Discover Canada Citizenship PDF Study Guide 2021

STUDY GUIDE Discover Canada The Rights and Responsibilities of Citizenship 2 Your Canadian Citizenship Study Guide Message to Our Readers The Oath of Citize...

STUDY GUIDE Discover Canada The Rights and Responsibilities of Citizenship 2 Your Canadian Citizenship Study Guide Message to Our Readers The Oath of Citizenship Le serment de citoyenneté Welcome! It took courage to move to a new country. Your decision to apply for citizenship is another big step. You are becoming part of a great tradition that was built by generations of pioneers I swear (or affirm) Je jure (ou j’affirme solennellement) before you. Once you have met all the legal requirements, we hope to welcome you as a new citizen with That I will be faithful Que je serai fidèle all the rights and responsibilities of citizenship. And bear true allegiance Et porterai sincère allégeance To Her Majesty À Sa Majesté Queen Elizabeth the Second La reine Elizabeth Deux Queen of Canada Reine du Canada Her Heirs and Successors À ses héritiers et successeurs And that I will faithfully observe Que j’observerai fidèlement The laws of Canada Les lois du Canada Including the Constitution Y compris la Constitution Which recognizes and affirms Qui reconnaît et confirme les droits The Aboriginal and treaty rights of Ancestraux ou issus de traités First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples Des Premières Nations, des Inuits et des Métis And fulfil my duties Et que je remplirai loyalement As a Canadian citizen. Mes obligations Canada has welcomed generations of newcomers Immigrants between the ages of 18 and 54 must De citoyen canadien. to our shores to help us build a free, law-abiding have adequate knowledge of English or French and prosperous society. For 400 years, settlers in order to become Canadian citizens. You must and immigrants have contributed to the diversity also learn about voting procedures, Canada’s Understanding the Oath and richness of our country, which is built on a history, symbols, democratic institutions, proud history and a strong identity. geography, and the rights and responsibilities of In Canada, we profess our loyalty to a person who represents all Canadians and not to a document such citizenship. as a constitution, a banner such as a flag, or a geopolitical entity such as a country. In our constitutional Canada is a constitutional monarchy, a monarchy, these elements are encompassed by the Sovereign (Queen or King). It is a remarkably simple parliamentary democracy and a federal state. Canadian citizens enjoy many rights, but yet powerful principle: Canada is personified by the Sovereign just as the Sovereign is personified by Canadians are bound together by a shared Canadians also have responsibilities. They must Canada. commitment to the rule of law and to the obey Canada’s laws and respect the rights and institutions of parliamentary government. freedoms of others. Canadians take pride in their identity and have This guide will help you prepare to become a made sacrifices to defend their way of life. By Canadian citizen. Good luck! coming to Canada and taking this important step For information about Citizenship and toward Canadian citizenship, you are helping to Immigration Canada, visit our website at write the continuing story of Canada. www.cic.gc.ca. Notice – Third-party citizenship study guides, tests and questions da The only official study guide for the citizenship test is Discover Canada: The Rights and Responsibilities of Citizenship, na available from Citizenship and Immigration Canada at no cost. If you have applied for citizenship and are preparing for Ca the citizenship test, your primary resource should be the official study guide. If you use any other material to prepare for the citizenship test, you do so at your own risk. ver sco © Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada, represented by the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration Canada, 2021 Ci1-11/2021E-PDF Di ISBN 978-0-660-39273-8 3 2 Your Canadian Citizenship Study Guide Message to Our Readers The Oath of Citizenship Le serment de citoyenneté Welcome! It took courage to move to a new country. Your decision to apply for citizenship is Je jure (ou j’affirme solennellement) another big step. You are becoming part of a great tradition that was built by generations of pioneers I swear (or affirm) Que je serai fidèle before you. Once you have met all the legal requirements, we hope to welcome you as a new citizen with That I will be faithful Et porterai sincère allégeance all the rights and responsibilities of citizenship. And bear true allegiance à Sa Majesté la Reine Elizabeth Deux To Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second Reine du Canada Queen of Canada À ses héritiers et successeurs Her Heirs and Successors Que j’observerai fidèlement les lois du Canada And that I will faithfully observe Et que je remplirai loyalement mes obligations The laws of Canada de citoyen canadien. And fulfil my duties as a Canadian citizen. Understanding the Oath Canada has welcomed generations of newcomers Immigrants between the ages of 18 and 54 must to our shores to help us build a free, law-abiding have adequate knowledge of English or French In Canada, we profess our loyalty to a person who represents all Canadians and not to a document such and prosperous society. For 400 years, settlers in order to become Canadian citizens. You must as a constitution, a banner such as a flag, or a geopolitical entity such as a country. In our constitutional and immigrants have contributed to the diversity also learn about