Hockey, maple syrup, and a red leaf. At first glance these things might not see like they have much in common, yet in a very stereotypical fashion these all make up what many consider to be the the Canadian identity. Noted as having an influx of around 300,000 new immigrants each year, stemming from all different parts of the world, bringing in new cultures and identities, is there really a set Canadian Identity? Identity is what sets one apart from the rest rest of the world, in terms of nationalism it refers to the unique culture, characteristics and condition of being a citizen. Beginning from the arrival of Paleo-Indians thousands of years ago, to the colonization by the Europeans, Canada was born from the idea immigration and the experience of new cultures. …show more content…
I personally view the Canadian identity as a topic which may never truly be set in place as the world grows and new influences arrive, yet at the very same i see it as revolving around the set traits that the first peoples and nations(Aboriginals, French, British, etc.) brought and held, whether it be their spiritual, political, lingual, and cultural views. Major parts of the Canadian identity also arise from non-human factors, such as geography, the land in Canada influences the jobs of the people as well as where everyone is displaced. Canada is considered the second largest country in the world, this causes the Canadian identity to differ slightly depending on where one lives. The identity of a Candian can be summed up from the Charter of Rights and freedoms and each person is entitled to in Canada. In a way, the Charter outlines the key values and beliefs that the people hold. For instance, it outlines the official languages are both French and English, which as stated befores plays a huge part in canada's
Lastly, the Multiculturalism Policy of 1971 has impacted the evolution of the social-cultural identity overtime for Canada. Multiculturalism was first introduced to Canada after the second world war when two key European ethnic groups, the British and the French, joined the aboriginal peoples in Canada. This caused Canada to rethink the role of other ethnicities within the society and became the start of multiculturalism. The Multiculturalism Policy was a way for Canada to no longer be a white country, but to be more diverse, with different ethnicities within the society. Canada’s laws and policies recognize Canada’s diversity by race, cultural heritage, ethnicity, religion and place of origin as well as guarantee to all men and women complete
According to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, “There is no core identity, no mainstream in Canada.” A nation’s identity evolves as a result of influential historical events such as war battles. Similarly, the battle of Vimy Ridge, which took place almost a century ago, was a nation-building event which significantly shaped Canada’s identity to what Trudeau describes today. First of all, this symbolic triumph, in which Canadians had managed to take the ridge from the Germans, sparked a sense of pride and confidence within people across Canada. However, it was not merely a victory for the Allies but specifically for Canadians since the French and British both failed in their massive attempts but the Canadian Corps, a comparatively smaller force,
What is a Canadian? When considering the figurative language within, “I’m not the Indian you had in mind” by Thomas King and, “As Canadian as Possible Under The Circumstances” by Linda Hutcheon, the literary devices that illustrate strong Canadian values are idiom, irony and paradox. There are many different expressions and phrases used in our everyday life. Whether it may be English, French, or Cree, they all represent Canada in their own way. In today’s Canadian society there are many idioms that float around our conversations that foreigners might not understand.
This slow but steady change started during the War of 1812, when French Canadian settlers, British colonists, American Loyalists, freed slaves and Indigenous groups fought together to defend their homeland from American troops. Although Canada wouldn’t become independent from Britain until 1867, the War of 1812 brought together the people living in the colonies and “They did not fight the Americans because they were commanded to by the British, but rather as defenders of Canada.” (Russel Yost, “How Did The War of 1812 Affect Canada,” n.d, section 3, para. 2). Another pivotal event in the creation of the Canadian identity happened after the rebellions in Lower and Upper Canada from 1837-1838. Because of these revolts, Upper and Lower Canada were united under one name and government: British North America.
Definition of Canadian (20%) Being Canadian means being part of a free country that give you the right of freedom. In Canada, all people have basic rights, outlined by the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. These rights can include; freedom of expression, freedom of religion, the right to life, liberty and security, etc. The propose of these rights and freedoms are to protect Canadians. There are many characteristics that define us as Canadian.
They bring with them the English language and culture, one that expands and solidifies Canada’s predominantly bilingual and bi-national identity in the midst of the existing Quebecois culture. They establish English schools, newspapers and social organizations that reflect the British culture, and set up the Anglican Church in Canada, the first of many Protestant churches to come. They are successful in convincing the British government to divide Quebec into Upper and Lower Canada and to Upper Canada they bring their ideas about freehold land ownership, systematic planning of townships and representative government. United in their distrust of the Americans, they adopt the term ‘Canadian,’ a term once reserved for the francophone population but now one that marks the conversion of ‘British’ immigrants to ‘Canadians’, a term that is still used today. Their varied nationalities are also instrumental in creating the foundation for the pluralistic and multi-ethnic Canada that is foundational to its identity.
Guy Bedard, writes in the story “Québécitude: An Ambiguous Identity” that “all identities are a construction of mind.” (Karpinski, p.344). That means each person think differently about his/her identity and create their identities through their history and life experiences. According to Bedard, he figured it out how formations make changes in label of identities. Such as, “Canadian” to “French Canadian” and then “Quebecois”.
Being a citizen of Canada does not necessarily mean that one is truly Canadian. A true Canadian must not just be a good citizen but an active citizen, who has positive impacts on those he or her surrounds. A true Canadian must have core values that they show on a daily basis. These include generosity, kindness, and acceptance. Finally, and most importantly, to truly be Canadian, one must stand up for what he or she believes in.
Those who don’t live or have ever been may think that Canada is a country that is not diverse maybe even monocultural, that Canada is flat full of only farmland and rural towns, that we live lives fueled by hockey and that is all that Canada is. In reality every Canadian knows it is much more it is diverse, scenic and urban. In the essay “My Canada” by Anita Rau Badami she said this about Canada “the country had been doing a slow dance for me over the nine years that I had lived here, showing me tantalizing little bits of itself every now and then.” The quote by Badami says that Canada has little charms spread throughout the country, such as the vastness and natural beauty of Lake Louise and all National Parks. Festivals in Edmonton which displays Canadian culture and a variety of other cultures from around the earth.
Despite the many stereotypes that Canadians have, we are all proud to call Canada our home, and we do not get ashamed when asked what culture we come from. Being Canadian brings a sense of freedom, and unity. Being Canadian is an identity that will be everlasting, it is important to hold
CANADIAN IDENTITY By Rebecca Grimwood Does Canada have a secure identity, or have we become an American wannabe? The two countries share the longest border in the world, and have a similar amount of land mass. Many wonder if Canada is simply a smaller version of America. Although Canada is aware of America’s entertainment industry, concept of multiculturalism, and history, there are fundamental differences that make Canada’s identity unique and secure.
Canada’s economy has undergone continuous changes throughout the years. Many of these developments include newly established acts, economical, and political reforms; the core of what has shaped the country into what it is today. More prominently, since the 1950s, Canada’s identity as a nation is stronger and more defined due to many of these growths. One can clearly see this from the following examples; the welfare state, the St. Lawrence Seaway, and NAFTA.
In this day and age, today’s countries and their cultures are immensely different and unique in comparison to each other. China and Canada are no exceptions. The Chinese, known for their famous silk production and their Great Wall of China, hold an impressive history ranging over 5000 years. Canada on the other hand, has only been in the game for 150 years. The British colonization in 1867 had a major impact on the First Nations and has left a serious mark on their community.
Canadian individual identity is questioned often because it is so diverse and means something different to each person in Canada. Although there is not a set identity there are many values and beliefs that are owned by all Canadians. To find out what Canadians identity is, one has to take into account what has affected it. The United States is the biggest influence on Canadian identity. The U.S. culture is very similar to Canadians as we are exposed to it all the time in media sources.