Monday, July 25, 2016

Canadian Week in Review 25 July 2016


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

This Week in Canadian History 

Veterans Land Act (VLA)

1942 – Parliament passes Veterans Land Act (VLA), to award land grants or home mortgages to returning veterans. I didn't realize that this lasted until 1975. My paternal uncles took advantage of this program after the Second World War. 



1945 – Royal Canadian Navy ammunition barge catches fire in Bedord Basin, Nova Scotia; the magazine explodes for 24 hours, causing evacuation of half the city’s population. 






1976 – Montréal Olympics events begin 1976 – Romanian gymnast Nadia Comaneci, age 14, performing on the uneven parallel bars, scores the First perfect 10 in Olympic gymnastics history 




Social Media 

(Photo) Memorial University of Newfoundland continues daunting digital archives initiative 


The Memorial University's Digital Archives Initiative (DAI) is a project of the university aimed at the preservation of materials with historical and cultural value, while broadening access for the public. 

It brings items kept throughout the university’s collections straight into the hands of private users. The online archives include paper records such as manuscripts, diaries, photographs, pamphlets and posters, and also audio and video recordings. 

To read what has already been digitized, go to http://collections.mun.ca/ 

Newspaper Articles 

Newfoundland-Labrador 

Lost in history: Memory of WW I flying ace returns home after century away 


He was a hometown kid — a hero of the First World War, a personal friend of Lester B. Pearson, and a descendant of Swedish nobility. 

And then, as quickly as he came, Baron Carl Falkenberg was forgotten for a century. 

Newfoundland's Mistaken Point named UNESCO World Heritage site 


A Newfoundland ecological reserve that holds ancient evidence of some of Earth's oldest creatures is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

Volunteer group giving up heritage church in Port au Port West 


The Our Lady of Mercy Heritage Church in Port au Port West, which at the time of its completion was the largest wooden church in the province, is now in need of new caretakers after the volunteer group that looks after it announced it's giving up that job. 

Nova Scotia 

Fortress of Louisbourg celebrates 18th-century life during CultureFête 2016 


Visitors to the Fortress of Louisbourg in Cape Breton this weekend will see hands-on demonstrations of 18th century medicine, among other events celebrating everyday life during the fortress's heyday. 

"Party is on!' Nova Scotia man pens his own larger-than-life obituary 


Paul Culligan knew how to make people laugh, even in his obituary. 

History: A look at the Cornwallis River 


Recently, for example, Kentville reader John Cochrane asked me if we knew much about the history of the Cornwallis River and if it had Acadian, Planter or Mi’kmaq links. 

Black Loyalist Heritage Centre celebrates one year 


The Black Loyalist Heritage Centre in Birchtown is turning one year old this weekend, and members of the African Nova Scotian community are ready to celebrate. 

Prince Edward Island 

People can dig through time at Orwell Corner archaeology project 


Islanders and tourists have a unique opportunity to dig through time at a public archaeology project at the Orwell Corner historic village. 

Over the next two weeks, anyone is welcome to drop by the excavation of a mid- to late-nineteenth century home that was part of the Scottish settlement at this historic site. 

Quebec 

Montebello, Que., attracts crowds, political elite with history and scenery 


Montebello — a small municipality in western Quebec about an hour's drive from the nation's capital — has a long history of attracting crowds that range from families to Canada's political elite. 

Ontario 

Gaps in census mean Canadians are being left out of history 


If more people don’t consent to making census information available after 92 years, two of every five Canadians will effectively fade from memory. 

Streetcar No. 696 gets facelift and new lease on life leading up to her 100th birthday 


Ottawa streetcar No. 696 will celebrate her 100th birthday next year and, truth be told, she’s broken down and showing her age. She was, after all, born in the reign of Robert Borden, during the First World War, and was, quite literally, ridden hard and put away wet. 

Military museum annual open house is July 31 


The Canadian Military Heritage Museum will host its annual open house on Sunday, July 31, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

Visit the museum at 347 Greenwich St. to discover Canada's military history from the War of 1812 to current events. 

Newly discovered version of O Canada offers peek into our history 


You might think Canada has always been the “true north, strong and free.” 

But, turns out, the song that would become our national anthem has gone through more than a few changes over the years. 

