Chapter 14

Canadian Identity
What attempts to promote
national identity have been
successful?

How have symbols and myths been

used to promote a national identity?
People use symbols to represent something
else.
Some symbols are easier to identify and their
meaning is easily explained.
The most successful symbol communicates a
larger or deeper meaning.
Symbols can also represent a nation, an
organization, an emotion, a causeor a threat.
Analyze each of the following symbols and
discuss what they symbolize.

Peace

Love

Pirate; threat

New Oilers symbol;

grit, toughness

Grande Prairie Regional College,

Education, represents Grande Prairie

Sexsmith Secondary School

Sabres

Canadian money;
economy,
known for its color and good standing

Canadas National Animal

What other animals (birds too) and symbols could represent Canadas national identity?

Symbols of Canada
10 min
People in Canada and around the
world connect a number of symbols
with Canada. Your turn to think of
some new ones.
Reproducible 4.14.1
Other appropriate animals that you
would choose to represent Canada
and explain why.
Other symbols of Canada and explain
why.

Institution
Is an organization established
forand united bya specific
purpose.
Institutions often use symbols to
define their identity and promote a
sense of belonging.
Ex. Red Cross, they use a symbol
that is part of their name to
communicate their purpose, it is
easily recognizable and holds
meaning.

Cultural Institutions
Created to honor parts
of Canadas heritage
and history as a
foundation of national
heritage.
Example: a museum!
The Glenbow Museum
in Calgary
Check out more on this
page

Educational Institutions
In Canada, Education is the
responsibility of the province or
territory.
The Historica Foundation started in
1999 produces Historica Minutes, short
films that are often shown on TV.
They tell a wide range of Canadian
stories in the historica minutes.
flag
basketball

Economic Institutions
Labor unions, industry
associations, and businesses.
Hudsons Bay Company, very
influential company dating
back to 1670, at that time it
even issued its own money,
made its own laws.
It has a colorful history of
exploration, adventure and
greed.
Hudson Bay blanket that was
one item traded to Aboriginal
trappers became a symbol of
the company and Canada.

How institutions promote Canadian Identity

Reproducible 4. 14. 3

Complete the worksheet using the

information from this PowerPoint and the
page numbers provided on it.
Describe the goals (purpose), strategies
and give an example of cultural,
educational, economic and commercial
institutions in Canada. (just discuss
institutions that seek influence as a group)
15 min!!

Governments use programs and

initiatives to promote being Canadian!
There are:
Arts and Cultural programs
Educational programs
Programs that promote Peace, Order
and Good Government
Economic programs

Programs and Examples

Reproducible 4. 14. 6

Using the pages provided in the PowerPoint

about groups that promote identity, match
examples at the bottom of this page to their
category!

Individuals can promote national

identity too!
Musicians: Stompin Tom Connors
sang The Hockey Song
Professional Athletes
Para and Olympic athletes.
Painters & Writers