Our sense of being Canadian begins in the community where we live.
From there, it expands to include our broader sense of national
identity. Often, this is reflected at the community level through a
youth recognized for environmental work, a Remembrance Day parade
involving neighbours who served in war, a senior honoured for
outstanding volunteer service, or a municipal government worker whose
"hobby" is historic architectural preservation.
Recognizing and celebrating the treasures of our identity, our
citizenship, and our heritage is the focus of this entire week that
culminates with Heritage Day. Think of your heritage as being
anything that you treasure and wish to hand down to your children. In
fact, the words "identity", "heritage", and "treasures" are
synonymous.
Our treasures can be found in a memorable story told by a grandparent
to a grandchild; your favourite family recipe; a threadbare teddy
bear; a cherished family photograph; a lullaby sung to you when you
were small; or the language(s) you speak. It can be found in the
music, dance, festivities, arts and crafts, and dress of your
community. It can be found in your roots buried in a northern forest
or embedded in the rocks of a mine, or in the fishing or farming
legacy of your family. For some, it can be the memories of first
arriving in Canada and then becoming a Canadian. All these things
form part of you and, by extension, are part of our collective
Canadian identity.
Take time to rediscover and appreciate the treasures where you live.
Make use of the facilities and services that already exist in your
community (e.g., municipal government, service clubs, historic
societies, schools, senior citizens' residences, youth groups,
libraries, museums, or recreational facilities) to share your
treasures and to heighten community spirit. Perhaps you could ask
senior citizens to tell stories of what your community was like when
they were "younger". Perhaps you could organize theatrical
productions based on your community's history, tours of
architecturally important buildings, or group get-togethers to share
aspects of your personal heritage. Or perhaps you could celebrate the
music and dance of your community's traditional cultures.
Every Canadian community is a treasure trove of diverse peoples,
cultures, traditions, and history. Rediscovering our treasures goes
to the heart of our Canadian identity. It is the knowledge and
appreciation of our roots and our sense of belonging at home, school,
place of work, or place of worship - to name but a few - that
strengthen our feelings of who we are as Canadians. From February 12
to 19, rediscover and share your treasures as you take Canada to
heart!