Explain Different Ways Canada’s geography affects our identity
Climate: Canada’s position as a winter nation helps to define us. We are seen as tougher for being able to live through cold climates.
Landforms and Resources: Landforms help shape how we live, work, and see ourselves. The resources our landforms gives us directly contributes to the economy and it can influence each regions politics and what they prioritize. Landmarks can also give us pride and respect for nature.
How does Canada’s geography acted as both a roadblock and a promoter of exploration and expansion.
Many settlers and immigrants either enter in from the west or east coasts. They can be less inclined to travel more inward because Canada’s cities are so spaced out and far apart. New comers may find it hard to travel as it can be expensive and time consuming. They might also have pre-existing connections from where they’ve landed. But this can be good for those west and east coast cities because they can grow their communities and have a support system to fall back on.
Another way our geography promotes exploration is the fact that each region of Canada holds many different resources. People would build homes and eventually cities to harvest or mine things like oil, potash, gold, and other resources.
What are some demographic facts about Canada?
Canada’s population is most dense in the south. Can be due to trading, weather (colder in the north), and soil or farming conditions for food.
Indigenous people make up the least amount of the population despite being the first people to live in Canada.
Most of the population is of European descent (69%) and the rest a mix of East Asian, Black, Latin American, and South Asian origins.
There are more people entering Canada but houses and living spaces aren’t increasing.
What are national myths?
National myths are stories that become part of a nation’s sense of identity.
What are national symbols?
People, places, or things that represent the characteristics of a nation it would like to promote.
What are EXAMPLES of national myths?
Transcontinental railway. How is this a myth it actually happened.
It’s always cold? I don’t get this
What are EXAMPLES of national symbols?
Hockey, winters, beavers, maple leaf, Terry Fox, CN Tower, Rocky mountains, curling, moose, goose
What do Canada’s myths and symbols say about our identity?
They promote the idea that we are rugged and strong people with close connections to the natural world (nature).
They emphasize that we have overcome obstacles, colonial status, harsh geography, and lack of global power.
Explain, with examples, how national myths and symbols can change.
How does the Canadian flag today and in the past act as a symbol
National symbols and myths can change overtime because they can reflect our new realities and priorities in Canada.
Musical relevancy and symbols can also change because of the newer generations (demographics playing apart in symbols) for example from Shania Twain to Tate Mcrae.
The Canadian flag reflected our close ties with the British Empire. Once Canadians wanted distinction, to separate, and independence from Britain, they changed the flag to what it is today. It was easily recognizable, free of colonial symbols, though not a lot of symbols about Canadian’s identity or pride.
Explain why Canada often has a difficult time forming a national identity
It’s due to regionalism, geography, language, culture, immigration, and multiculturalism. There is a constant stream of new people entering Canada and its hard to establish a national identity when we are still growing. Regionalism is also a big factor because each region has its own sense of pride and culture, that others might not understand. Depending on which area you grew up or live in, your identity will be different and since there are so many provinces and cities, its hard to consolidate Canada’s entire identity into a single word or sentence.
Provide Canadian examples which help explain the relationship between language and identity
Explain why various regions in Canada feel alienated from the rest of the country.
Possibly because people could feel like Ottawa is and Quebec dominate federal politics and other regions may feel like they are not being heard, overlooked, or are underrepresented.
Identity
the set of qualities, beliefs, personality traits, appearance, or expressions that characterize a person or a group
Geography
the study of places and the relationships between people and their environments
Multiculturalism
allowing many individual cultures to exist within one country
