

Here we go again...

The video raises many ideas of what it is to be Canadian... And what it is not What are some of the symbols described? What non-Canadian symbols reveal our “Canadian-ness?” Are symbols limited to things or do they include people? Examples?

Promoting “Canadianism” It’s up to the government to promote a Canadian National Identity to encourage all of us to have a “civic identity” This means to have a sense of individual responsibility to the community or collective In other words, it’s up to us as individuals to do our part to make our communities and our country a better place for all to live in

Your Tax Dollars in Action! Department of Canadian Heritage – funds research, writing and sharing of ideas that affect Canada’s identity ▫Responsible for funding for things such as Canada Day celebrations, and Heritage Day ▫Promotes Canadian content in the media, cultural participation and and active citizenship Dominion Institute/CRB Foundation – promote an awareness of Canadian history and culture through such venues as the media and guest speaker events

OK sports fans, it’s your turn Sports can be a source of legends and provide a powerful symbol of Canadian national identity For some, sport is an integral part of Canada’s identity Whether it was the Canada-Russian Hockey Series of 1972, the original 6, Rocket Richard, or the Canada Olympic teams, no one can dispute the importance of hockey to Canadians’ sense of who they are

In the end, its more than just about hockey What about those “Crazy Canucks,” the Bluenose or Percy Williams? What about Terry Fox, Deidre Dionne and Jeremy Wootherspoon?