Manitoba 

Highway renamed in honour of John Bracken 


Premier Brian Pallister announced Monday that John Bracken Highway will be the official name of a 195-kilometre section of PTH 10 from the International Peace Garden north to Riding Mountain National Park to honour the longest-serving premier in Manitoba history 

Storm the trenches: Camp Hughes comes alive this weekend in Manitoba 


More than 80 years after the soldiers moved out, Manitoba's Camp Hughes — home to the only intact First World War trench system in North America — is coming back to life. 

Saskatchewan 

New Saskatoon bridge getting Indigenous 


Once completed, Saskatoon's new bridge in the north will have a name reflecting Aboriginal people's history and contributions.

Alberta 

New museum exhibits celebrate city’s rich history 

The Flatiron Museum and Interpretive Centre opened its doors last Thursday evening for the grand opening of two new exhibits. 

Both “The Origins of Lacombe’s Dutch Community” and “Catalysts for Change: Local Women and the Suffrage Movement” exhibits will be on display for the next year, giving local residents and visitors to the community plenty of opportunity to learn about Lacombe’s ties to what have been proud moments in Canada’s national history. 

British Columbia 


This is the second installment of a series of columns produced by the Coquitlam Heritage Society to coincide with the city of Coquitlam’s 125th birthday this year. 

Canadian Stories this Week 

Conference 2017 

Did you realize that Conference 2017, the conference to be held at Ottawa, Ontario, has a Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/OntarioGenealogicalSocietyConference/posts/1001401453230794?notif_t=notify_me_page&notif_id=1468770302466413 ? 

Following the Facebook page is a good way to keep up on the happenings at the OGS conference, and of course, always check out their website at http://ogsottawa.on.ca/conference-2017/. More will be added as tine goes on. 

Celebrating 125 years of Ukrainian history in Canada (1891-2016) 

The premier of Saskatchewan, Brad Wall, declared 2016 as the anniversary of the first wave of Ukrainian immigrants to Canada 

According to the provincial government, more than 13 per cent of Saskatchewan residents can trace part or all of their ancestry to Ukraine. 

They have been celebrating in various ways, including the release of a coin the first ever egg-shaped coin - egg-shaped, and brightly coloured, because it's of a Pysanka. 

One place to visit is the Ukrainian Museum of Canada which has displays of archives and a library where you can look for information about the immigration. The website is http://www.umc.sk.ca/page/library 


By the way, work has started on the Holocaust Memorial near the Canadian War Museum, and it is expected to be finished by 2017. 


One more thing to note, is the Holocaust Memorial is built in Ottawa near the Museum of War, is making good progress. 

To find out more about the National Holocaust Monument, go to http://holocaustmonument.ca/ 


And that was the week in Canadian news! 

This e-newspaper has been published since April 2012! 

Be sure to tell your friends about us. 

If you would like to subscribe, please send your email to genealogycanada@aol.com 

Publishers Elizabeth and Mario Lapointe 

Sponsored by Elizabeth Lapointe Research Services. To learn more about the research services offered by ELRS, go to www.elrs.biz 

(c) 2016 All rights reserved.
Posted by at No comments:

Tuesday, July 19, 2016

Canadian Week in Review 18 July 2016



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

This Week in Canadian History

Wilfrid Laurier

1896 – Wilfrid Laurier was sworn in as Canada’s seventh Prime Minister, succeeding Charles Tupper.  He died in 1919 in Ottawa.  He entered the House of Commons on 26 March 1874, and became the had of the Liberal party in 1887. 



Lord’s Day Act 

1906 – Senate passes the Lord’s Day Act, restricting trade, labour and recreation on Sundays; struck down by Supreme Court of Canada in 1985, Coincidentally, it was Wilfrid Laurier who introduced the Lord’s Day Act in 1906 to the House of Commons.   




Social Media 

(Photos) Still hope for mill 


Stanley MacDonald, who purchased the mill from its last miller, Warren Leard, and donated it to the museum, said it is still his wish to save the building. He admitted, though, the board has been unsuccessful convincing funding partners to jump onboard. 

(Photos) Bringing history to life at Upper Canada Village 


If you had a chance to stop by Upper Canada Village over the weekend, you may have thought you stepped into another world. 

Villagers dressed in traditional 1800s garb and soldiers in British and American uniforms had set up camp in tiny white tents, along with a stable of horses and a military surgeon, for the re-enactment of a battle that some say saved Canada during the War of 1812 -- the Battle of Crysler's Farm. 

