Canada Module 4:1 [English]

Virtual Geography Texts on Canada and Germany

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Unit 1 Introduction to the module and some common symbols of Canada
Grant Head and Holly Innes

Unit aim	To examine the symbols that are specific to Canada, its people, and its history.
Keywords	Symbols, history, heritage, culture, confederation, unity, beaver, maple leaf, anthem

Introduction to the Module:

Historical Geography and Cultural Geography are closely linked, but it is the contention of many that they each have different foci. Historical Geography uses the variety of themes available in the broader Human Geography (spatial patterns, landscapes, place and region, human-environment interactions) and either applies these to past time periods or to changing geographies through time. Cultural Geography on the other hand most often deals with the present, and examines more specifically the role of culture within the themes of human geography.

This module on the Geography of Canada includes units in both historical and cultural geography. In the first few units, certain regions have been selected to highlight their distinctiveness, and as a vehicle for presenting particular themes in the development of the country. They are far from being a complete historical geography of Canada. The latter units select some themes that help to define the nation's cultural geography. Again, these units do not produce a full cultural geography of Canada. The relationship between historical and cultural geography is that while future geographies may well develop in presently unforeseen ways, the past geographies have not, nor will not, be totally erased. Cultural and economic geographies build upon and from the past. Landscape is palimpsest. The cultural geography of today's Canada has arisen from the interaction of a variety of sets of immigrants with resource bases that are both physically and culturally defined, and within a world context of technologies and economies.

What defines a "Canadian", is a question that has been part of the Canadian culture since Canada's birth as a nation. Although no one may be able to agree on a specific definition of a "Canadian", there are a few symbols that reflect the Canadian persona, heritage, and culture. The symbols of Canada increase one's awareness of their country. National symbols are also a way of celebrating being Canadian, they are a celebration of what we are as a people. The following are a number of examples of Canadian symbols.

The Beaver:

Once the early European explorers realized that Canada was not the Orient, and did not offer spices, the explorers turned their attention to a mercantile attraction, the beaver. The beaver population at that time numbered in the millions. In the late 1600s and 1700s fur hats were very fashionable and required beaver pelts. The hats became increasingly popular, thus increasing the demand for the pelts. King Henry IV of France regarded the fur trade as an opportunity to acquire revenue and to establish a North American empire. English and French fur traders began selling the beaver pelts in Europe at twenty times their original purchase price. During the peak of the fur trade 100 000 pelts were shipped to Europe on a yearly basis, causing the beaver to be in danger of becoming extinct. By the mid 19^th century the beaver had reached extinction levels. Fortunately, at that time, Europeans began to wear silk hats and the demand for beaver pelts greatly lessened. The beaver became an official emblem of Canada when an "act to provide for the recognition of the beaver as a symbol of the sovereignty of Canada" received royal assent on March 24, 1975. Today the beaver is thriving all over Canada! It also appears on the nickel coin.

The Maple Leaf and Tree:

Trees have played an important role in Canada's historical development. Trees continue to be of value for commercial use, environmental, and aesthetic importance. Maple trees specifically, contribute valuable wood products, sustain the maple sugar industry and help to beautify Canada. Maple wood is used for such things as flooring, furniture, and interior woodwork. Since 1965, the maple leaf has been the centerpiece of the Canadian National Flag. The maple leaf has become a national and international symbol for Canada. According to many historians the maple leaf began to serve as a Canadian symbol as early as 1700. However, it was not officially recognized as Canada's arboreal emblem until 1996. The maple leaf appears on the penny, and between 1875 and 1901 it appeared on all Canadian coins.

