Lesson 19: Influence of Past Societies on Modern Canada

1. Introduction

Canada is a country known for its diversity and multiculturalism. But where do these diverse cultures come from? The modern Canada we know today has deep roots in the societies of the past. Many aspects of our daily lives—from the languages we speak to the way our government is run—have been shaped by people who lived here long ago. These people include the Indigenous peoples who have lived on this land for thousands of years, as well as European settlers from France and Britain.

In this lesson, you will learn how past societies have shaped the Canada we live in today. You will explore how traditions, laws, language, and even the way we treat the land are connected to the people who lived here in the past. Understanding this history can help us appreciate the unique culture of Canada and see how the past still influences our lives every day.

By the end of this lesson, you will be able to identify key elements of Canadian life that have their roots in past societies and explain why these elements are still important today.

2. Key Past Societies That Shaped Canada

Canada’s history is shaped by the people who lived here before us. These include Indigenous peoples, who have lived on this land for thousands of years, and European settlers, who arrived in the 1500s and 1600s. Let’s look at how these key groups—Indigenous peoples, the French, and the British—shaped the Canada we know today.

Indigenous Peoples

The Indigenous peoples of Canada, including First Nations, Inuit, and Métis, were the first to live on this land. Their influence on Canada is huge. They had their own systems of government, traditions, and ways of using the land long before Europeans arrived. Many of the names of places in Canada—like Ottawa, Ontario, and Manitoba—come from Indigenous languages. Indigenous peoples also practiced sustainable ways of living that respected the environment. Today, their respect for nature influences how Canadians think about environmental issues. Indigenous traditions, stories, and symbols, like totem poles, remain important parts of Canadian culture today.

French Influence

The first French settlers arrived in what is now Quebec in the early 1600s. Their arrival marked the beginning of a lasting French influence in Canada. The French established cities like Quebec City and Montreal and brought their language, traditions, and laws with them. Today, Quebec remains a unique part of Canada, with French as its official language and a legal system based on French civil law, which is different from the laws in other provinces. French culture is still strong in Quebec, and French-speaking communities exist all over Canada, including in parts of Ontario and New Brunswick. French influence is also seen in Canadian food, celebrations like “Carnaval,” and the fact that Canada is officially a bilingual country with both French and English as national languages.

British Influence

The British came to Canada after the French, and by the mid-1700s, they controlled much of what is now modern Canada. The British set up a parliamentary government, which is still the way Canada is governed today. Canada’s laws, political systems, and even its connection to the British monarchy all come from the British. Sports like hockey and lacrosse, which are a big part of Canadian culture, also have British roots. The British encouraged immigration, bringing people from many parts of the world to Canada, which helped shape Canada’s multicultural identity.

3. Elements of Contemporary Canadian Life Rooted in Past Societies

Many aspects of Canadian life today can be traced back to the past societies that influenced this country. From the way our government works to the languages we speak, the impact of Indigenous peoples, the French, and the British is still visible in everyday life.

Government and Laws

Canada’s system of government has its roots in British traditions. The parliamentary system we use today, where elected officials represent the people, comes directly from Britain. This system includes a Prime Minister, similar to Britain’s, and a parliament made up of representatives. Canada is also part of the British Commonwealth, and the British monarchy is still a symbolic part of our government. This means that the Queen (or now the King) of England is still considered the head of state in Canada, even though they don’t play an active role in our daily politics.

Laws in Canada also come from both British and French systems. In most provinces, the legal system follows the British tradition of common law, where past court decisions help guide future ones. In Quebec, the legal system is based on French civil law, which is different from the rest of Canada. This mix of French and British influence can be seen throughout the country, showing how our legal traditions are rooted in these past societies.

Language

Canada is officially a bilingual country, which means that both English and French are recognized as official languages. This comes from the historical influence of both the French and British in Canada. French is the main language in Quebec, and many people in New Brunswick, Ontario, and parts of Manitoba also speak French. All government services, from passports to tax forms, are available in both languages. Many students across the country learn French in school, even in areas where English is the main language. Bilingualism is a direct reflection of Canada’s history of French and British settlement and continues to shape the way Canadians communicate today.

Multiculturalism

Canada is known around the world for its multicultural society. This idea of welcoming people from many different cultures is deeply connected to both the Indigenous peoples’ traditions of sharing the land and the history of French and British colonization. Indigenous peoples, especially First Nations, shared the land with European settlers when they first arrived. This spirit of cooperation is reflected in Canada’s approach to welcoming immigrants today.

British and French settlers also brought people from many different parts of the world to Canada. Over time, this has led to Canada being one of the most multicultural countries in the world. In cities like Toronto and Vancouver, you can find people from all over the globe. This diversity is celebrated through festivals, holidays, and food that come from different cultures. The multiculturalism policy officially adopted in the 1970s continues to reflect Canada’s long history of welcoming diverse groups of people.

Land Ownership and Treaties

One of the most important aspects of Canada’s history is the relationship between Indigenous peoples and European settlers. Early agreements, known as treaties, were made between Indigenous nations and European governments. These treaties outlined how the land would be shared or used. Even today, these treaties are important because they continue to influence discussions about land ownership, rights, and the relationship between Indigenous peoples and the Canadian government. Modern Canada still has legal responsibilities to uphold these treaties, and this connection to the past shapes the ongoing conversations about Indigenous land rights today.

