In 1535, two Indian boy told Jaques Cartier of a route to "kanata." The place they referred to was the village of Stadacona. "kanta" was the Iroquois-Huron word for "settlement." Cartier continued to refer to Stadacona (the present day Quebec City) as "kanata." Eventually all land north of the St. Lawrence River was regarded as "kanata." The name eventually was changed to Canada.
The first official use of the name "Canada" was used in 1791 when the province of Quebec was divided into the colonies of Upper and Lower Canada. In 1841 the colonies were united and given the name of "Canada." Upon Confederation in 1867, the new country took the name for its' own.
Canada Day Origins
On June 20, 1863, Governor General, Lord Monck, signed a proclamation for all of Her Majesty's loyal subjects in Canada to celebrate federation of the British North American provinces on July 1st.
In 1879, the July 1st holiday was established by statute under the name Dominion Day. The first organized celebration after that was not until 1917 when Canadians celebrated the 50th birthday of Confederation. The new Centre Block of the Parliament Buildings were dedicated as a memorial to the Fathers of Confederation and the valour of the Canadians who fought in WWI.
No further celebrations are recorded until 1927. This marked the Diamond Jubilee of Confederation.
!958 brought about change. At this time the Canadian government declared an annual observance of Canada's birthday. There was a "Trooping of the Colours" ceremony on the lawn of the Parliament Buildings in the Nation's capital, Ottawa. This was followed by a band concert and gigantic fireworks display.
In 1968, another change was made - the addition of professional and multicultural concerts. This celebration was televised.
Until 1975, Canada's celebrations were known as "Festival Canada," and were held during the entire month of July. These celebrations were cancelled in 1976 and reactivated in 1977.
In 1980, a new format was organized. The National Committee (a government organization responsible for Canada's birthday celebrations) sponsored celebrations nation-wide. Money was distributed to organize amateur activities organized by local volunteers in communities across the country. Fireworks displays were added to the celebration in 1981.
Dominion Day's name was changed to Canada Day on October 27, 1982. Today, Canada Day committees in each province and territory co-ordinate local celebrations. Grants are provided to each of the committees to assure every Canadian community takes part in celebrating the country's birthday.
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