Culture » North America » Continental North America
» Canada »
Canada
Culture & History
Personality, Culture, & Identity
Although Canada is often times mistaken as, and treated
like, the United State's younger, and lesser sibling,
Canada can stand on his own two feet while still clinging to his roots. He's
well aware of his past in England, France, and locally with the First Nations Peoples,
but consistently lets the world know he's different and unique by showcasing
his differences.
In many ways Canada still remains that younger, and more
obedient sibling of the US, never having raised a fuss, still loyal to the motherland,
and still very much attached to the US. However Canada isn't the jealous or
envious little brother, he is the sibling who holds a quiet confidence in who he
is, at times still flaunting it with pride, but most of the time letting his brother
take the spotlight. At the same time, Canada and the US remain more similar in more
ways than they are different and while both nations poke fun at the other, each
knows that at the end of the day nothing can break their bond.
Although Canada knows its past and stands tall with pride
for its present, more often than not, Canadians are individuals who find their uniqueness
in each person's own way. Canadians identify from their ethnic roots like French
or Huron or their provincial roots like Albertan
or Newfie to identities based on their religion, language, or political leanings.
However, when these Hurons, Albertans, Catholics, and Conservatives go abroad they
proudly wear their maple leaf flag and proclaim themselves Canadian.
History
Canada is a result of their history beginning with the
First Nations Peoples and continuing today with the vast number of immigrants arriving
daily. Unlike the aboriginals of modern-day Mexico or
Peru, the First Nations People have little remaining architecture still standing,
however their cultural impact remains strong throughout the country.
From before the time of the European's arrival in
the "New World" the local populations in modern-day
Canada were varied from the seafaring and totem-pole making people of the
Pacific coast to the central nomads who roamed with the food and seasons to the
log cabin dwelling natives hunting and fishing on the Great Lakes.
In the 1500s immigrants from Europe began arriving in
substantial numbers, particularly from England
and France. These people changed the dynamic among the
First Nations People, each of whom found these new immigrants as enemies, trading
partners, or allies. As the English and French fought so too did the aboriginals
who planned their allegiances with whoever provided the best economic rewards or
ally to fight their historic enemy.
As the powers in Europe fought so did their colonies in
the "New World" as the locals took sides with the French
or English while many found themselves fighting
another's battle or continuing a war with a neighbor that had been ongoing for
generations.
In 1763 France lost power over "New
France" as the English took full
control of the North American colonies. However the French in "New France"
maintained their identity, religion, language, and customs.
In 1840 the French and English united to create one government
and later, in 1867 they created their own country. After some growing pains and
separation issues from the motherland, Canada finally
gained full independence from the United Kingdom
in 1982 with the Canada Act, making the English monarch the head of state, however
solely in a nominal fashion.
During the 1800s and 1900s the population was more evenly distributed further to
the west. During this same period, the French in Quebec
have gone back and forth of whether to secede or not and the First Nations Peoples
have gained greater rights, particularly in 1960 with full citizenship.
Since about 1990 immigration to Canada has become more
diverse and much of the west coast, particularly Vancouver,
has a strong Asian presence. Despite this diversity, the people still unite as one
when the world watches and during the 2010 Winter Olympics in
Vancouver the nation displayed their diversity, while demonstrating how
each aspect was uniquely Canadian.
Dress & Behavior
There are few dress or behavioral restrictions in Canada.
The only issue to be aware of is that, unlike many beaches in
Europe, nakedness and women going topless is restricted and offenders will
be arrested for public indecency, even if you're only sunbathing face down.
Parts of Quebec are more liberal in this regard,
but always follow local examples or ask.
To learn about dining etiquette in Canada, visit the Canadian Food page.
This page was last updated: May, 2011