4. Specific Examples of Influence from Past Societies

The influence of past societies on modern Canada can be seen in many specific examples. From the names of places to the symbols we use, the contributions of Indigenous peoples, the French, and the British have left lasting marks on Canadian culture. Let’s explore some examples of how these influences are still present today.

Indigenous Influence

Indigenous peoples have made lasting contributions to Canadian society, and their influence is still seen and felt in everyday life.

• Place Names: Many place names in Canada come from Indigenous languages. For example, the name “Canada” itself is believed to come from the St. Lawrence Iroquoian word “kanata,” meaning “village” or “settlement.” Other provinces, like Ontario and Manitoba, also have Indigenous names. In fact, many cities, rivers, and landmarks across Canada bear Indigenous names, reminding us of the deep connection Indigenous peoples have to this land.

• Art and Symbols: Indigenous art is an important part of Canadian culture. Totem poles, created by First Nations peoples on the West Coast, are one of the most recognized symbols of Indigenous culture. These tall wooden poles, carved with animals and other figures, tell stories and represent family history. Today, totem poles are still created and displayed in public spaces as a way to honor Indigenous traditions. Indigenous symbols, such as the Inuksuk—stone structures built by the Inuit to mark important locations—are also used in modern Canadian art and events. The Inuksuk even appeared as a symbol in the 2010 Winter Olympics held in Vancouver.

• Environmental Stewardship: Indigenous peoples have always had a special relationship with the land. Their belief in respecting nature and using resources sustainably has influenced Canada’s modern environmental policies. Today, many Indigenous practices, such as controlled burns to prevent forest fires, are being adopted by governments to protect natural resources.

French Influence

The French influence in Canada is strongest in Quebec but can also be seen across the country.

• Language and Legal System: Quebec is the only province in Canada where French is the official language. This is a direct result of the French settlers who arrived in the early 1600s. Many signs in Quebec are in French, and people speak French in schools, businesses, and government offices. Quebec also has a legal system based on civil law, which comes from French legal traditions, making it different from the common law system used in the rest of Canada.

• Cuisine and Festivals: French influence is also seen in Canadian food and culture. Dishes like poutine (fries with cheese curds and gravy), which originated in Quebec, are enjoyed across the country. French Canadians celebrate cultural events like Carnaval de Québec, a winter festival held every year in Quebec City. This festival includes activities such as ice sculpting, snow slides, and parades, which highlight the French heritage that is still strong in Quebec.

British Influence

The British influence on Canada is perhaps most obvious in the country’s political systems and sports.

• Government and Monarchy: Canada’s government is based on the British parliamentary system. This means that Canadians vote for representatives who make laws, and the Prime Minister, much like Britain’s Prime Minister, leads the government. Canada is also part of the British Commonwealth, and the British monarchy still plays a symbolic role in Canadian government. The Queen or King of England is officially the head of state, and their image appears on Canadian coins and bills.

• Sports: Many of Canada’s most popular sports have British roots. For example, hockey, often called Canada’s national sport, was influenced by British games like field hockey and rugby. Lacrosse, another sport widely played in Canada, was originally played by Indigenous peoples, but the British helped formalize its rules and spread its popularity. Today, these sports are central to Canadian culture and are enjoyed by people across the country.

5. Why These Influences Are Still Relevant Today

The influence of past societies on modern Canada isn’t just about history—it continues to shape the way Canadians live, work, and interact with each other today. Understanding these connections helps us appreciate Canada’s unique identity and the importance of the traditions we’ve inherited.

Cultural Identity

Canada’s multicultural identity is rooted in the blend of Indigenous, French, and British influences, as well as the many other cultures that have come to call Canada home. This multiculturalism is not just a historical fact; it is a defining feature of Canadian society today. People celebrate their cultural backgrounds through festivals, food, and traditions, while still being part of a shared Canadian identity. Understanding where these cultural elements come from helps Canadians appreciate the richness of their diverse society and how it came to be.

Government and Law

Canada’s system of government, based on the British parliamentary system, affects how Canadians participate in democracy. Every election, Canadians vote for representatives, continuing a tradition that dates back to Britain’s influence. The legal systems, especially the differences between Quebec’s civil law and the common law in other provinces, show how French and British traditions still play a major role in shaping Canada’s justice system. Understanding these influences helps citizens engage more fully in Canadian civic life.

Indigenous Rights and Environmental Stewardship

The relationship between Indigenous peoples and the Canadian government continues to evolve, with a focus on honoring treaties and land agreements made centuries ago. Discussions about land rights and Indigenous governance are more relevant than ever, and understanding the historical context helps people engage in these conversations thoughtfully. Indigenous environmental practices, such as sustainable land use, are also being recognized and incorporated into modern environmental policies, showing how ancient wisdom can guide present-day actions.

6. Conclusion

Canada is a country shaped by its past, and the influences of Indigenous peoples, French settlers, and British colonizers continue to play a significant role in daily life. From the way our government operates to the languages we speak and the diverse cultural practices we celebrate, the roots of modern Canada run deep. Understanding these historical influences helps us appreciate the unique blend of cultures that make Canada what it is today.

As you explore your own community, you might notice the lasting impact of these past societies—whether it’s a street name in an Indigenous language, a French bakery in your neighborhood, or a government election that reflects British traditions. By recognizing and respecting these influences, we can better understand the rich cultural landscape of modern Canada and our place within it.