1. Notes - Unit 1 – Expressions of Canadian Identity The following are aspects of Canadian identity : Landscape Climate History People Culture Citizenship Challenges and Opportunities These aspects are represented through the works of many Canadian artists, musicians, and authors. When creating our own personal identity web we find that we are influenced by these same aspects. Where we live, our culture, and the opportunities we have, all have an impact on creating who we are. An Intro to Canadian Identity

2. Art By analyzing images we can understand the meaning. If we divide the image into parts, look for details and then ask questions, we are able to have a greater appreciation for the artist’s message. From a historical point of view, First Nations and Inuit artists were the first to represent their culture and beliefs through art. Priests from the colony of New France, who were professional painters, produced mostly religious works for the churches in the 1500s and 1600s. At the time there were also self-taught painters creating “folk art”, as well as young wood carvers too. The themes were usually religious.

3. In the 1700 wealthy British North Americans had portraits painted. Also, the military trained artists to create topographic drawings. These artists also produced documentary paintings which now give us a look at what they saw in their everyday life. In the 1800, with immigrants arriving, Canadian art was increasingly more diverse. Canada’s natural beauty, as well as the people became the main theme. This, along with the advancements in photography, gives us a glimpse into daily life. The twentieth century brought a change in Canadian art with the works of the famed Group of Seven. Their “new” style of painting showed a greater sense of pride for Canada as they included their personal feelings about the Canadian landscape.

4. Music Like art, music can reflect a sense of Canadian identity. Throughout the history of Canadian music, there have been artists within each of the various genres demonstrating their own thoughts about Canada and what it means to be Canadian. It is sometimes questioned if Canadian music is overshadowed by the U.S. The CRTC (Canadian Radio – television and Telecommunications Commission) was created by the Canadian government in 1929 to ensure that there would be Canadian content and character on television and radio. Canadian identity is influenced by the diversity of the country and its people. A sense of loyalty to community, province, or region is part of identity for many Canadians. Some Canadian musicians demonstrate this loyalty by the music they produce.

5. Literature There are many Canadian authors and writers from the various assortments of literary genres that depict a sense of Canadian identity in their works. Children, from an early age, can be entertained and educated with stories that illustrate the various ideas about Canadian identity. Canadian ballads, as well as modern storytellers, tell us of ordinary and extraordinary events from our past. They provide insight into our identity.