A Cultural History of Canada

In which, in honour of Black History Month, we discuss the early development of African-Canadian literature by covering newspapers, religious narratives, literary networks, and slave narratives from 1785 to 1855. Topics include the Underground Railroad, Loyalists, and myth-making in Canada. It's a big, but great conversation! --- Further Reading & Sources: Bynum, Tara. "A Silent Book, Some Kisses,...

In which we flash back to 1769 for a one-and-done-episode on 'The History of Emily Montague', a book often considered to be the very first Canadian novel - and it was written by a woman! How's that for being radical? We talk about 18th century feminism, the author's politics, what the book tells us about Canada at the time, and of course, whether this can be called a first in Canada! Images that w...

In which we use Lionel Kearns' book ' Convergences ' to finally discuss the other side of Canada! Topics include James Cook's arrival in British Columbia, contact with the Nuu-chah-nulth people of Nootka, and the importance of understanding history as a narrative. It's a big one and we love it! --- Further Reading: Francis, Daniel. "Jewitt, John Rogers." The Oxford Companion to Canadian History ,...

In which we cover the early life of famous Nova Scotian Joseph Howe; from his publishing endeavors that encouraged local talents to his 1835 libel trial that changed the game for free speech in Canada. All texts discussed are found below! --- Major Sources & Further Reading: Beck, J. Murray. "Howe, Joseph." The Oxford Companion to Canadian History , Oxford University Press, 2004. Beck, Murray. Jos...

In which we dig into the Patreon archives to give you wonderful listeners some holiday cheer with our very own Christmas Special! It starts as a wholesome discussion about Canadian pop icon Michael Bublé's Christmas album and turns into a talk about our holiday traditions and just general nonsense. See you in the new year! --- We made it onto a list of best Canadian history podcasts (wooo!): https...

In which we talk about the evolution of treaties signed between Europeans and First Nations in Pre-Confederation Canada. You can find the treaties we discuss below in the sources! --- Major Sources & Further Reading: 'A History of Treaty-Making in Canada.' Government of Canada, https://www.rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca/eng/1314977704533/1544620451420 DePasquale, Paul W. ' Natives and Settlers Now and Then:...

In which we discuss migration to Upper Canada in the 1830s through the Petworth Emigration scheme, poetry by Alexander McLachlan, and letters from those who immigrated to the country! We even talk about superheroes and Thanos because... well... just listen and you'll see. We let our socialism loose against terrible British policy on this one! --- Sources & Further Reading: Assisting Emigration to...

In which we give you a free taste of the fun we're having over on Patreon ! What starts off as an overview of the world-famous Cirque du Soleil, ends up being a fascinating conversation about the future potential for the show and the philosophy of circus art! If you like what you hear in the episode, please consider subscribing for more of them, as well as some extras! You can also support through...

In which we power through some internet troubles to talk about Grosse Île Quarantine Station! We use poems by Margaret Atwood and Al Purdy to discuss more of the psychological effects of being in isolation in the 19th century than scientific medical practices. Still great fun though! ---  Sources & Further Reading:  Atwood, Margaret. "Disembarking at Quebec" & "Further Arrivals," The Journals of S...

In which we halt our narrative to talk about werewolves, ghost ships, and...flying canoes?! You can find images and brief overviews of the monsters right here . -- Major Sources: Beaugrand, Honoré. ' Fantastic Tales ,' La Bibliothèque électronique du Quebec (The English Collection), Volume 11. Jolicoeur. Catherine. ' Le Vaisseau Fantôme: Légende Étiologique ,' Presses Université Laval, 1970. Le Qu...

In which we begin an overview discussion about health and medicine in Canada from the First Nations to New France. Let's look at a pre-germ theory world with the help of Indigenous legends and some lame poetry!   --  Major sources:   Arnason, T., R. J. Hebda, and T. Johns. "Use of plants for food and medicine by Native Peoples of eastern Canada." Canadian Journal of Botany, Vol. 59, 1981, pp. 2189...

In which we discuss the British investigation into the causes for the Rebellions... before they actually ended... and the controversial report by Lord Durham that resulted from it! NOTE: Patrick refers to the report as "unofficial". It was considered official by the British and, for all intents and purposes, is. Patrick used that term because of the odd circumstances surrounding its creation, but...

In which we *really* end the discussion on the Rebellions with a long talk on those who were more active and violent in their actions against the British. The literature this week is the Declaration of Independence of Lower Canada and other such documents! It's a great way to start Season 2, let's goooo!  --- Major sources & further reading: Find the poem we talked about at the end of the show her...

