One of Canada's symbols is a rodent. Why? Because this animal helped Canada to become a great nation.
In the late 1600's and early 1700's, people in Europe used fur for clothes. This was the fashion of the day. Millions of beaver made their home around Canada's many lakes and streams. English and French fur traders bought the furs cheap and sold them in Europe for twenty times as much. The Hudson Bay Company became rich, thanks to the trading of beaver pelts. (skins) In 1678, they honoured the beaver by putting it on their coat of arms.
A Canadian history magazine, called The Beaver, was first published in 1920, by the Hudson Bay Company. It is still published today.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (also known as the RCMP and the Mounties) was formed by an Act of Parliament in 1873. At that time they were called the Northwest Mounted Police. The purpose of the Mounties was to establish a friendly relationship with the Native peoples of Canada and to keep the whiskey trade under control.
Through the years the RCMP's jurisdiction (where they police) was changed. In 1950, their jurisdiction extended to all of Canada. Though the Mounties usually let the Provincial Police handle most crimes, they can, and do, enforce the law throughout Canada today.
In 1887, the RCMP performed its first Musical Ride. The members wanted to display their riding abilities and entertain the local people. The Mounties still perform the Musical Ride today. It is an awesome event to watch. The Musical Ride and the Mountie's red coats are both very unique. When people the world over see these, they immediately think of Canada.
The Common Loon is a water bird. Its call ranges between a yodel and a laugh. There's nothing more awesome than standing on the shores of a lake in northern Ontario and listening to this haunting call. Loons are a magnificent sight and a perfect symbol of Canada's North.
The Loon appears on Canada's $1.00 coin, which has been nicknamed "the Loonie."
"O' Canada" is the country's National Anthem. It is a song that every Canadian is proud of. Canada certainly is the "true north strong and free. From far and wide O' Canada, we stand on guard for thee."
Music playing: O' Canada
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