voting procedures, Canada’s monarchy, these elements are encompassed by the Sovereign (Queen or King). It is a remarkably simple and richness of our country, which is built on a history, symbols, democratic institutions, yet powerful principle: Canada is personified by the Sovereign just as the Sovereign is personified by proud history and a strong identity. geography, and the rights and responsibilities of Canada. citizenship. Canada is a constitutional monarchy, a parliamentary democracy and a federal state. Canadian citizens enjoy many rights, but Canadians are bound together by a shared Canadians also have responsibilities. They must commitment to the rule of law and to the obey Canada’s laws and respect the rights and institutions of parliamentary government. freedoms of others. Canadians take pride in their identity and have This guide will help you prepare to become a made sacrifices to defend their way of life. By Canadian citizen. Good luck! coming to Canada and taking this important step For information about Citizenship and toward Canadian citizenship, you are helping to Immigration Canada, visit our website at write the continuing story of Canada. www.cic.gc.ca. Notice – Third-party citizenship study guides, tests and questions da The only official study guide for the citizenship test is Discover Canada: The Rights and Responsibilities of Citizenship, na available from Citizenship and Immigration Canada at no cost. If you have applied for citizenship and are preparing for Ca the citizenship test, your primary resource should be the official study guide. If you use any other material to prepare for the citizenship test, you do so at your own risk. ver sco © Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada, represented by the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration Canada, 2012 Di Ci1-11/2012E ISBN 978-1-100-20116-0 3 4 Your Canadian Citizenship Study Guide Contents Applying for Citizenship.......................................................................................................................... 6 Rights and Responsibilities of Citizenship.............................................................................................. 8 Who We Are...........................................................................................................................................10 Canada’s History...................................................................................................................................14 Modern Canada.................................................................................................................................... 24 How Canadians Govern Themselves...................................................................................................... 28 Federal Elections.................................................................................................................................. 30 The Justice System................................................................................................................................ 36 Canadian Symbols................................................................................................................................ 38 Canada’s Economy............................................................................................................................... 42 Canada’s Regions................................................................................................................................. 44 The Atlantic Provinces..................................................................................................................... 46 Central Canada............................................................................................................................... 47 The Prairie Provinces....................................................................................................................... 48 The West Coast............................................................................................................................... 49 The Northern Territories.................................................................................................................. 50 Study Questions................................................................................................................................... 52 For More Information............................................................................................................................ 54 Photo Credits........................................................................................................................................ 58 Authorities............................................................................................................................................ 64 Memorable Quotes............................................................................................................................... 66 da na Ca ver sco Di 5 4 Your Canadian Citizenship Study Guide Contents Applying for Citizenship.......................................................................................................................... 6 Rights and Responsibilities of Citizenship.............................................................................................. 8 Who We Are...........................................................................................................................................10 Canada’s History...................................................................................................................................14 Modern Canada.................................................................................................................................... 