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Seven year war
Beginning in 1756 lasting all the way to 1763 The Seven Year War was a war between Britain and France in North America. With the help of colonial powers Britain was able to defeat the French. This victory was the beginning of Britains dominance in Canada and helped form and lay down a foundation for Canadian culture to begin to grow and prosper. The war did also have a negative effect on the relationship between British and Indigenous people as it broke many alliances between them. -
Residential schools
Residential schools were another way the government tried to assimilate Indigenous people but this time the youth. Their goal was to "take the Indian out of the child" they did this by putting them into school where they would do their best to make the kids act and speak like European kids by making them practice Christianity and speaking english. Many kids died at these schools and those who survived were left with deep trauma. This had a very bad effect on Canadian identity to this day. -
The Indian Act
The Indian Act is a Canadian federal law that was first introduced in 1876 and continues to impact the lives of Indigenous peoples in Canada. The point of the act was to assimilate indigenous people by creating cultural and social restrictions on them. This broke lots of trust between the government and Indigenous people. This had a long bad effect on Canadian identity of having bad ties with Indigenous peoples and deeply mistreating them. -
Vimy Ridge
Canada's involvement in the Battle of Vimy Ridge during World War I is regarded as a defining moment in Canadian history and has had a profound impact on Canadian identity. Taking place from April 9 to 12, 1917, the battle saw all four divisions of the Canadian Corps fighting together for the first time.The success at Vimy Ridge fostered a sense of national pride and boosted Canada's international reputation. It helped put Canada on the global map as a strong nation. -
Suez Canal
The Suez Crisis in 1956 had a significant impact on Canada's identity. The crisis arose when Egyptian President Gamal Abdel Nasser nationalized the Suez Canal, previously controlled by British and French interests. In response, Britain, France, and Israel launched a military campaign to regain control.Canada, under Prime Minister Lester B. Pearson, played a pivotal role in resolving the crisis diplomatically. This event and its resolution boosted Canadas identity as a peacekeeping nation. -
The white paper on Aboriginal rights
The White Paper on Aboriginal Rights, introduced in 1969, had a profound impact on Canada's identity. The policy proposed assimilation and the removal of special legal status for Indigenous peoples, aiming to eliminate distinctions between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Canadians. The paper made for lots of backlash as it was taking away Indigenous peoples unique identity. This once again had a poor effect on Canada and its relationship with the Indigenous -
Bill 101 passed into law in Quebec
Bill 101, also known as the Charter of the French Language, was passed into law in Quebec in 1977. The law aimed to protect and promote the French language in the province. It made French the official language of Quebec. It boosted Canadas identity as a multicultural nation and as a bilingual one too. -
Canada officially adopts Multiculturalism
In 1988 Canadian government passed the multiculturalism act which recognizes that Canada is full of diverse cultures and insures that everyone is free to practice and celebrate their cultures and history. This boosted Canadas identity as a multicultural nation who accepts and looks out for all its citizens despite their cultural differences. -
Oka crisis
The Oka Crisis of 1990 was a significant event that took place in Oka, Quebec. The crisis began when the local Mohawk community objected to plans for the expansion of a golf course into their sacred burial grounds and traditional territory. This then quickly escalated into a 78 day standoff between the Mohawk people and the Quebec provincial police and army.It played a crucial role in shaping Canadian identity by challenging the country to confront its colonial past and become more inclusive. -
Quebec Referendum
The Quebec referendum was a vote casted in Quebec involving Quebec splitting off from Canada and becoming a separate nation. When the votes were tallied up there was almost a 50-50 split but they ended up staying a part of Canada. The referendum highlighted the complex nature of Canadian identity, with an emphasis on the shared values of cooperation, compromise, and respect for diversity. -
Canada apologizes for Residential schools
In 2008, Canada issued an official apology for the residential school system, acknowledging the trauma and cultural genocide inflicted upon Indigenous peoples. The apology marked a significant step towards reconciliation, shaping Canadian identity by promoting awareness, understanding, and a commitment to address historical injustices and build a more inclusive and equitable society. -
Where I think Canada stand today
Today I think Canada's current identity is still a strongly multicultural nation that strives to accept everyone and their unique cultures and histories. I do believe that there is still room to improve but that is for everyone.