Monday, June 23, 2014

Canadian Week in Review 23 June 2014



I have come across the following Canadian websites, social media websites, and newspaper articles this past week that were of interest to me, and I thought you might be interested in them, too.

Websites


No new websites this week.

This Week in History 


On June 22, 1869, an act was passed establishing the government of the Northwest Territories, which then included much of the Prairies, and in 1905, the House of Commons passed a bill establishing Alberta and Saskatchewan as provinces, effective September 1, 1905. 

A history of Alberta and Saskatchewan is given on http://www.canadahistoryproject.ca/1905/index.html 

In 1950, the Canadian naval destroyers HMCS “Cayuga”, “Athabasca”, and “Sioux” left Vancouver—escorted by the cruiser “Ontario”—for Pearl Harbour during the Korean Conflict.

In 1930, George Stathakis died when he plummeted over Niagara Falls in a barrel. Can you imagine that the turtle he took with him - survived?


On June 22, 1955, the laying of a transatlantic telephone cable began at Clarenville, Nfld. 

To read a history of both the telegraph and the telephone, go to http://clarenville.newfoundland.ws/Clar_Telegraph.asp

Social Media
Prairie History Blog 

This blog explores many online resources, and I always find something of interest here to read about. 

The latest blog is about a First World War Walking Tour to be held in Regina on June 23rd called, Back to the Front: A Poetic Walking Tour about WW1. 

Newspaper Articles


Newfoundland and Labrador 


Celebrating with a bang! 
Bruce Haynes, from Happy Valley-Goose Bay in Labrador, and a military history enthusiast, is constructing a five-and-a-half-foot cannon to launch his fireworks on July 1.

Memorial University launches WWI commemoration program
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/memorial-university-launches-wwi-commemoration-program-1.2680789
The students and faculty of Manorial University are working on nearly 40 projects that will commemorate the First World War.

Nova Scotia 


Parrsboro students awarded for family tree projects 
Winners of the Parrsborough Shore Historical Society’s family tree project were presented with certificates and a framed historical photo of the museum property on Friday, June 20, as society member Ed Gilbert paid a visit to Parrsboro Regional High School.

Springhill mayor says plebiscite on town's dissolution unlikely 
Town to dissolve and merge with Cumberland County by March 31, 2015 
Nova Scotia’s Utility and Review Board held a preliminary hearing to look at issues surrounding the town's dissolution, planned to take place by March 31, 2015. 

Why this Nova Scotia town may make you miss the ferry
After a four-year hiatus, the overnight ferry from Yarmouth, Nova Scotia to Portland, Maine, is back in business. The new ship, Nova Star, comes complete with spa, casino, four restaurants, an art gallery, and private cabins to pass the time during the 10-hour ride. Yet with all that the ferry has to offer, find out why it's still hard to leave Yarmouth to catch it on time.

New Brunswick 


Premier David Alward Heralds Grand Re-opening and 125th Anniversary of Algonquin Resort Contemporary Celebration Commemorates Hotel's History 
http://www.marketwatch.com/story/premier-david-alward-heralds-grand-re-opening-and-125th-anniversary-of-algonquin-resort-2014-06-19?reflink=MW_news_stmp
The province recently celebrated the 125 anniversary and re-opening of the Algonquin Resort in New Brunswick. 

Quebec 


New France Festival: Celebrating History in Quebec City
http://www.theepochtimes.com/n3/744699-new-france-festival-celebrating-history-in-quebec-city/?photo=2
Quebec City, in the province of Quebec, is holding its 17th annual New France Festival, when Quebec's capital city celebrates its French colonial roots. 

We have been invited to visit the official summer residence of Their Excellencies the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, and Mrs. Sharon Johnston. June 24 to September 1: Daily, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Ontario 


Map: Canada's worst tornadoes 
Interesting site! There is a map of Canada showing the sites of Canada’s worst tornadoes.
Read about what the government is planning to spend $83-million over the remainder of this decade to commemorate Canada’s military history. 

Canadian Museum of History signs collaboration agreement with Canadian Lesbian and Gay Archives
http://www.exchangemagazine.com/morningpost/2014/week24/Thursday/14061915.htm 
The Canadian Museum of History announced that it will be collaborating with the Canadian Lesbian and Gay Archives (CLGA) in the development of its new Canadian History Hall.

There will be a play put on at the Blyth Memorial Hall from July 2nd to August 15th about Canadian First World War flying ace, Billy Bishop. He was officially credited with seventy-two victories, making him the top pilot in the British Empire.

Canadian Forces' return to old-style ranks, insignia costs millions
New dress uniforms needed as army and navy adopt WW II-era insignias and decorations
http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/canadian-forces-return-to-old-style-ranks-insignia-costs-millions-1.2679716 
The Forces are going to return to Second World War-era ranks and insignia, but will require new dress uniforms for Canadian soldiers and naval officers at a cost of $4.5 million.

Manitoba 


Manitoba is waiting to hear if Pimachiowin Aki—a forested site on Manitoba's easterly side, next to the province of Ontario—is going to be considered as a United Nations World Heritage Site. Canada now has 17 such UNESCO sites.

Saskatchewan 


Nutana walking tour blends history with technology 
QR codes provide historical info when scanned with smartphone 
The Broadway Business Improvement District (BBID) and the Nutana Community Association have teamed up to expand its Heritage QR Code Project from businesses on Broadway Avenue to homes, parks. and buildings in the Nutana neighbourhood of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. 

Alberta 


A battle is playing out behind the scenes over how the history of indigenous peoples will be presented at the new home of the Royal Alberta Museum, now under construction in downtown Edmonton.

Residential school abuse-claim documents should be destroyed, adjudicator argues 
There is quite a controversy brewing as some people are saying that Canada risks ‘privacy disaster’ and will cause ‘great harm’ to victims of the residential school abuse claim. 

British Columbia 


Edmonton businessman begins build on B.C. burial ground Cowichan, Saanich, and Penelakut ancestors buried on Grace Islet in Ganges Harbour 
On National Aboriginal Day, B.C. First Nations and Gulf Islanders rallied and canoed around a tiny B.C. island cemetery that is being developed into the site of a luxury home for Barry Slawsky, an Edmonton-based businessman and former owner of the San Francisco Gifts chain of stores.

Story of the Week


 June 24th - St-Jean Baptiste Day – The National Holiday in Quebec 


The current flag of Quebec is based on this design, and was adopted in 1948. 

Known as Fête de la Saint-Jean-Baptiste or Saint-Jean Baptiste Day, it is held annually on June 24, is the feast day of St. John the Baptist, and it is celebrated in Quebec and other areas of French Canada. 

In 1834, Ludger Duvernay, a journalist, visited the St Patrick's Day celebrations in Montreal, and was inspired to create a similar event for French-Canadians. In 1843, he established the Saint-Jean Baptiste Society to promote the celebration of Saint-Jean Baptiste Day. It was supported by the Catholic Church, which saw it as a way to promote social and moral progress. 

During and after the First World War, Saint-Jean Baptiste Day was barely celebrated, but in 1925, Saint-Jean Baptiste Day became a provincial holiday in Quebec. 

In 1977, Saint-Jean Baptiste Day was recognized as the 'national' holiday of Quebec. 

Today, it is included in the week’s celebration as Canada gets ready for its birthday party on July 1st.

Reminder: Check the Canadian Week in Review next Monday for the latest in Genealogy, Heritage, and History news in Canada. It’s the ONLY news blog of its kind in country!

The next post will be on June 30, 2014.
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