(Photos) This Week in Hants History 


Here's a look at what was making the news 35 and 50 years ago in the Hants Journal. 

(Photos) McNabs Island's crumbling historic houses deserve to be saved, guide says 


A private shuttle operator in Eastern Passage, N.S., is calling on the province to repair three historic houses which sit within the boundaries of McNabs Island Provincial Park before they are completely ruined and devoid of historic value. 

‘Postcards From the Train’ debuts at Corner Brook's historic train site Tuesday 


Set at the Railway Society of Newfoundland Historic Train Site on Riverside Drive, the play, which opens Tuesday, will weave through the site as the audience hops on and off the two trains at the site. 

Newspaper Articles 

Newfoundland 

Behind barbed wire

Some cut 12 tons of stone a day at quarries, while others toiled from 4 a.m. until 11 p.m. on farms. 

One soldier describes being locked in a dark room with a window covered in bricks and a barrel by the door to use as a latrine. 

Prince Edward Island 

P.E.I. National Park getting $23M in upgrades 


The federal government announced $23-million in upgrades for P.E.I. National Park Thursday. The improvement include seven different projects 

Beaches rehabilitation: $4.3 million. 

Rehabilitation of park entrances: $5.3 million. 

Trails rehabilitation: $2 million. 

Water and wastewater system improvements: $1.6 million. 

Green Gables rehabilitation: $9.5 million.  

Operational and directional signage: $427,000. 

Ardgowan landscape conservation maintenance: $304,000. 

Charlottetown aims to have Victoria Park bandstand ready for 2017 


Charlottetown wants to start construction on a new bandstand in Victoria Park this fall, so it will be ready for celebrations of Canada's 150th birthday next year. 

Nova Scotia 

Sydney neighbourhood boundaries, history captured in new map

A Cape Breton-centric website has posted a map that attempts to get a handle on the various historic, if unofficial, neighbourhoods in Sydney, N.S. 

Canada’s one and only ‘Black Battalion’ celebrated in parade 


The premier of Nova Scotia and high-ranking military officials gathered in Pictou, N.S. to mark the 100th anniversary of the first and only segregated black military unit in the Canadian history. 

Reminiscing on the Past and Preserving History 


A new project by the Heritage Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador will help preserve provincial history by recording stories from seniors across the island. 

Ontario 

Historicist: Wicket Little Town 


Due to the limited source material available, it is unclear when the game (cricket) was first played in York. 

Historic PoW site in Ontario to get new lease on life 


The derelict buildings of historic Camp 30, believed to be Canada’s only remaining prisoner of war camp from the Second World War, which were once feared unsalvageable, have emerged victorious against the test of time. 

Manitoba 

Capturing the spirit of early Winnipeg 


The Spirit of Red River exhibit holds photographs, documents, postcards, letters and maps that tell the story of the people and places who contributed to the fabric of the community in the early 1880s. 

Alberta 

Documenting Alberta's quilts 


Become a part of Alberta's quilt history by bringing in your pre-1970s quilts for documentation at the Grande Prairie Museum this weekend. 

The Western Canadian History Program at the Royal Alberta Museum has been working on a research initiative to document the material culture of craft production within Alberta. 

Special day celebrates unique history 


Trick shooting and storytelling are among the day’s events as a Foothills national historic site celebrates its existence this weekend. 

The Bar U Ranch National Historic Site is joining the Canada-wide Parks Day on July 16 to showcase what makes the park unique. 

The ranch, established in 1882, was among a small group of large corporate ranches that operated during the early pioneer days in western Canada. 

British Columbia 

Plaque pays honour to internees

http://www.vernonmorningstar.com/community/386473051.html?mobile=true

Motorists travelling along a section of Highway 6 will be reminded of a dark chapter in Canadian history.

The Father Pandosy Mission Society received funding under the 2013-18 Canada-British Columbia Official Language Agreement on French Language Services. This money will be used to translate promotional material for the Father Pandosy mission heritage site. 

The North 

Postcards from the Canadian North

https://www.newsdeeply.com/arctic 

In June, a group of ambassadors and high commissioners packed their bags and flew north for a nine-day tour of northern Canada. They came from all over the globe – the U.S., the E.U., Africa and Asia – to learn more about the Canadian Arctic, its environment, peoples and cultures. 

