Related: WHAT IS THE CANADIAN STORY?
How would you tell the story of Canada? Would you use a timeline? How else?
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We travelled across Canada with stops in the cities listed below. Thank you to everyone who shared their ideas with us during our kiosk activities and our roundtable discussions.
| Province | City | Date | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| British Columbia | Vancouver | November 9 | Vancouver Public Library |
| British Columbia | Vancouver | November 10 | Vancouver Flea Market |
| Newfoundland | St. John's | November 20 | Memorial University of Newfoundland |
| Newfoundland | St. John's | November 20 | Centre scolaire et communautaire des Grands-Vents |
| Nova Scotia | Halifax | November 21 | Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 |
| Nova Scotia | Halifax | November 22 | Halifax Stanfield International Airport |
| New Brunswick | Fredericton | November 23 | Crowne Plaza Fredericton Lord Beaverbrook Hotel |
| Alberta | Edmonton | December 4 | Prince of Wales Armouries |
| Alberta | Edmonton | December 5 | University of Alberta |
| Ontario | Toronto | December 11 | Toronto Reference Library |
| Ontario | Toronto | December 12 | Centennial College |
| Saskatchewan | Saskatoon | January 15 | Radisson Hotel Saskatoon |
| Saskatchewan | Saskatoon | January 16 | The Mall at Lawson Heights |
| Quebec | Montréal | January 24 | Promenades Cathédrale |
| Quebec | Montréal | January 24 | Salon Cartier 1, Centre Mont-Royal |
| Quebec | Gatineau | January 31 | Canadian Museum of Civilization |
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Ideas
What I’ve seen so far represents a very Eurocentric view of the place we now call Canada. Lets begin to do justice to the First Nations by showing the great civilations before the colonization and the effects of the reserve system and residential schools.
As noted by many others, I’d like to see more about our indigenous peoples, the physical, mental and social effects of colonization on their societies. Similarly, our social history should be highlighted, rather than just having a time line of “important” events. How did the enmity between French and English develop and what effect did it and does it have on our various provinces and national outlook? How have families been affected by various wars, epidemics, waves of immigration, etc.?
We really like how this timeline begins before confederation and even before the first Europeans arrived in Canada.
The establishment of the North West Mounted Police. This was a major factor in settling the West in a peaceful manner.
While I’m pleased to see that this timeline no longer starts at 1608, you’ve done nothing to really correct the problem. Clearly, the only story of Canada that this museum wishes to tell is through colonization.Thanks for throwing us a bone, but there is a great deal more to be included between 10500B.C. and 1000A.D that is vital to the story of this nation.
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The problem with a timeline is that it will be, with the best will in the world, about events not stories. The event is the opening of the Seaway. The story is (or could be) about post war Canadian Nationalism or optimism. The timeline masks how a historical perspective as driven the selection process
Can you include Indigenous Creation stories, those tell us of how Turtle Island (North America) were made. Respectively, their are many creation stories across Canada, as our Indigenous peoples are so diverse, but an Elder once told me that all Creation stories are true.
I’d love to hear from those people who didn’t and don’t want to be part of Canada and how the Nation responds to people who see themselves as seperate.
I would like to see First Nations languages cultures be much more included, I would like to see them given a place of prominence throughout all time periods. First Nations languages must be included as well, not as relics – public valorization of these modern troves of knowledge must be made.
I would like to see has much as possible of First Nations Peoples history. As well as the actual living history and demands to better up the social, political and economic conditions of all them.
The history of Canada began when people first came to North America about 12,000 years ago. The 11,000 years of history prior to European arrival must be included in any history of Canada.
I recommend weaving in a telling of the history of the First Nations as a significant component of our national history. From pre-contact to present times.
I think a timeline can be an effective teaching tool, but it also accompanies great risk of telling a single story. This story is the archetypal one of colonization and the birth of nation as positive, when in fact they are complicated and resistance to imperial powers are the stories which need more light. This country has a very nuanced history, and this timeline only represents only one (very narrow) interpretation
Just threw a few events up there, which is more of a sample than anything exhaustive, and intentionally trying to avoid duplication … but I will assume that there will be links and connections to the excellent exhibits already available in the museum of civilization, including the great material in the first nations hall and the Canada Hall.
I am adding my voice to those who are appalled or at least confused at the notion that Canada’s history begins at 1600. To ignore or minimize Aboriginal experiences would be a travesty. Do NOT whitewash (literally, in this case) Canada’s history any further!
I’m flummoxed that the timeline starts at 1600. I would assume that most history books start with the first people to land and settle new lands, which would mean the timeline going back to – what? – the mid-1450s or so? Wow.
I’d like to see more on BC and it’s entry into Confederation. There should also be some emphasis on the initial exploration of the Pacific Northwest by the Spanish. So many names here are of Spanish origin etc like Quadra, Texada, Gabriola, San Juan and Juan de Fuca. A lot of Canadians are not even aware of this.
It is absolutely shameful and disgraceful that the timeline for Canadian history starts at 1600. Whoever contributed to this decision should be ashamed. I hope that this is rectified as soon as possible. This is a perfect example of repeating mistakes of the past – having a history that is Eurocentric and ultimately racist. Please learn from the past and correct this terrible timeline.