Expression Of Nationalism In Canada

769 Words4 Pages
Expression of Nationalism Nationalism is a feeling that people have of being loyal to and proud of their country often with the belief that it is better and more important than other countries, or a desire by a large group of people (such as people who share the same history, culture, language, etc.) to form a separate and independent nation of their own. Nationalism can be expressed in a variety of ways and at a variety of levels. The Quebecois and the First Nations of Canada express their nationalism through politics, national days (culture), and language. Quebec independence debates are an example of expression of nationalism. In 1995 Quebec government held a referendum to determine whether Quebec should become a sovereign state or remain…show more content…
In 1977, the Quebec Parliament declared June 24 to be Quebec's National Holiday. Historically June 24 was a holiday honouring French Canada's patron saint, St. John the Baptist, which is why it is commonly known as La Saint-Jean. Expressing their French culture and nationalism, the song "Gens du pays" by Gilles Vigneault is often heard and commonly regarded as Quebec's unofficial anthem. The festivities are celebrated all over Quebec. In major cities like Montreal and Quebec shows and festivities are arranged in the main public places to commemorate their nationalism. With the growing demand from First Nations for a national day of recognition, on June 13, 1996, after considerable consultation with Aboriginal organisations, June 21st was officially declared National Aboriginal Day. On this day the First Nations express their culture and nationalism. Since its inauguration, National Aboriginal Day has become part of the annual nationwide Celebrate Canada festivities held from June 21st to July 1st. June 21st was chosen because of the cultural significance of the summer solstice and because many Aboriginal groups mark this day as a time to celebrate their…show more content…
Quebec is the only province in Canada where the official language is only French. French is the first language of over 80 percent of Quebec’s population, and the Quebecois express this part of their nationalism every day and try to keep it this way. In addition to being the language of everyday life in most regions of Quebec, French is the language of instruction. Under the Charter of the French Language, instruction is to be given in French at the preschool, elementary and secondary levels. However, some students who meet specific requirements of the Charter may receive their schooling in English. These students account for approximately 11.2 % of the total enrolment in Québec’s elementary and secondary schools. The First Nations in Canada also feel great about their indigenous languages. There are eleven Aboriginal language groups in Canada, having further subgroups with different dialects. Cree, Inuktitut and Ojibway are spoken by a comparatively larger number of speakers. Before colonization, there were different languages spoken among indigenous tribes. The reserve system of settlements has created more permanent inhabitants with a need for common language to communicate. Two of Canada's territories give official status to native languages. In Nunavut, Inuktitut and Inuinnaqtun are official languages alongside the national languages of English and French, and in the Northwest

More about Expression Of Nationalism In Canada

Open Document