Canadian Stories this Week 

Arcadian Tour 2016 

Have you seen the picture that Lucie LeBlanc Consentino from Massachusetts has been putting on her Facebook page about the Arcadian Tour 2016? They are terrific! 

The picture are of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, and for the past week, she has been leading a bus tour of the different Acadia communities. 

Her Facebook page is https://www.facebook.com/luciemc?pnref=lhc.unseen, and her wensitem the Acadian & French-Canadian Ancestral Home is at http://www.acadian-home.org/frames.html 

Quinte Branch (Ontario Genealogical Society) 

Did you know that the Quinte Branch has a new and unproved Names Index Database and the new Quinte Branch Surname Interest List (SIL), both of them downlaodable lists? 

The older Names Index Database now has 1.35 Million Names, I have had the occasion to use the first database, and have found it very useful for clues in my research. Do not use them as records, but only as clues. 

The website for this database is https://snap360.ca/quinteogs/ 

They sat that “The SIL is comprised of family surnames of interest to our members, past members and library contacts (AKA the providers), based on their research focus in Hastings, Prince Edward, and neighboring Counties.” 

You can look forward it to be updated twice a year - June and December. 



Digitizing of First World War files

The Library and Archives Canada keeps “rolling on” , as it were, with the digitizing project, Soldiers of the first World War: 1914 - 1918 because of July the 15th they have 307,588 of 640,000 files are now available online. 

The latest box which has been digitized is Box 5218 and Knaggs. 

I used a file just this past week, and found the digitizing progress very good. The file is right there, it is free (because it is housed at the Library and Archives Canada), and easy to use. 


And that was the week in Canadian news!

This e-newspaper has been published since April 2012! 

Be sure to tell your friends about us. 

If you would like to subscribe, please send your email to genealogycanada@aol.com 

Publishers Elizabeth and Mario Lapointe 

Sponsored by Elizabeth Lapointe Research Services. To learn more about the research services offered by ELRS, go to www.elrs.biz

(c) 2016 All rights reserved.
Posted by at No comments:

Monday, July 11, 2016

Canadian Week in Review 11 July 2016


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

This Week in Canadian History 

Daredevils of Niagara Falls 

In 1930, George Stathakis died when he plummeted over Niagara Falls in a barrel. The turtle he took with him, survived. He wasn't the first person to go over the falls, but he had plans for the money that he would make. He was going to write a book about the secret of life, but it was not to be. 

To read more about George Stathakis, go to http://imaxniagara.com/daredevils-of-niagara-george-l-stathakis/ 

Canadian Wheat Board 

In 1935, the Canadian Wheat Board was established. It marketed all Prairie wheat and barley, and in 1943, the sale of wheat through the board became compulsory. Other grains were later added. The board negotiated sales and then paid farmers based on a system of pooling of prices. In 2012, the government stripped the board of its authority of selling Western wheat and barley sales.

To read more about the Wheat Board, go to https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canadian_Wheat_Board 

Social Media 

(Video) Interview with Iceland's new Canadian First Lady 


Canadian born Eliza Reid is to become Iceland's sixth First Lady in August when her husband, historian Guðni Th. Jóhannesson, is inaugurated as President of Iceland. Iceland Monitor met with Reid at their Reykjavik home to discuss the presidential race, her upbringing in Canada, and bringing four young children to the presidential residence at Bessastaðir. 

Jill Ball, the Australian genealogist, has a Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/geniaus?fref=pb&hc_location=friends_tab&pnref=friends.mutual, and last week, she visited Iceland. Take a minute and look at the many pictures that Jill took. Doesn't Iceland look something like Newfoundland? 

(Video) First World War travelling exhibit a hit in Gander 


A First World War exhibit from Ontario is travelling through Atlantic Canada this summer, and the reviews from families at a stop in central Newfoundland are good. 

(Video) This year's Calgary Stampede parade a colourful display of history and heritage 


With a startling bang of fireworks and a blaring of brass horns, Calgary’s annual summer whoop-up began to wind its way through the heart of the city. 

Newspaper Articles 

Newfoundland and Labrador 

Have a voice in the Collective Memories Project 


The Collective Memories Project aims to have as much as possible spoken aloud, recorded and added to the digital archives at Memorial University of Newfoundland. 

