Happy Canada Day!

Canada Day or Fête du Canada (French) is a national holiday in Canada that commemorates the country's complete independence from Great Britain in 1982.  

​Before that, The British North American Act  of July 1, 1867 united the British colonies of New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Ontario, and Quebec as a new nation - loyal to Great Britain - and was called the Dominion of Canada.  

​The holiday celebrating this was called Dominion Day and changed to Canada Day after Canada became a self-governing country that now consists of ten provinces and three territories.

Canadians around the world celebrate Canada Day each year on July 1st.  Sometimes referred to as Canada's Birthday, celebrations include parades, festivals, picnics, barbecues, concerts, cultural events, and plenty of fireworks.  Many Canadians show their pride by wearing the country's colors of red and white.

Canada's Indigenous people view this day as a time to educate others about Canada's First Nations, and the cultural and historical contributions they  have made to the country.  Below is a list of some the Canadian Indigenous Nations. Research each to learn about them and their fascinating history.

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Canadian Indigenous Nations

Ahousaht First Nation
Algonquin people
Anishinaabe
Assiniboine
Bigstone Cree Nation
Blackfoot Confederacy
Carcross/Tagish First Nation
Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation
Couchiching First Nation
Cree
Dene
Dididaht First Nation
Ehattesaht First Nation
First Nation of Na-Cho Nyak Dun
Hesquiaht First Nation
Hupacasath First Nation
Huu-ay-aht First Nations
In-SHUCK-ch Nation
Inuit
Iroquois
Kainai Nation
Kashechewan First Nation
Kluane First Nation
Kwalnlin Dün First Nation
Kwantien First Nation

​Lil'wat First Nation
Little Salmon/Carmacks First Nation
Métis people
Mississaugas
Nakoda
Neutral Nation
Nipissing Indian Reserve No. 10
Nuchatlaht First Nation
Nuxalk Nation
Pacheedaht First Nation
Pehdzeh Ki First Nation
Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation
Red Pheasant Cree Nation
Siksika Nation
Slavey
Syilx
Thunderchild First Nation
Tlingit
Toquaht First Nation
Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in First Nation
Tseshaht First Nation
Tsuut'ina Nation
Uchucklesaht First Nation
Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation
Wasauksing First Nation
Yupik peoples

O Canada

The song, "O Canada", became Canada's national anthem on July 1, 1980, but it was first sung in french a century before that.   Learn more about the Anthems of Canada, find lyrics, and listen to the various versions of the song on the Government of Canada's website.  

Celebrate!

Canada is a beautiful country rich with culture and history.  Two things that stand out for me whenever I visit the country are its cleanliness and the warmth of the people.  Other notables are the Canadian sense of pride and care for the country, their love of hockey - and curling, a sport I still don't quite get, but it fascinates me (we have a curling club here in Wilmington, NC!), and the vast variety of fabulous food - don't even get me started on the insanely delicious poutine!.   

Celebrate Canada on Canada Day by learning more about our friendly northern neighbor, its provinces and territories, Canada's Indigenous people, French Canadians, and government.  Take a virtual tour of some of the country's most popular cities  - and smaller towns, which are absolutely charming. Also learn about their food, customs, and sports.  Have a celebration of your own at home - try these tasty recipes - and don't forget to wear red and white.

Wishing all Canadians a Happy Canada Day from the Holiday Chicks!
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​- Barbara