Modern Canada and the Study of History

Instructor: Dr. Tom Pioto
Course Title: Modern Canada from 1850
Class Schedule: Tuesday and Thursday nights from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM
- Lecture Duration: Approx. 40-45 minutes
- Q&A Duration: Approx. 10-15 minutes
Course Materials: PowerPoints and supplemental materials will be posted on D2L (Desire2Learn) on Fridays.
Submission of assignments, quizzes, and examinations will occur through D2L.
- Exam format: Written in quiz format.

Teaching Assistant (TA): Brett Sherman
- Office hours: Wednesdays
Dr. Pioto's Office Hours: Mondays
- In-person meetings: By appointment (for students in Thunder Bay)
- Zoom meetings: Available for students who cannot meet in person.

Discussed a piece by Bill Reid, a Haida artist, titled "Raven and the First Men."
- Raven in the creation story: A cosmic force interacting with clamshells, releasing the first men and women.
- Reid's dual training in European fine arts and traditional Northwest Coast aesthetics.
- His art can be found in various places, including the Vancouver Airport.

Canada as a former British and French colony, currently a constitutional monarchy and part of the British Commonwealth.
Complexity of Canadian identity:
- Bilingual nation with English and French as official languages and many more languages spoken.
- Indigenous languages: many have gone extinct or are endangered due to historical impacts like residential schools.
Discussion of indigenous perspectives on Canadian identity:
- Many indigenous individuals may reject the Canadian identity, showcasing the historical struggle over land rights and identity.
- Quote from a friend summarizing treaty law regarding Indigenous rights and identities.

Importance of regional identities within Canadian society:
- Distinct identities exist within provinces and territories (e.g., Southern Ontario, Northern Ontario, Atlantic Canada, etc.).
The strength of regional identities can often overshadow national identity.
Evolving definition of Canadian identity:
- Canadians are often perceived as distinct from Americans and British, with overlapping cultural references and unique aspects such as Canadian content (CanCon).
External stereotypes of Canadians include being peacekeepers and avid hockey players.

History conceptually viewed through various lenses:
- It can be seen as merely events that occurred or as narratives that impart deeper meanings.
- There's a distinction between different types of history: cultural, economic, social, and archaeological.
- Understanding of history involves humans keeping track of significant achievements and disasters.

Concept of invented histories: narratives that, while often intriguing, can be historically inaccurate (e.g., the portrayal of the kilt in Scottish nationalism).
The role of narrative vs. data in history:
- An effective history should combine factual data with meaningful narratives to engage readers.

Historiography refers to the study of how historical writing and studies have evolved over time, including shifts in theoretical approaches.
Distinguishes between objective history and myth, emphasizing the need for robust methodologies like peer review to uphold academic standards.

Oral history's significance: Communicating history in societies without written records; oral historians often receive training to memorize vast historical narratives.
Use of mnemonic devices in oral cultures to assist in recalling key events and knowledge.
- Examples include birch bark scrolls among Ojibwe to depict sacred histories or winter counts among Great Plains peoples.

Ethnohistory blends history, archaeology, oral tradition, and anthropology to understand cultures and societies that began writing histories post-contact or in colonial settings.
Application of ethnohistory in different contexts, including medieval European societies where people outside of elite classes had limited involvement in historical record-keeping.

The sustainability and selection of historical records: Who decides what is preserved, and how this influences historical narratives.
Consideration of cultural preservation versus random chance affecting what survives into the modern era.

The example of gladiators demonstrates the disparity in historical perspectives, particularly concerning non-elite groups:
- Exploring their public perception, celebrity status, and complexity of their experiences in and out of the arena.

The study of Canadian history, starting from 1850:
- Questions about the true start of Canadian history and what defines Canada, such as political, economic, and social elements.
- Ongoing exploration of the Canadian identity invites discussions on inclusivity and historical narratives.

Open floor for further inquiries and discussions among students to encourage critical thinking and exchange of ideas.