History – It’s Important

It’s just days away from Canada Day. July 1. Dominion Day. Whatever you want to call it, it’s a day set aside to celebrate Canada. The country of Canada, the people of Canada, the history of Canada and so many other things.

But it’s oh so much more than just a day off. Don’t get me wrong, I like having a day off just like anyone else.

And that’s why I think we should dig deeper, because it’s a celebration of so many things. Well I will go deeper, and you are welcome to join me if you would like to.

I have really been working hard on learning more about Canadian history. Really focusing on what lead to the founding of our nation and what happened at confederation all the way back in 1867. I have found it so interesting. I know what you are saying. Yuck HISTORY!! So boring. Just hear me out!

I will share a few short tidbits of info, but I am not going to go into detail. But I would really encourage you to do that yourself.

I will focus more on the why and the benefits of doing it.

I would say that it’s very critical to know where we have come from to be able to handle and understand where we are today and where we are going. Where we are going as a nation and as Canadians?

One of the most interesting things to me has been to learn about the political philosophy of the fathers of confederation. What the goals were in creating Canada? What our nation would look it? How all of the different provinces joined? How Upper Canada and Lower Canada came together at the beginning?

One of the most important pieces of the puzzle is learning how Canada and America are different. Who the founders were and what they were thinking in founding each country. We are such close neighbours, but our government and political structures are incredibly different.

There is so much to learn.

So where do you start? Well anywhere really. I have a few recommendations listed below, but with so many resources available at our fingertips online you could start there. But books and podcasts work well too.

Maybe you got a great history education in school. Even if you did, it’s probable that you have forgotten one or two things you learned there. Or if you feel like you didn’t learn any Canadian history in school, it’s not too late to start that education and catch up.

One thing I have really come to appreciate while learning about Canadian history, is just how wonderful my country is. Yes, yes, I know there are enough things that we like to complain about with things in Canada, but that doesn’t change how great of a country it is.

The more I learn, the greater my patriotism grows. Patriotism isn’t really a word Canadians use to describe themselves. But now that I’ve said it, it’s out there. I am not embarrassed.

After you learn more about Canadian history and more about Canada, you will be able to share that with others. So many people lack knowledge about Canada. Once you learn more, you are probably more likely to tell other people too. It can be a ripple effect and that can only be good. More people knowing more!

It goes back to the idea of knowing where we have come from, knowing where we are now and being able to use that knowledge to make decisions for our future. But in no way do I have any illusions about the past being all sunshine and roses. Quite the opposite. There were a lot of bad decisions, bad actions, and bad results in our past. But there are always lessons to learn to help our future.

I think Canada Day is a wonderful opportunity to take some time to learn about our country’s past. Because Canada is truly so much more than hockey, Mounties, maple syrup, poutine and saying sorry. Even though I really enjoy all of those things!!

So friends what are you going to do this Canada Day? I know what I will be doing. Learning one more thing I didn’t know before about this great country we live in.

– Recommendations –

“The Promise of Canada” by Charlotte Gray,

“Democracy in Canada” by Donald J. Savoie

Podcast “1867 and All That”

Comment below or send me a message if you have any thoughts about Canada’s history, history or anything else. Or shoot me a personal message through the contact form on the site. I would love it if you like this enough to share it with others. Please SUBSCRIBE in the box above, it helps you know more of what’s going on.