RCMP (Royal Canadian Mounted Police):

The NorthWest Mounted Police was established in 1873 by the Canadian Government to police the areas of western Canada that are presently Saskatchewan and Alberta. Some form of control was needed as free traders were roaming the area exchanging alcohol for furs, robes and horses. The job of the Force was to maintain law and order. In 1904, King Edward VII granted the Force use of the prefix "Royal" and they became the royal NorthWest Mounted Police. In 1920 the name was changed to the present day Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). The red tunics that are worn by the Force help to identify them as a Canadian symbol Canadian Symbol. The subsequent development of the symbolic oriented RCMP Musical Ride is threefold: to amuse the early members of the Force; to display the Force's riding ability; and to entertain the local community. The series of figures which form the basis of the Musical Ride were developed from a series of traditional cavalry drill movements. This is likely due to the fact that many of the original members of the Force had a British military background. The first known riding display was given in 1876, with the initial Musical Ride occurring at the Regina barracks in 1887. The Ride did not begin to entertain the general public until 1904. For much of the 1920s and 1930s there were two Rides in existence, one in Regina and one in Ottawa.

The Arms of Canada:

The Royal arms of the United Kingdom were freely used to identify the offices of the Government of Canada during the first decades after confederation. Shortly after Confederation, a Great Seal was required. The design was approved by a royal warrant on May 26, 1868. The design displayed the arms of the original four provinces of the new federation: Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. It was never used as the Great Seal, instead it was gradually adopted as the arms of Canada. When the other provinces joined Confederation the attempt was made to add the arms of the new provinces, resulting in a crowded and confused appearance. To alleviate this problem, the Canadian Government submitted a request to the Sovereign for a grant of arms. The request was approved. The present design of the arms of Canada was designed by Mrs. Cathy Bursey-Sabourin.

The Great Seal of Canada:

This seal is used on all state documents such as proclamations and commissions of cabinet ministers, senators, judges and senior government officials. The seal dates back to the beginning of the rein of Queen Elizabeth II, Queen of Canada. A new seal will be created for her successor.

The National Flag of Canada:

"The flag is the symbol of the nation's unity, for it, beyond any doubt, represents all the citizens of Canada without distinction of race, language, belief or opinion" - Honourable Mauric Bourget, Speaker of the Senate, February 15, 1965. The Canadian Flag was officially inaugurated on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on February 15, 1965.

National Anthem:

Because Canada is a land of diversity, anthems and other patriotic songs can provide a connection across great expanses of space and time. They are also a source of unity and pride. "O Canada" was proclaimed Canada's national anthem on July 1, 1980. It was first sung on June 24, 1880. The music was composed by Calixa Lavallee. Mr. Justice Robert Stanely wrote the official English lyrics, and Sir Adolphe-Basile Routhier wrote the French lyrics. Lavallee was known as "Canada's national musician".

National Colours:

Red and white were approved as Canada's official colours in 1921, for the proclamation of her coat of arms. The colour choices are based on Canada's history. During the Crusades, each nation was distinguished by a cross of a different colour. France always wore a red cross and England always wore a white cross. In 1957, the colour of the maple leaves on the shield of the Royal Arms of Canada was changed to red on a white background in recognition of Canada's official colours.

Canada's Motto:

Canada's motto was derived from Psalm 72:8: "He shall have a dominion also from sea to sea, and from the river unto the ends of the earth". The actual motto is: A Mari usque ad Mare, "From Sea to Sea". Samuel Leonard Tilley used the term "dominion" to represent Canada as a whole when the British North America Act was drafted. "From sea to sea" could not apply until in 1871 when British Columbia joined Confederation, and Canada extended from Atlantic to Pacific.

There are number of other symbols that are important to Canadian people. Some have global recognition as off Canadian significance or origin. The following:

the CN tower http://www.cntower.ca/ ,

the sky dome in Toronto http://www.skydome.com/,

the canoe http://www.canoe.ca/AllAboutCanoes/home.html,

loons http://www.petersononline.com/birds/bwd/features/0497-loon.html,

floating icebergs http://www.jefferson.arlington.k12.va.us/~cbrown/titanic/icebergs.html ,

Niagara Falls http://www.niagara.com/city.niagara-falls/,

maple syrup http://www.elmiramaplesyrup.com/,

igloos http://kaladomes.com/igloos.html,

Canada goose http://www.canadagoose.com/,

polar bear http://www.tmmc.org/polarbea.htm,

moose http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/whites/wildlife/moose.html,

toque http://home.inforamp.net/~activknt/scarf.htm,