Prince Edward Island 

12 P.E.I. finalists in history video contest 


Vote early, vote often, vote here. Twelve Island students have posted 12 short videos at http://www.canadashistory.ca/Kids/YoungCitizens/Find-a-Young-Citizen.aspx? province=Prince%20Edward%20Island&fairid=&year=2016&name=youngcitizens.ca and they need your vote now. 

Bailey, from Alberton, explores her Mi'kmaq heritage. Karrie Lee, from O'Leary, rocks the legacy of Canadian bluesman Jeff Healey. Basel, from Charlottetown, shares his journey from Syria to Canada. 

Montague's Garden of the Gulf museum re-opens 


The opening is a month later than usual, and the museum will be operating with fewer staff. 

The museum lost a long-time staff person last year, and the board said it took longer than expected to replace them with a new development coordinator. 

6th-annual Adäka Cultural Festival kicks off in Whitehorse 


Half an hour before the the Adäka jigging contest was scheduled to start on Saturday afternoon, the best seats were already filled up. 

Reenactment group sets up camp in Summerside

http://www.journalpioneer.com/News/Local/2016-07-07/article-4581370/Reenactment-group-sets-up-camp-in-Summerside/1

The reenactment regiment was founded in the early 1980s by a group of Nova Scotians who were black powder weapon aficionados. They evolved into what they are today after some of the members took a liking to the pageantry of dressing up in period costumes and discovered that they could make history come alive not only for themselves but for the people around them.

Nova Scotia 

Peggy's Cove recreated at Thai resort 

https://www.theweathernetwork.com/news/articles/peggys-cove-recreated-at-thai-resort/69866/

A resort in Thailand has fashioned itself after the iconic Nova Scotia destination, complete with colourful homes and Martime-inspired food.

The resort, located on Chanthaburi Kung Wiman Beach about 225 km east of Bangkok, offers 38 rooms. Each are designed to look like small fishing houses connected by wharves.

 Room names have Nova Scotia-friendly names like "sea bass" and "trout".

Dartmouth poet remembers No. 2 Construction Battalion with unique quilt 

http://thechronicleherald.ca/artslife/1377588-dartmouth-poet-remembers-no.-2-construction-battalion-with-unique-quilt

Canadian Forces veteran and beloved poet George Borden is now the proud owner of a quilt that commemorates a piece of African Nova Scotian history.

This year, the black community in Nova Scotia is celebrating the 100th anniversary of the No. 2 Construction Battalion, the only all-black battalion in Canadian military history.

History of Whitney Pier celebrated in new mural 

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/whitney-pier-mural-history-1.3665634

Another mural is being created in the Sydney, N.S., neighbourhood of Whitney Pier.

A mural painted last year celebrates the former Sydney steel plant and those who worked there.

Both murals are a project of the Friends of Neville Park Society, a volunteer non-profit group that showcases events of special interest to people in Whitney Pier and area.

A place in Canadian history: Mi’kmaq canoe built in Keji headed for national museum in Ottawa 

http://www.digbycourier.ca/News/Local/2016-07-07/article-4581194/A-place-in-Canadian-history%3A-Mi%26rsquo%3Bkmaq-canoe-built-in-Keji-headed-for-national-museum-in-Ottawa/1

A birch bark canoe from southwest Nova Scotia is headed for Ottawa and permanent display in the Canadian Museum of History.

New Brunswick 

Local student moves on to national competition with heritage project 

http://www.sackvilletribunepost.com/news/2016/6/30/local-student-moves-on-to-national-competition-with-heritage-pro.html

During the regional heritage fair held this spring in Hillsborough, one of the students at Dorchester Consolidated School was recognized for her great project and her ability to explain her topic

Quebec

Concordia prof looking to find 'lost' stories about Canada's past 

http://montrealgazette.com/news/local-news/concordia-prof-looking-to-find-lost-stories-about-canadas-past

Maybe it’s a quirky snippet you’ve stored in the back of your mind, but if you have a little-known story about Canada’s past you’d like to share, Concordia University history professor Ronald Rudin wants to hear from you.

Ontario 

A Canadian kept blood flowing in WWI. An American got credit

https://www.thestar.com/news/insight/2016/07/09/a-canadian-kept-blood-flowing-in-wwi-an-american-got-credit.html

As British soldiers fought the Battle of the Somme, a Toronto surgeon on the Western Front offered them an idea, hoping to save the wounded.