24 How Canadians Govern Themselves...................................................................................................... 28 Federal Elections.................................................................................................................................. 30 The Justice System................................................................................................................................ 36 Canadian Symbols................................................................................................................................ 38 Canada’s Economy............................................................................................................................... 42 Canada’s Regions................................................................................................................................. 44 The Atlantic Provinces..................................................................................................................... 46 Central Canada............................................................................................................................... 47 The Prairie Provinces....................................................................................................................... 48 The West Coast............................................................................................................................... 49 The Northern Territories.................................................................................................................. 50 Study Questions................................................................................................................................... 52 For More Information............................................................................................................................ 54 Photo Credits........................................................................................................................................ 58 Authorities............................................................................................................................................ 64 Memorable Quotes............................................................................................................................... 66 da na Ca ver sco Di 5  6 Your Canadian Citizenship Study Guide Applying for Citizenship When you apply for citizenship, officials will check your status, verify that you are not prohibited from After the test At the ceremony, you will: applying, and ensure that you meet the requirements. If you pass the test and meet all the other Take the Oath of Citizenship; Your application may take several months. Please ensure that the Call Centre always has your correct requirements, you will receive a Notice to Appear Sign the oath form; and address while your application is being processed. to Take the Oath of Citizenship. This document tells you the date, time and place of your Receive your Canadian Citizenship Certificate. See page 54 for telephone numbers. citizenship ceremony. If you do not pass the test, you will receive a Citizens take the oath notification indicating the next steps. You are encouraged to bring your family and friends to celebrate this occasion. How to use this booklet to About the citizenship test prepare for the citizenship test The citizenship test is usually a written test, but This booklet will help you prepare for the it could be an interview. You will be tested on two citizenship test. You should: basic requirements for citizenship: 1) knowledge of Canada and of the rights and responsibilities Study this guide; of citizenship, and 2) adequate knowledge of Ask a friend or family member to help you English or French. Adult applicants 55 years of age practise answering questions about Canada; and over do not need to write the citizenship test. Call a local school or school board, a college, The Citizenship Regulations provide information a community centre or a local organization on how your ability to meet the knowledge of that provides services to immigrants and ask Canada requirement is determined. Information for information on citizenship classes; about this requirement can be found on page 64 of the study guide. Take English or French language classes, which the Government of Canada offers free All the citizenship test questions are based of charge. on the subject areas noted in the Citizenship da Regulations, and all required information is na provided in this study guide. Ca ver sco Di 7  6 Your Canadian Citizenship Study Guide Applying for Citizenship When you apply for citizenship, officials will check your status, verify that you are not prohibited from After the test At the ceremony, you will: applying, and ensure that you meet the requirements. If you pass the test and meet all the other Take the Oath of Citizenship; Your application may take several months. Please ensure that the Call Centre always has your correct requirements, you will receive a Notice to Appear Sign the oath form; and address while your application is being processed. to Take the Oath of Citizenship. This document tells you the date, time and place of your Receive your Canadian Citizenship Certificate. See page 54 for telephone numbers. citizenship ceremony. If you do not pass the test, you will receive a Citizens take the oath notification indicating the next steps. You are