Canada: The Story of Us

Fearless, ingenious, and for the first time – united. The War of 1812 is Canada’s War of Independence. With the British Empire entrenched in a European war, a disparate group of Indigenous, French Canadian, Scottish, African Canadian, and even ex-pat American fighters fight for their new homeland.

Inventors and entrepreneurs dream of uniting the country using the latest design and technology – and make their fortunes in the process. An extraordinary generation will revolutionize transportation, engineering and communications, making Canada the high-tech superstar of a newly-wired world.

In the lead up to Confederation, Canada faces the threat of American expansionism. Determined that Canada will remain independent and free, a generation of risk-takers, gold miners, cowboys and railway builders will rise to the challenge.

Bravery and sacrifice define our new nation as war erupts across Europe. Canada, as a British Dominion, joins in the fight – a young country seeking to find its place on the world stage. It’s not long before nearly half a million Canadians travel to Europe to serve in the First World War.

It’s the dawn of the 20th century, and Canada’s population is exploding. For many Canadians living in urban centres, this growth comes at a cost.

WWII, a war even more terrible than the last, demands courage, commitment and ingenuity. Canada will meet this challenge head on, giving everything we have, at home and abroad. Canadians come together, working, and fighting, for a common cause. United – at war.

Canada experiences a boom-time after the war, but not all are happy with the status quo. They seek to reshape the country and challenge dark legacies of injustice. The circle of Confederation grows and Canada emerges as a complex and cosmopolitan nation on the world stage.

Canada seeks to navigate the complexities of its diverse population, keeping its borders open to those who have nowhere else to turn while trying to negotiate a new relationship with Indigenous peoples.

Books to read and movies to watch for a better understanding of black history in Canada. Suggestions from Nikki Clarke, Afua Cooper, Andrea Davis and Karen Flynn.

Que savons-nous de l'histoire des Noirs au Canada? Qui étaient les personnes marquantes? De quoi sommes-nous privés lorsque nous excluons les expériences et récits des Noirs de l'histoire du Canada?

How much do we know about black history in Canada? Who were the key figures? What do we lose when we don't include black stories in our history?

From journalist to labour organizer to father of modern Newfoundland, Joey Smallwood was a polarizing figure who had an undeniable impact on the future of Canada.

No Western country accepted more Vietnamese refugees per capita than Canada. And it all started in Howard Adelman's living room.

Que savons-nous du rôle des femmes dans l'histoire canadienne?

How much do we know about the roles and perspectives of women in Canadian history?

When Dhillon applies to join the RCMP in 1988, the dress code forbids beards and wearing a turban in place of the uniform hat.

After a 17-day sit in, the federal government turned over control of the Alberta school to the Blue Quills Native Education Council in 1970. It’s goal: to have “children progress in the white man’s education, while continuing to retain their dignity and self-respect as Indian people.”

And 14-year-old Waneek Horn-Miller gets caught in the middle.