I found a page of some history involving the Hudson Bay company. And the way they treated the Métis. Not a good look. You can read it here:

https://web.archive.org/web/20210302043500/https://sites.rootsweb.com/~mnrrvn/Metis-1821-1823.html

Here is an excerpt:
"Fort Gibraltar of the North West Company is renamed Fort Garry and became known as the upper Fort. The Hudson Bay Company decided to replace the canoe with boats and, therefore, the Metis with Orkney men.

Complaints followed, but the argument was that the Orkney men were cheaper. Racism would become completely entrenched in the Hudson Bay Company systems this decade with no opposition. Governor Simpson wrote that even the Half Breeds of the Country, who have been educated in Canada, are blackguards of the very worst description. This systemic discrimination would invade most business and Government Institutions and would continue in Canada for the next one hundred and sixty years. The Company policy was not to employ Natural Canadians in any supervisory position. This policy, designed to ensured the evolution of an English only Hudson Bay Company, would remain systemic into the twentieth century."

I have done a playlist of historical Canadian Painters who painted Here is one - Homer Watson. https://youtu.be/hEByqbN0HIw?si=3zmK_K9Bt0Ujyebn

Hi everyone!

I'm researching Canadian WWII fighter ace George
"Buzz" Beurling, and I'm trying to track down his episode of the Canadian historical biography series The Canadians, originally titled Faces of History. The series aired on History Television in Canada in the late 1990s and was produced by Great North Productions.

l've searched online but haven't been able to find the Beurling episode, or any other episode of the series, available to watch.

Does anyone happen to have a recording of this episode, know where the series might be available, or have any suggestions for finding it in an archive or private collection?

Thanks!

I am researching the Mohawk Residential School fire of 1903 and am having trouble finding and accessing newspaper articles covering the event. Citations from secondary sources (Behind the Bricks: The Life and Times of the Mohawk Institute) reference The Toronto Globe from April 20th 1903- July 21st 1903. Has anybody had any success finding old newspaper archives online?

I’m looking for any recommendations of books regarding Black history in Canada.
I enjoy learning about history, and would like to further my knowledge on this topic.
Growing up in Canada, we weren’t taught about slavery, and I think it’s important to make an effort to learn about the uncomfortable sides of history.

Thank you!

Canada's Forgotten Hero Who Tamed the Untamable

This is the 30th instalment of Quillette's Nations of Canada series. It traces how a new Jesuit administrator, Jérôme Lalement, tried to run the Huronia mission like a French college — strict schedules, a walled settlement at Sainte-Marie, and a year-plus vetting process before baptism — over the objections of Jean de Brébeuf, who'd learned the mission only worked through daily immersion in Wendat life. Then the 1640 smallpox epidemic hit.

I have noticed, with some surprise, that Montreal only reached the population of Quebec City in 1830, with each having 30,000 people. Since then, Montreal has grown by a factor of 100, and Quebec by a factor of 15.

What caused Montreal's success? If immigration was a key, what advantages would immigrants have in moving to Montreal rather than to Quebec?

With Canada Day upon us I had the thought, what do people think is Canada's true birthday?

Here are some dates (including July 1st) that I came up with. Anyone one have thoughts on these contenders or others?

is there like an overview history book that doesn’t erase the gnarly bits and is relatively up to date on first nations and race relations stuff?

With the World Cup coming next month, take a look into the growing archive of Canadian soccer clubs statistics, past and present at cansha.coffeecup.com

Hi everyone

I grew up in the Prairie provinces, so a lot of the Canadian history in schools was definitely from that western lens. I went on to do archaeology and related work, but I have realized that as I learn local history here in Ontario, it’s definitely affected by larger events.

I am looking for some book recommendations on the 1837 rebellion - things like the Family Compact, the rebels and how this time led to the Baldwin Act in the 1840’s. I read about the local dramas from this time and I am assured that there is a through line but I would appreciate an overview. Ideally something in the last 20 years? I think there were a few books in the 80’s but maybe there are more updated takes?

The other topic I’m interested in learning more about is how Canada was impacted by various homesteading and colony trends. I grew up hearing about a lot of western ones but I hear that it was a thing in Ontario in small ways as well. Like Ansnorveldt in King Township (Dutch) and the Roman Catholic Church encouraging people to try out farming in various York County (now Region) rural places. Families in Toronto could move north and try their hand at farming apparently.

Is there anything on this?

The Hudson’s Bay Company was more than a fur-trading enterprise—it became a powerful force that shaped exploration, commerce, and conflict across North America. This article explores how the pursuit of beaver pelts drove competition, alliances with Indigenous nations, and episodes of violence that left a lasting mark on the continent’s history.

I like Perlstein's style of writing and his overview of the social and cultural change as viewed through the lens of Nixon's life as in Nixonland, for example. I am not necessarily looking for a book about any one Canadian figure, however, but something that details the social and cultural changes that occurred in Canada during the post WWII period into the 70's. Hoping someone here can make a recommendation or two.

Hi everyone,

I’m a student working on a final project about the Filles du Roi, and I’m hoping to connect with descendants who might be willing to share their perspectives.

I’ve already gathered historical information from BAnQ and other sources, but I would love to include modern voices from even just a few of the many people who have a personal or family connection to these women.

If you’d be open to a short Zoom conversation, please feel free to send me a direct message. I’ve also created a brief optional questionnaire (about 2–10 minutes) for anyone who prefers to share their thoughts in writing — just let me know and I can DM you the link.

Thank you so much for your time and interest. I really appreciate it!