encouraged to bring your family and friends to celebrate this occasion. How to use this booklet to About the citizenship test prepare for the citizenship test The citizenship test is usually a written test, but This booklet will help you prepare for the it could be an interview. You will be tested on two citizenship test. You should: basic requirements for citizenship: 1) knowledge of Canada and of the rights and responsibilities Study this guide; of citizenship, and 2) adequate knowledge of Ask a friend or family member to help you English or French. Adult applicants 55 years of age practise answering questions about Canada; and over do not need to write the citizenship test. Call a local school or school board, a college, The Citizenship Regulations provide information a community centre or a local organization on how your ability to meet the knowledge of that provides services to immigrants and ask Canada requirement is determined. Information for information on citizenship classes; about this requirement can be found on page 64 of the study guide. Take English or French language classes, which the Government of Canada offers free All the citizenship test questions are based of charge. on the subject areas noted in the Citizenship da Regulations, and all required information is na provided in this study guide. Ca ver sco Di 7  8 Your Canadian Citizenship Study Guide The Equality of Women and Men Rights and Responsibilities In Canada, men and women are equal under the law. Canada’s openness and generosity do not extend to barbaric cultural practices that tolerate spousal abuse, “honour killings,” female genital mutilation, of Citizenship forced marriage or other gender-based violence. Those guilty of these crimes are severely punished under Canada’s criminal laws. Canadian citizens have rights and responsibilities. These come to us from our history, are secured by Canadian law, and reflect our shared traditions, identity and values. Canadian law has several sources, including laws passed by Parliament and the provincial legislatures, English common law, the civil code of France and the unwritten constitution that we have inherited from Great Britain. Together, these secure for Canadians an 800- “Whereas Canada is founded upon principles Citizenship Responsibilities Voting in elections — The right to vote comes year old tradition of ordered liberty, which dates that recognize the supremacy of God and the rule with a responsibility to vote in federal, In Canada, rights come with responsibilities. back to the signing of Magna Carta in 1215 in of law.” This phrase underlines the importance of provincial or territorial and local elections. These include: England (also known as the Great Charter of religious traditions to Canadian society and the Helping others in the community — Millions Freedoms), including: dignity and worth of the human person. Obeying the law — One of Canada’s founding of volunteers freely donate their time to help principles is the rule of law. Individuals and others without pay—helping people in need, Freedom of conscience and religion; The Charter attempts to summarize fundamental governments are regulated by laws and not by assisting at your child’s school, volunteering Freedom of thought, belief, opinion and freedoms while also setting out additional rights. arbitrary actions. No person or group is above at a food bank or other charity, or encouraging expression, including freedom of speech and The most important of these include: the law. newcomers to integrate. Volunteering is an of the press; Mobility Rights — Canadians can live and Taking responsibility for oneself and one’s excellent way to gain useful skills and develop Freedom of peaceful assembly; and work anywhere they choose in Canada, enter family — Getting a job, taking care of one’s friends and contacts. Freedom of association. and leave the country freely, and apply for a family and working hard in keeping with one’s Protecting and enjoying our heritage and passport. abilities are important Canadian values. Work Habeas corpus, the right to challenge unlawful environment — Every citizen has a role to Aboriginal Peoples’ Rights — The rights contributes to personal dignity and self- play in avoiding waste and pollution while detention by the state, comes from English guaranteed in the Charter will not adversely respect, and to Canada’s prosperity. protecting Canada’s natural, cultural and common law. affect any treaty or other rights or freedoms of Serving on a jury — When called to do so, you architectural heritage for future generations. The Constitution of Canada was amended in Aboriginal peoples. are legally required to serve. Serving on a jury is a 1982 to entrench the Canadian Charter of Rights privilege that makes the justice system work as it Official Language Rights and Minority and Freedoms, which begins with the words, depends on impartial juries made up of citizens. Language Educational Rights — French and English have equal status in Parliament and Queen Elizabeth II proclaiming the throughout the government. amended Constitution, Ottawa, 1982 Multiculturalism — A fundamental Defending Canada characteristic of the Canadian heritage and There is no compulsory military service in Canada. However, serving in the regular Canadian Forces identity. Canadians celebrate the gift of one (navy, army and air force) is a noble way to contribute to Canada and an excellent career choice another’s presence and work hard to respect (www.forces.ca). You can serve in your local part-time navy, militia and air reserves and gain valuable pluralism and live in harmony. experience, skills