THE NATION OF CANADA
Canada is a nation of diverse ethnic groups, picturesque landscapes and various climates.
Hundreds of years ago, Native Peoples crossed an ice bridge from Europe to Alaska. In their quest for hunting grounds and a suitable climate in which to live, they migrated south. Many settled in Canada while others moved further south. These Native Peoples were Canada's first inhabitants. They respected nature and killed only what animals were necessary to their survival. They always gave thanks for what they received. It was the custom of many tribes to thank the animal's spirit for providing for them.
Hundreds of years later, the Europeans discovered Canada. While searching for a passage that would provide a shorter route to the Orient, John Cabot sailed across the ocean and landed on the shores of what is now Newfoundland. The name was derived from a description found in Cabot's journals of a new-found-land and a race of "red men" who lived there. Cabot was speaking of the Boethuck Tribe. Though their skin wasn't really red, they did paint it with ochre. This gave it a reddish appearance. The Boethucks are now extinct.
After Cabot's discovery, Jaques Cartier also came to the New World, as did many other explorers. In the 1700's, the French and English came here, bringing tools, cloth, utensils, mirrors and other trinkets. The Native people traded furs for these items, thinking they were of great value. After befriending the natives, the Europeans moved into their hunting grounds. They trapped hundreds of beaver, fox, deer, bear and buffalo, often leaving the meat and taking the pelts. These were shipped to France and England where the furs, especially beaver were in great demand.
The Natives became angry when they realized the white men were depleting their hunting grounds. These animals supplied food, clothing, robes, tools and weapons as well. If the animals ceased to exist, so would the Native People.
For many years there was unrest between the Natives and white men. Peace Treaties were often broken within days of having been signed. Finally the Natives were forced onto reservations and the Canadian Government took control of their lives. Many reservations still exist today, though most of them are now self-governed.
Since the turn of the 20th Century, many other cultures have come to Canada searching for the land of opportunity. Canada offers immigrants many things that are unobtainable in their homelands. They know that within Canada's borders they are entitled to equality, whether it be the opportunity to be educated, to work in a harassment free environment, or to worship as they please. Many of these people have a lot to offer Canada in return. They appreciate what our flag stands for - equality and freedom for all.
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