Heritage Canada

Words: 1136
Pages: 5
Open Document
The commemoration of the War of 1812 has been a controversial display of Canada’s history and heritage. 2012 marked the 200th anniversary of the war and a three-year celebration put in place by the Canadian government for all Canadians. It acts as a teaching tool, painted by the government as “a defining chapter in Canada’s history as a nation” (www.1812.gc.ca) and “a key event in shaping our identity as Canadians” (www.1812.gc.ca). Yet, the necessity and large financial cost associated with the commemoration often remains at the forefront of national debate. This paper will critically evaluate the Heritage Canada’s War of 1812 commemorative website in an effort to asses its value as a public history display in Canada.
The commemorative website …show more content…
Despite the border establishment between the United States and British North America, Confederation did not take place until 1867. Yet, this place value on the 2012 commemoration as a prequel to the upcoming celebration of Canada in 2017. I would argue that the newly designated border in 1812 was not directly correlated to the founding of Canada, as per the websites insinuation. Heritage Canada underscores the importance of the Treaty of Ghent and a few others that remained nameless in securing “the world’s longest undefined border” (www.1812.gc.ca). They recognized the labour of both English- and French-speaking Canadians and First Nations allies who worked together to defeat American invasion. This desire to associate the ‘coming together’ of three distinct groups signifies their ongoing role and importance in present day Canada. It serves to inform those who desire a condensed simplified version of the past, often customary with public history. Scholar Yves Frenette argues “the massive investment in the commemoration of this conflict represents a rather clumsy attempt to unite Canadians behind a common myth” (Frenette 5). Especially since present day Canada was several British colonies at the time of the war. This theoretical extraction of the war becomes a long-shot extension attempting to …show more content…
Now that commemorative events have largely come and gone, Canadians are left with the historical outline and videos to illustrate the wars importance and impact on Canada. The websites structure is plain and typical of all governmental online offshoots. For all of the imaginable effort that would have gone into planning and establishing all associated events, the website remains how as a memento. I cannot imagine that those who are studying the War of 1812 are drawn to a sparks notes picture of this historical event. The idea that often accompanies public history is sparked by an inspiring take away, but there were other wars in Canada’s past that merit this type of widespread coverage. Those who wish to engage with the nation’s history will seek further, or different, outlets to learn more about an events context from various perspectives: i.e. – the American, in this case. There remains a creator’s bias that looks to tell the story of one side, and yet with war there is always a winner and a loser – both valuable in
Show More

Related Documents: Heritage Canada

Canada and Multiculturalism Essay

* Canada is often described as a multicultural nation. This means that Canadians are not of any one cultural background, race or heritage. Instead, Canadians today reflect a vast diversity of cultural heritages and racial groups. Canada is truly a multicultural country as Canada ensures that all citizens can keep their identities, can take pride in their ancestry and have a sense of belonging. As more and more immigrants come to Canada searching for a better life, the population naturally becomes…

Words 1249 - Pages 5

Gun Control Essay

Ms. Grant, Mr. Melkoumian Guns have proven to provide power to the people for centuries until now, where in Canada only the government holds this power entirely. In Canada, the use of guns has been limited so strictly that the people virtually have no control over guns at all; this is due to the unreasonable gun controls of Canada. To begin, the cost to enforce gun control laws in Canada is unnecessary, and blocks nearly all potential profit of the gun market thus adding to the downward trend of…

Words 1272 - Pages 6

Environmental Injustice In Canada

economic strength. The aboriginals of Canada consisting of three major groups: First nations, Métis and Inuit have become victims of environmental injustice as they are forced to bear a disproportionate share of the water pollution issues due to lack of environmental laws, regulations and policies. In this paper I will argue how the indigenous people in Canada are disproportionately affected by the pollution of water for the following reasons: first, the heritage of the indigenous people often go unnoticed…

Words 261 - Pages 2

Canada A Multicultural Analysis

Canada is a socially renown nation, known for our strength in cultural diversity and love of nation building. Canada stands out as a place where multiculturalism has been successful in comparison to other countries. Canada has recognized sociological issues such as immigration and equality. Equality rights and immigration laws have contributed the well-being of Canada’s goal of becoming a multiculturalist society. The rising popularity of multiculturalism has taken place in several countries. However…

Words 1172 - Pages 5

Trudeau's Separation Of Canada

During Trudeau's sixteen years in office, he not only avoided the separation of Quebec but instead united Canada as a whole nation. When Trudeau was expressing his opinion about the Quebec's political situation, at one instant Trudeau said in 1968, “I am trying to put Quebec in its place, and the place of Quebec is in Canada.”Trudeau was very concerned about the situation in Quebec and by anticipated it he established a french magazine, which he named “Cité Libre” (Community of the Free) and also…

Words 263 - Pages 2

Impact of Black Canadians on Canadian Society Essay

black Canadians have challenged how the entire world once viewed not only Canadian society, but what we were capable of if given an equal opportunity as well as support from one another. Black Canadians have helped define Canada's diverse society and heritage through their many contributions by challenging and overcoming the stigma once associated with them. By doing so, they paved the way for black Canadians today to make contributions and not be held back due to false ideologies created and maintained…

Words 753 - Pages 4

Essay on Canada and Fort

! ! ! National Historical Sites of Canada ! Fort Wellington ! ! Fort Wellington was built during the War of 1812 to defend the St. Lawrence River shipping route in Montreal from possible attack by the United States. It was called into service again in 1838 when invasion from the United States was more dangerous and threatening then the last possible attack.The fort continued to be used for military purposes after that, until it was transferred to the Department of the Interior to be opened to…

Words 513 - Pages 3

A Canadian First Nations Sense Of Place

The article written by Bob Fisher, “A Canadian First Nations Sense of Place”, introduces the story behind the economic and historical values the Siksika Nation brought into the Blackfoot Historical Crossing Heritage Park, which is of prodigious prominence to the twenty-first century Canada. The representation lead by Fisher explains the struggle that the Siksika nation endured in order to reclaim their land, which was seized. The land was theirs once again, with a commencement bestowed to them. Canada’s…

Words 546 - Pages 3

Canadian history isu Essay

Multiculturalism is a part of any country. There are Jews in Germany, Indians in Canada, Asians in Turkey and so on. The idea of multiculturalism is rapidly gaining popularity in all parts of the world. This idea not only promotes the coming together of different cultures, but also helps discriminate against difference races. Over the past century, Canada has grown and changed as a country in several ways. The people of Canada have gone through experiences that have shaped the country, and moved it in…

Words 593 - Pages 3

Kwanzaa Research Paper

their culture, heritage, and should be celebrated by Africans Americans. Day one is known as Kuumba which means creativity, next we have Umoja or unity, next we have Kujichagulia meaning self determination . Day four is called Ujima, or collective work and responsibility. Day five is Ujamaa, or economics, day six is Nia or purpose and day 7 Imani which is faith .There…

Words 505 - Pages 3