and contacts. Young people can learn discipline, responsibility and skills by getting involved in the cadets (www.cadets.ca). You may also serve in the Coast Guard or emergency services in your community such as a police force or da fire department. By helping to protect your community, you follow in the footsteps of Canadians before na you who made sacrifices in the service of our country. Ca ver sco Di 9  8 Your Canadian Citizenship Study Guide The Equality of Women and Men Rights and Responsibilities In Canada, men and women are equal under the law. Canada’s openness and generosity do not extend to barbaric cultural practices that tolerate spousal abuse, “honour killings,” female genital mutilation, of Citizenship forced marriage or other gender-based violence. Those guilty of these crimes are severely punished under Canada’s criminal laws. Canadian citizens have rights and responsibilities. These come to us from our history, are secured by Canadian law, and reflect our shared traditions, identity and values. Canadian law has several sources, including laws passed by Parliament and the provincial legislatures, English common law, the civil code of France and the unwritten constitution that we have inherited from Great Britain. Together, these secure for Canadians an 800- “Whereas Canada is founded upon principles Citizenship Responsibilities Voting in elections — The right to vote comes year old tradition of ordered liberty, which dates that recognize the supremacy of God and the rule with a responsibility to vote in federal, In Canada, rights come with responsibilities. back to the signing of Magna Carta in 1215 in of law.” This phrase underlines the importance of provincial or territorial and local elections. These include: England (also known as the Great Charter of religious traditions to Canadian society and the Helping others in the community — Millions Freedoms), including: dignity and worth of the human person. Obeying the law — One of Canada’s founding of volunteers freely donate their time to help principles is the rule of law. Individuals and others without pay—helping people in need, Freedom of conscience and religion; The Charter attempts to summarize fundamental governments are regulated by laws and not by assisting at your child’s school, volunteering Freedom of thought, belief, opinion and freedoms while also setting out additional rights. arbitrary actions. No person or group is above at a food bank or other charity, or encouraging expression, including freedom of speech and The most important of these include: the law. newcomers to integrate. Volunteering is an of the press; Mobility Rights — Canadians can live and Taking responsibility for oneself and one’s excellent way to gain useful skills and develop Freedom of peaceful assembly; and work anywhere they choose in Canada, enter family — Getting a job, taking care of one’s friends and contacts. Freedom of association. and leave the country freely, and apply for a family and working hard in keeping with one’s Protecting and enjoying our heritage and passport. abilities are important Canadian values. Work Habeas corpus, the right to challenge unlawful environment — Every citizen has a role to Aboriginal Peoples’ Rights — The rights contributes to personal dignity and self- play in avoiding waste and pollution while detention by the state, comes from English guaranteed in the Charter will not adversely respect, and to Canada’s prosperity. protecting Canada’s natural, cultural and common law. affect any treaty or other rights or freedoms of Serving on a jury — When called to do so, you architectural heritage for future generations. The Constitution of Canada was amended in Aboriginal peoples. are legally required to serve. Serving on a jury is a 1982 to entrench the Canadian Charter of Rights privilege that makes the justice system work as it Official Language Rights and Minority and Freedoms, which begins with the words, depends on impartial juries made up of citizens. Language Educational Rights — French and English have equal status in Parliament and Queen Elizabeth II proclaiming the throughout the government. amended Constitution, Ottawa, 1982 Multiculturalism — A fundamental Defending Canada characteristic of the Canadian heritage and There is no compulsory military service in Canada. However, serving in the regular Canadian Forces identity. Canadians celebrate the gift of one (navy, army and air force) is a noble way to contribute to Canada and an excellent career choice another’s presence and work hard to respect (www.forces.ca). You can serve in your local part-time navy, militia and air reserves and gain valuable pluralism and live in harmony. experience, skills and contacts. Young people can learn discipline, responsibility and skills by getting involved in the cadets (www.cadets.ca). You may also serve in the Coast Guard or emergency services in your community such as a police force or da fire department. By helping to protect your community, you follow in the footsteps of Canadians before na you who made sacrifices in the service of our country. Ca ver sco Di 9  10 Your Canadian Citizenship Study Guide Unity in Diversity John Buchan, the 1st Baron Tweedsmuir, was a popular Governor General of Canada (1935–40). Immigrant groups, he said, “should retain their individuality and each make its contribution to the national character.” Each could learn “from the other, and … while they cherish their own special loyalties and Who We Are traditions, they cherish not less that new loyalty and tradition which springs from their union.” (Canadian Club of Halifax, 1937). The 15th Governor