It was 100 years ago that Dr. Lawrence Bruce Robertson published “The Transfusion of Whole Blood: Suggestion for Its More Frequent Employment in War Surgery” in the British Medical Journal – and he was a Canadian!

My London: Concrete sculptures still ‘play’ well

http://www.lfpress.com/2016/07/08/my-london-cement-sculptures-still-play-well

A chance encounter with some remarkable concrete sculptures in Huron County has illuminated my imagination and memory.

The sculptures are masterpieces by the late George Laithwaite, a Goderich-area farmer. Laithwaite (1871-1956) found inspiration in Canadian history, world events, the Bible and his playful sense of the absurd. He created the folk art sculptures from about 1912 to 1952.

JOY OF GENEALOGY: 8 suggestions to get your genealogy research ready for the fall in just 15 minutes a day this summer 

http://www.insidetoronto.com/news-story/6754119-joy-of-genealogy-8-suggestions-to-get-your-genealogy-research-ready-for-the-fall-in-just-15-minutes/

Check out these 8 suggestions that will take about 15 minutes a day and get you more organized by autumn.

The history of King and Church 

http://www.torontosun.com/2016/07/02/the-history-of-king-and-church

The intersection of King and Church streets in downtown Toronto is one of our city’s most historic.

Government of Canada Announces 13 New National Historic Designations 

http://www.pc.gc.ca/eng/clmhc-hsmbc/ne.aspx

In celebration of Canada History Week (July 1-7), the Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, Catherine McKenna, announced the designation of 13 new nationally significant persons, places and events that helped define Canada's history.

Re-enactment brings Fenian Raid to life 

http://www.thepeterboroughexaminer.com/2016/07/03/lang-re-enactment-brings-fenian-raid-to-life

A piece of Canadian history was re-enacted at Lang Pioneer Village Museum on Sunday, commemorating 150 years since the Battle of Ridgeway.

On June 1, 1866, the Fenian Brotherhood crossed the Niagara River, seizing the town of Fort Erie. The Fenians, Irish-American patriots, planned to take over the provinces.

Parks Canada designates 88 heritage lighthouses 

http://www.rcinet.ca/en/2016/07/07/parks-canada-designates-88-new-heritage-lighthouses/

The federal government added 13 lighthouses Thursday to its list of federally protected heritage lighthouses as part of it efforts to preserve a key part of Canada’s maritime history.

Alberta 

Cultural tapestry: Prayer rug weaves history of Muslims and Alberta 

http://edmontonjournal.com/news/local-news/cultural-tapestry-prayer-rug-weaves-history-of-muslims-and-alberta

A youth group that created an Alberta-inspired prayer rug to showcase Muslim heritage is hoping the passion project will lead to similar tapestries.

British Columbia 

Four Forgotten BC 'Heritage Moments' for Canada Day 

http://www.thetyee.ca/Culture/2016/07/01/Four-Forgotten-BC-Heritage-Moments/

There are certainly plenty of high-stakes moments to discuss: the Last Spike, Wolfe and Montcalm at the Plains of Abraham, the Klondike Gold Rush. But for every moment that's officially Part of Our Heritage, there are those that have been lost to the mists of history.

Vancouver Island named Canada’s best island by U.S. travel magazine 

http://vancouverisland.ctvnews.ca/vancouver-island-named-canada-s-best-island-by-u-s-travel-magazine-1.2979267

It may come as no surprise to its inhabitants, but Vancouver Island has been named Canada’s best island by a New York-based travel magazine for the second year in a row.

Travel + Leisure Magazine released its annual “World’s Best Awards” this week, providing rankings for categories like “The 15 Best Cities in the World” and “The World’s Best Tour Operators.”

North 

Muslims share colourful array of stories at end of Ramadan in Yellowknife 

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/muslims-ramadan-yellowknife-1.3667456

Vibrant pinks, melon greens and sparkling slate-gray hijabs — headscarves worn by some Muslim women — flooded the gymnasium at Yellowknife's William McDonald School on Wednesday

Book of historic Yukon First Nations photos back in print, 40 years later 

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/their-own-yukon-photo-book-reprint-1.3671443

When Jim Robb first conceived the idea for Their Own Yukon, more than four decades ago, it was a novel concept — a historic Yukon photo book not about Klondike stampeders, but about the First Nations people whose roots in the territory are far, far deeper.

Canadian Stories this Week 

Library and Archives Canada needs you! 

