The Watercolours Of Canada

In the rough and tumble of our abrasive twentieth century, humility is scarcely considered a virtue. Such qualities such as meekness and gentleness are not the sort that most people seek in order to succeed. We are fast moving, masterful, permissive people who from the cradle learn to shove, push, scream and scramble to get ahead – to plant our feet on the top of the totem pole. ~ Philip Keller

In selecting this quote, my heart is awakened to those whose veins have surged with humbleness. Whose existence centered on giving their blood, sweat and tears so others could rise above their adversities. While my list of Canadian hero’s covers many diverse backgrounds, I could not possibly have covered everyone. In my exploring, I found endless people who have contributed to the nation that has been called, the greatest place to live. I dedicate this post to the many watercolours that frame the foundations of the country I call home. 

On this day, Canada and our country’s roots have been heavy laden on me. While today marks one year ago that I was injured in the workplace, my focus is now shifted onto the celebration’s taking place across our vast lands. My purpose is to shine the light on others who have made this homeland something to believe in, while respecting those who bled for our country’s survival.

My own beliefs have me look far past the 150 years being honoured. As a Canadian historical writer, the truth of our origins was revealed throughout the years of research I have carried out. Equally relevant to my Canadian bond was having a daughter with Aboriginal ancestry and watching her proudly participate in cultural events. It reminded me of the optimism she had for her future. Shayla was striving to obtain a Social work degree and wanted to help at risk Aboriginal youth, when she passed away. 

Living on Vancouver Island, I have been able to immerse myself in various cultural experiences that take me back to the history of this area. While most events have been to display the achievements in being a Canadian, there have been somber moments, where my feet walked along those whose Indigenous loved ones remain missing or have been murdered along the notorious “Highway of Tears.” I recall a memory that weighs upon me as I write this. A mother, whose structure was burdened with grief, held a picture of her missing child.

For me, having the chance – as traumatic as it was – to say goodbye to my daughter, I could not imagine never knowing where she was or what had become of her? Instinctively, I reached out to this Indigenous mother and gently cradled her wiry, coal branches that held glints of a snow moon, upon her head. Death could not come between two mother’s embracing in unity of stolen sisters, across our nation. 

In my research, I discovered the following people, who I feel fortunate to share with you their significance in Canadian history. In doing so, many gave their lives for the country we now are privileged to reside in.

Thomas George Prince, war hero, Aboriginal advocate (born 25 October 1915 in Petersfield, MB; died 25 November 1977 in Winnipeg, MB). Tommy Prince was Canada's most-decorated Aboriginal war veteran, having been awarded a total of 11 medals in the Second World War and the Korean War. Although homeless when he died, he was honoured at his funeral by his province, his country and the governments of France, Italy and the United States. Excerpt taken from an article by Laura Neilson Bonikowsky

Sergeant Tommy Prince (R), M.M., 1st Canadian Parachute Battalion, with his brother, Private Morris Prince, at an investiture at Buckingham Palace, 12 Feb 1945. Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Sergeant_Tommy_Prince_Private_Morris_Prince_Buckingham_Palace.jpg

William Hall, the first Nova Scotian to receive the Victoria Cross, was a descendant of the Black Refugees. He received the medal for his actions at the Siege of Lucknow in 1857.

 https://maritimemuseum.novascotia.ca/collections/william-hall-vc 

By Library and Archives/Bibliothèque et Archives Canada

The practice in the West of using cheap Asian labour had its origins in the "coolie" (a word derived from Hindu, meaning a hired labourer, later used for Indian and Chinese labourers) trade in the mid 1800s. When China lost the opium wars for the second time, one concession was the right of foreign powers to recruit Chinese for overseas work. As China did not allow their nationals to settle abroad, workers were hired out under contract. Britain was the first to use coolies. With the prohibition of the slave trade, it needed to replace freed Black slaves on colonial plantations. As it turned out, the depraved conditions aboard coolie ships and of their work were not unlike slavery.

http://asia-canada.ca/changing-perspectives/chinese/chinese-labour-builds-cpr

Terrance Stanley "Terry" Fox Awarded the Order of Canada and the Order of Dogwood (b. July 28, 1958 – d. June 28, 1981) was a Canadian athlete, humanitarian, and cancer research activist. In 1980, with one leg having been amputated, he embarked on a cross-Canada run to raise money and awareness for cancer research. Although the spread of his cancer eventually forced him to end his quest after 143 days and 5,373 kilometers (3,339 mi), and ultimately cost him his life, his efforts resulted in a lasting, worldwide legacy.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terry_Fox

“It took cancer to realize that being self-centered is not the way to live. The answer is to try and help others.”~ Terry Fox

Canadian Muslim hero Dalal Al-Waheidi, is an incredible woman. 

As a young girl growing up in the Gaza Strip, Al-Waheidi became an activist, demanding greater opportunities for girls in her school's extra-curricular activities. She then came to Canada on a full scholarship to Trent University in Peterborough, Ont. When Al-Waheidi, who is in her mid-30s, isn't running our We Day events, empowering youth around the world, the new mother volunteers as a mentor for young people who are new immigrants to this country. Her passion lies in ensuring these individuals thrive.

• Craig and Marc Kielburger Co-Founders, WE 

In joining together to celebrate Canada Day, we also need to embrace the same air we breathe and remember those who found freedom in our nation. For me, my humility is embedded in the beauty of my words that brought someone to be enriched, by what our country has to offer. His freedom to live here is something that I am content with, given the homeland from whence he came from, has been shattered with violence. There are no regrets that although our parted ways are in separate directions, I like to believe someday his children will come to know the country I love… is also home to a diverse blend of those, who gave sacrifices before them.

By TL Alton