General is shown here in Blood (Kainai First Nation) headdress. Canada is known around the world as a strong and free country. Canadians are proud of their unique The Inuit, which means “the people” in the The Métis are a distinct people of mixed identity. We have inherited the oldest continuous constitutional tradition in the world. We are the only Inuktitut language, live in small, scattered Aboriginal and European ancestry, the majority constitutional monarchy in North America. Our institutions uphold a commitment to Peace, Order and communities across the Arctic. Their knowledge of whom live in the Prairie provinces. They Good Government, a key phrase in Canada’s original constitutional document in 1867, the British North of the land, sea and wildlife enabled them to come from both French- and English-speaking America Act. A belief in ordered liberty, enterprise, hard work and fair play has enabled Canadians to adapt to one of the harshest environments on backgrounds and speak their own dialect, Michif. build a prosperous society in a rugged environment from our Atlantic shores to the Pacific Ocean and to earth. About 65% of the Aboriginal people are First the Arctic Circle—so much so that poets and songwriters have hailed Canada as the “Great Dominion.” Nations, while 30% are Métis and 4% Inuit. (From Top to Bottom) To understand what it means to be Canadian, it is important to know about our three founding peoples— Métis from Alberta Aboriginal, French and British. Cree dancer (From Left to Right) St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Aboriginal peoples them into mainstream Canadian culture. The Montreal, Quebec schools were poorly funded and inflicted hardship Highland dancer at The ancestors of Aboriginal peoples are believed Glengarry Highland on the students; some were physically abused. to have migrated from Asia many thousands Games, Maxville, Ontario Aboriginal languages and cultural practices were Celebrating Fête of years ago. They were well established here mostly prohibited. In 2008, Ottawa formally Nationale, Gatineau, long before explorers from Europe first came Quebec apologized to the former students. to North America. Diverse, vibrant First Nations Acadian fiddler, Village of Grande-Anse, New cultures were rooted in religious beliefs about In today’s Canada, Aboriginal peoples enjoy Brunswick their relationship to the Creator, the natural renewed pride and confidence, and have made environment and each other. significant achievements in agriculture, the environment, business and the arts. Aboriginal and treaty rights are in the Canadian Constitution. Territorial rights were first Today, the term Aboriginal peoples refers to three guaranteed through the Royal Proclamation of distinct groups: English and French The Acadians are the descendants of French 1763 by King George III, and established the basis Indian refers to all Aboriginal people who are not colonists who began settling in what are now for negotiating treaties with the newcomers— Canadian society today stems largely from the Inuit or Métis. In the 1970s, the term First Nations the Maritime provinces in 1604. Between 1755 treaties that were not always fully respected. English-speaking and French-speaking Christian began to be used. Today, about half of First and 1763, during the war between Britain and civilizations that were brought here from Europe From the 1800s until the 1980s, the federal Nations people live on reserve land in about 600 France, more than two-thirds of the Acadians by settlers. English and French define the government placed many Aboriginal children in communities while the other half live off-reserve, were deported from their homeland. Despite reality of day-to-day life for most people and residential schools to educate and assimilate mainly in urban centres. this ordeal, known as the “Great Upheaval,” the are the country’s official languages. The federal Acadians survived and maintained their unique government is required by law to provide services identity. Today, Acadian culture is flourishing throughout Canada in English and French. and is a lively part of French-speaking Canada. Today, there are 18 million Anglophones—people Quebecers are the people of Quebec, the vast who speak English as a first language—and majority French-speaking. Most are descendants seven million Francophones—people who speak of 8,500 French settlers from the 1600s and da French as their first language. While the majority 1700s and maintain a unique identity, culture and na of Francophones live in the province of Quebec, language. The House of Commons recognized in Ca one million Francophones live in Ontario, 2006 that the Quebecois form a nation within New Brunswick and Manitoba, with a smaller ver a united Canada. One million Anglo-Quebecers presence in other provinces. New Brunswick is sco have a heritage of 250 years and form a vibrant the only officially bilingual province. part of the Quebec fabric. Di (From Left to Right) Inuit children in Iqaluit, Nunavut 11 Haida artist Bill Reid carves a totem pole  10 Your Canadian Citizenship Study Guide Unity in Diversity John Buchan, the 1st Baron Tweedsmuir, was a popular Governor General of Canada (1935–40). Immigrant groups, he said, “should retain their individuality and each make its contribution to the national character.” Each could learn “from the other, and … while they cherish their own special loyalties and Who We Are traditions, they cherish not less that new loyalty and tradition which springs from their union.” (Canadian Club of Halifax, 1937). The 15th Governor General is shown here in Blood (Kainai First Nation) headdress. Canada is known around the world as a strong and free country. Canadians are proud of their unique The Inuit, which means “the people” in the The Métis are a distinct people of mixed identity. We have inherited the oldest continuous constitutional tradition in the world. We are the only Inuktitut language, live in small, scattered Aboriginal and European ancestry, the majority constitutional monarchy in North America. Our institutions uphold a commitment to Peace, Order and communities across the Arctic. Their knowledge of whom live in the Prairie provinces. They Good Government, a key phrase in Canada’s original constitutional document in 1867, the British North of the land, sea and wildlife enabled them to come from both French- and English-speaking America Act. A belief in ordered liberty, enterprise, hard work and fair play has enabled Canadians to adapt to one of the harshest environments on backgrounds and speak their own dialect, Michif. build a prosperous society in a rugged environment from our Atlantic shores to the Pacific Ocean and to earth. About 65% of the Aboriginal people are First the Arctic Circle—so much so that poets and songwriters have hailed Canada as the “Great Dominion.” Nations, while 30% are Métis and 4% Inuit. (From Top to Bottom) To understand what it means to be Canadian, it is important to know about our three founding peoples— Métis from Alberta Aboriginal, French and British. Cree dancer (From Left to Right) St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Aboriginal peoples them into mainstream Canadian culture. The Montreal, Quebec schools were poorly funded and inflicted hardship Highland dancer at The ancestors of Aboriginal peoples are believed Glengarry Highland on the students; some were physically abused. to have migrated from Asia many thousands Games, Maxville, Ontario Aboriginal languages and cultural practices were Celebrating Fête of years ago. They were well established here mostly prohibited. In 2008, Ottawa formally Nationale, Gatineau, long before explorers from Europe first came Quebec apologized to the former students. to North America. Diverse, vibrant First Nations Acadian fiddler, Village of Grande-Anse, New cultures were rooted in religious beliefs about In today’s Canada, Aboriginal peoples enjoy Brunswick their relationship to the Creator, the natural renewed pride and confidence, and have made environment and each other. significant achievements in agriculture, the environment, business and the arts. Aboriginal and treaty rights are in the Canadian Constitution. Territorial rights were first Today, the term Aboriginal peoples refers to three guaranteed through the Royal Proclamation of distinct groups: English and French The Acadians are the descendants of French 1763 by King George III, and established the basis Indian refers to all Aboriginal people who are not colonists who began settling in what are now for negotiating treaties with the newcomers— Canadian society today stems largely from the Inuit or Métis. In the 1970s, the term First Nations the Maritime provinces in 1604. Between 1755 treaties that were not always fully respected. English-speaking and French-speaking Christian began to be used. Today, about half of First and 1763, during the war between Britain and civilizations that were brought here from Europe From the 1800s until the 1980s, the federal Nations people live on reserve land in about 600 France, more than two-thirds of the Acadians by settlers. English and French define the government placed many Aboriginal children in communities while the other half live off-reserve, were deported from their homeland. Despite reality of day-to-day life for most people and residential schools to educate and assimilate mainly in urban centres. this ordeal, known as the “Great Upheaval,” the are the country’s official languages. The federal Acadians survived and maintained their unique government is required by law to provide services identity. Today, Acadian culture is flourishing throughout Canada in English and French. and is a lively part of French-speaking Canada. Today, there are 18 million Anglophones—people Quebecers are the people of Quebec, the vast who speak English as a first language—and majority French-speaking. Most are descendants seven million Francophones—people who speak of 8,500 French settlers from the 1600s and da French as their first language. While the majority 1700s and maintain a unique identity, culture and na of Francophones live in the province of Quebec, language. The House of Commons recognized in Ca one million Francophones live in Ontario, 2006 that the Quebecois form a nation within New Brunswick and Manitoba, with a smaller ver a united Canada. One million Anglo-Quebecers presence in other provinces. New Brunswick is sco have a heritage of 250 years and form a vibrant the only officially bilingual province. part of the Quebec fabric. Di (From Left to Right) Inuit children in Iqaluit, Nunavut 11 Haida artist Bill Reid carves a totem pole  12 Becoming Canadian Some Canadians immigrate from places where they have experienced warfare or conflict. Such experiences do not justify bringing to Canada violent, extreme or hateful prejudices. In becoming Canadian, newcomers are expected to embrace democratic principles such as the rule of law. The basic way of life in English-speaking areas British origins, as well as other groups, invested was established by hundreds of thousands and endured hardship in laying the foundations of English, Welsh, Scottish and Irish settlers, of our country. This helps explain why soldiers and migrants