They are so close to completing the transcription, but you can help them to complete it.

The website reads that “The Coltman Report, 1818–Inquiry into the Offences Committed at the Battle of Seven Oaks is what is being transcribed. On June 19, 1816 the Battle of Seven Oaks broke out, a violent confrontation involving fur-trade rivals—the Hudson’s Bay Company (that employed Selkirk Settlers) and the North West Company (that employed the Métis). It resulted in the deaths of 21 Hudson’s Bay Company men and a Métis man”.

The report is 534 pages long, and there are only a few pages left to go. So how about it?

The website is at http://t8.ourdigitalworld.org/en/1/reel/1

Chinese Canadian Archive: From Chop Suey to Peking Duck and Chinese Canadian artifact inventory makes history with online database 

The British Columbia Museum has a rich treasure chest of true historical significance. British Columbia’s first-ever computerized inventory of Chinese historical records and artifacts is now complete, giving easy access to anyone interested in learning more about the rich cultural history of Chinese Canadians in British Columbia.

You can go to https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2016MIT0014-001222

And 

The Toronto Reference Library has gathered together the Chinese-Canadian archives in their library and you can see an explanation of them at http://torontopubliclibrary.typepad.com/local-history-genealogy/2016/07/chinese-canadian-archive-from-chop-suey-to-peking-duck.html

They have divided them up into different parts, and have included the history of the first Chinese man in Toronto - Sam Ching in 1878 to asking people of the Toronto’s Chinese community. If you wish, if you are a member of Toronto Chinese community, you should consider the Toronto Reference Library to be the place to permanently maintain and preserve their precious family records.

Lancashire Diaries 1772-1910 Launched 

The British Isles Family History Society of Greater Ottawa has put the Lancashire Diaries 1772-1910 on their website at http://bifhsgo.ca/cpage.php?pt=319

Although I don't have any ancestor from Lancashire, I read through the information on the website,

Also, their conference will be held September 9 – 11 this year, and I plan to go to the sessions on Saturday, to get the latest news about DNA.

The conference news is at http://bifhsgo.ca/aem.php?eid=5

And that was the week in Canadian news!

This e-newspaper has been published since April 2012!

Be sure to tell your friends about us.

If you would like to subscribe, please send your email to genealogycanada@aol.com

Publishers Elizabeth and Mario Lapointe

Sponsored by Elizabeth Lapointe Research Services. To learn more about the research services offered by ELRS, go to www.elrs.biz


(c) 2016 All rights reserved.
Posted by at No comments:

Tuesday, July 5, 2016

Canadian Week in Review 04 July 2016


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

This Week in Canadian History 

Queen's Plate 

In 1860, the inaugural Queen's Plate was run near Toronto, and was won by "Don Juan." 

The Queen's Plate is the oldest uninterrupted stakes race in North America, having been stated by Sir Casimir Gzowski and Thomas Patteson who, on April 1, 1859, from the Toronto Turf Club, petitioned Queen Victoria to grant a Plate for a race in Ontario … and the Queen's Plate was born! 


Social Media 

(Video) N.L. library closures suspended until review completed 


Newfoundland and Labrador's education minister says he has requested a suspension of the decision to restructure the public library system. 

(Photos) Pictou Academy: Iconic institute remembered for historic presence in Nova Scotia 


One hundred years ago, Pictou Academy was the Crown jewel in the Scottish tradition of Nova Scotia education. 

From Aug. 27-29, 1916, the Town of Pictou rolled out the red carpet for a grand commemoration in honour of the Academy, one of the province’s leading and most influential school institutions 

(Video) Liam, Olivia remain top choices for Alberta baby names as boom continues 


Alberta’s classrooms will be filled with girls named Olivia and boys named Liam if current trends continue  

(Video) Secrets in the attic? Searching for the gallows from Halifax's hanging past 


Wednesday marks the 40th anniversary of the House of Commons vote to abolish the death penalty in Canada. 

The final execution in Halifax took place in 1935. Daniel Sampson was arrested and charged with the murder of two young brothers who had been beaten to death near what's now the Armdale Rotary. 

Newspaper Articles

Newfoundland and Labrador

A poignant return to Beaumont-Hamel 


July 1, 2016 marks the 100th anniversary of The Battle of Beaumont-Hamel. Coinciding with Canada’s national birthday, July 1 represents one of the bleakest days in Newfoundland and Labrador’s history. 