In which we conclude the main narrative of the Rebellions by talking about Lower Canada, Louis-Joseph Papineau, French-Canadian nationalism, very centrist poetry, and Star Wars! It all makes sense, okay? Kind of... Find translations of the poems we discuss here: https://historiacanadiana.wordpress.com/2020/08/23/episode-20-extra-napoleon-aubin-poems-translated-to-english/ --- Reach the show with a...

In which a guest returns to talk about the Rebellions of 1837-8 in Upper Canada through their figurehead, William Lyon Mackenzie, and some poetry! --- Reach the show with any questions, comments and concerns at historiacanadiana@gmail.com, Twitter ( @CanLitHistory ) & Facebook ( https://www.facebook.com/CanLitHistory ). --- Support: Patreon ( https://www.patreon.com/historiacanadiana ) & Paypal (...

In which we come to the end of our road to the Rebellions of 1837-8 and talk about the rise of the need for French-Canadians to distinguish themselves in British North America through things like the novel! --- Reach the show with any questions, comments and concerns at historiacanadiana@gmail.com, Twitter ( @CanLitHistory ) & Facebook ( https://www.facebook.com/CanLitHistory ). --- Support: Patre...

In which we do something new on the show by bringing in a guest! Topics include reactions to progressive changes in Canada and imperialist satire. Using T.C. Haliburton's seminal comedy 'The Clockmaker', we explore the other side of the more liberal sentiments forming in the 1830s. --- Reach the show with any questions, comments and concerns at historiacanadiana@gmail.com, Twitter ( @CanLitHistory...

In which, before covering some major shifts, we explore the political institutions that came, went, and remained from New France to British North America. --- Reach the show with any questions, comments and concerns at historiacanadiana@gmail.com, Twitter ( @CanLitHistory ) & Facebook ( https://www.facebook.com/CanLitHistory ). --- Support: Patreon ( https://www.patreon.com/historiacanadiana ) & P...

In which John Richardson's 1832 novel 'Wacousta' helps us understand a fear of the unknown wilderness on the Canadian frontier - a fear solidified in the aftermath of Pontiac's Rebellion in 1763. --- Reach the show with any questions, comments and concerns at historiacanadiana@gmail.com, Twitter ( @CanLitHistory ) & Facebook ( https://www.facebook.com/CanLitHistory ). --- Support: Patreon ( https:...

In which Oliver Goldsmith's poem 'The Rising Village' is used to explore how the sons and daughters of the Loyalists saw their forefathers and their own place within Canada.  --- Reach the show with any questions, comments and concerns at historiacanadiana@gmail.com, Twitter ( @CanLitHistory ) & Facebook ( https://www.facebook.com/CanLitHistory ). --- Support: Patreon ( https://www.patreon.com/his...

In which we conclude our examination of the Scottish in Canada with a look at their influence on social justice and education. We even bring back some literature! --- Reach the show with any questions, comments and concerns at historiacanadiana@gmail.com, Twitter ( @CanLitHistory ) & Facebook ( https://www.facebook.com/CanLitHistory ). --- Support: Patreon ( https://www.patreon.com/historiacanadia...

In which the first wave of Scottish migration to British North America is discussed, with an emphasis on commerce and language! --- Reach the show with any questions, comments and concerns at historiacanadiana@gmail.com, Twitter ( @CanLitHistory ) & Facebook ( https://www.facebook.com/CanLitHistory ). --- Support: Patreon ( https://www.patreon.com/historiacanadiana ) & Paypal ( https://www.paypal....

In which the War of 1812 is examined as a turning point in the Canadian identity and imagination despite its lack of any tangible impact. --- Reach the show with any questions, comments and concerns at historiacanadiana@gmail.com, Twitter ( @CanLitHistory ) & Facebook ( https://www.facebook.com/CanLitHistory ). --- Support: Patreon ( https://www.patreon.com/historiacanadiana ) & Paypal ( https://w...

In which we turn back the clock and return to New France for a bit to discuss the roots of major elements of the French-Canadian identity. --- Reach the show with any questions, comments and concerns at historiacanadiana@gmail.com, Twitter ( @CanLitHistory ) & Facebook ( https://www.facebook.com/CanLitHistory ). --- Support: Patreon ( https://www.patreon.com/historiacanadiana ) & Paypal ( https://...

In which First Nations' history and storytelling is explored through their oral traditions and how writing changed a culture forever. A kind of follow up from Episode #8! --- Reach the show with any questions, comments and concerns at historiacanadiana@gmail.com, Twitter ( @CanLitHistory ) & Facebook ( https://www.facebook.com/CanLitHistory ). --- Support: Patreon ( https://www.patreon.com/histori...