Canada Culture Kit - Global Village Museum of Arts and Cultures

Canada is located above the United States of America. It is 3,855,103 square miles. Canada is divided into provinces. The capital of Canada is Ottawa. In Canada there are lots of national parks that are spread all around the land. National parks have lots of animals and plants, and they have a diverse display of flora and fauna due to the wide terrain. From beaches to mountains, woodlands to grasslands.

Activities and Questions

Look at the different maps to see the shape and location of Canada
Find Ottawa on a map
Peek inside the National Park book to see the numerous parks Canada has to offer
What kind of animals and plants are there in Canada?
How many provinces are there?

The history of Canada is very interesting because there were First Nations people, French people, British people and other European nations. The history is filled with disputes and battles between the English and the French. Though the two nations disliked each other, both traded separately with the First Nations tribes. Instead of money, they traded furs for copper pots, iron axes and other useful utensils. It was a strong industry for both sides. Both countries greatly influenced Canada’s present culture. For example, Canada has two official languages: French and English. Also, the Canadian money has British royalty on the 20-dollar bill and 25 cent coin and on many flags of the Canadian provinces, the Union Jack is present. Also, the two nations have affected the architecture of old buildings and towns. Before the English and French arrived, there were people who lived before them.

Activities and Questions

Look at The Pig War book for an example of a dispute between the English and the French
Look at the money and look for the British figures
Why did the two nations argue?
What kind of furs did they trade?
How has having two languages affected Canada?

There are many different tribes who were located all over Canada. Each tribe has their own special traditions and culture. Though most are known to have made art that had geometric shapes and animals that meant something to that tribe. The porcupine box was made by a tribe called Mi’kmaq (pronounced Micmac). Tribes will often use all the animal. For example, the porcupine provided meat for eating and the quills for decoration. These baskets and furs are traded for other goods with the English and French. Tribes also have totem poles which are tall carved pieces of wood. They symbolize the tribe’s history, ancestry and skills and traits. Each tribe has a crest that is typically on the totem poles. There are all different kinds of totem poles that are for different events. For example, memorial poles are to remember high ranked chiefs, family poles are to show family history and welcome poles to welcome newcomers. The poles are decorated with animals that can represent different attributes. Common animals include beavers, frogs, eagles, bears, sharks, killer whales, ravens and salmon. Popular colors used are black, red, blue, blue-green, white and yellow.

Activities and Questions

Pass around the porcupine box
Look at the American Art Book to see different patterns and styles of artwork
Pass around the totem pole
What kind of animals are on the totem pole?
What could the animals represent?
What are the different kinds of totem poles are there?
Look at the loon and eagle card to see the style of the First Nations

Loon: The province bird of Ontario. Loons are found along the coast of Canada. They are known for their wildness, serenity, and tranquility.

Maple leaf: Seen on the flag. It’s a well-known symbol throughout Canada. Maple trees are important to Canada as they make maple syrup which is an important export for Canada.

Beavers: Beavers are known for being determined and for their teamwork. They are on the 5-cent coin. They are also a symbol of sovereignty.

Canadian Culture, history and sport

Get to know Canada – Provinces and territories

Create your own totem pole

Materials needed:

Paper

Colored pens, markers and pencils

Directions:

Read the list of animals provided and pick and draw the animals that represent you. Decorate your totem pole with lots of colors and include as many animals as you want. Here are some examples of totem poles.

Totem pole animals and their meanings

Raven- creation, knowledge, perspectives and truth

Bear- strength, courage, health, family, independent

Beaver- productivity, persistent, crafty, teamwork, determination

Eagle- powerful, messenger to the creator, peace, balance

Killer Whale- family, harmony, travel, community, protection

Shark- power

Salmon- abundance, renewal, respectful

Frog- wealth, abundance, prevent loss

Thunderbird- power, protection, strength

Wolf- strong family, loyalty, communication, education, intelligence, understanding

Sun- life, heat, health