Nova Scotia 

Seawall Trail project in Cape Breton gains support 


The people behind the concept of developing a 50- to 100-kilometre trail in northern Cape Breton have taken a big step towards realizing that goal. 

The Seawall Trail Society was formed in 2014 to explore the idea of creating a wilderness path that would connect Pleasant Bay with Meat Cove. 

History: June 27, 1854-The Canadian inventor who saved the whales 


Some 160 years ago, whales were being actively slaughtered by the thousands in the quest for things like their baleen, used in women’s garments, and for things like fishing rods, umbrella stays, buggy whips, etc. but especially sought after was their “oil”. Around 1850, there were over 700 whaling ships in the US alone. 

100th anniversary of No.2 Construction Battalion 


Why are we commemorating the 100th Anniversary of the No.2 Construction Battalion (Bn)? What is this Bn? For I have never heard of it. Well, let me tell you why, as well as provide some context as to why we are all commemorating and celebrating this unique Unit that is a part of our rich Canadian military history. 

Grande-Anse re-opens museum with new cultural theme 


A museum in Grande-Anse has reopened with a new name and a new theme a year after its transition began. 

The Founding Cultures Museum has replaced the former Popes' Museum that was closed in 2015 after 30 years of operation 

Prince Edward Island 

Canada Day in Ireland: County Monaghan celebrates ties to P.E.I. 


We all know Islanders are big on their St. Patrick's Day celebrations — and now a county in Ireland is drawing on shared connections with P.E.I. and preparing to celebrate Canada Day. 

Ontario  

12,000-Year-Old Campsite and Hundreds of Artifacts Unearthed in Canada 


First Nations archaeologists in New Brunswick, Canada, are unearthing hundreds of artifacts and exposing a campsite where their distant ancestors lived about 12,000 years ago. It is one of the earliest sites in eastern North America, occupied not long after the glaciers started to recede northward. 

Waving flags: Sudbury's Bridge of Nations gets new additions 


Seven new flags will be raised along Sudbury's Bridge of Nations today, representing the heritage of people in the Nickel City from Barbados, Burundi, Egypt, Indonesia, Tunisia and Nepal and Palestine. 

Manitoba 

New park commemorates St. Norbert’s Métis history 


The legacy of one of Manitoba’s early Métis families has been recognized with a new park in St. Norbert. 

On June 16, a newly minted greenspace on the east side of Pembina Highway at Grandmont Boulevard was named Parc Charette Park after the Charette family. 

Stitching their place in history 

http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/our-communities/lance/Stitching-their-place-in-history-384551551.html

A number of Winnipeggers have played their part in the creation of a historic tapestry. 

The Scottish Diaspora Tapestry is currently on tour from Scotland and will be on display on the main floor at the legislative building daily until July 3 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Admission is free. 

British Columbia 

Evidence Found Supporting the Oral History of Indigenous Tribe 
An archaeological dig, which was started after workers on a construction project at Kamloops Lake in British Columbia, Canada, uncovered evidence of an indigenous settlement; has unearthed evidence supporting the Skeetchestn Indian band’s oral history regarding a pre-contact settlement that was located on the lake hundreds of years ago. 

North 

Order of the N.W.T. welcomes 4 new members 


The Order of the Northwest Territories welcomed its four newest members Thursday in Yellowknife, as Nellie Cournoyea, Jan Stirling, Anthony Whitford and Marie Wilson received the territory's highest honour. 

Eskasoni celebrates 25th powwow that 'revived who we are' 


This weekend is not only celebrating Canada Day but it's also an extremely important holiday in the Eskasoni First Nation. 

The community will be celebrating its 25th annual powwow, the largest in Atlantic Canada. This anniversary year will honour the powwow's founding elders, like Georgina Doucette. 

Canadian Stories this Week 

Archives of Ontario 

The Archives of Ontario (AO) had two new events to mark July – they have started a Facebook page and have a new online exhibit called the Meet the Browns: A Confederation Family. 


The Facebook page is at https://www.facebook.com/ArchivesOntario/, and so far, so good. They are putting on good and interesting stories and photos about Ontario, and hopefully, they will continue. 


Anniversary Celebration

This is a shortened Canadian Week in Review because my husband and myself had an anniversary weekend in the city of Ottawa, and no time was left for the Canadian Week in Review. 

Through the thunderstorm and downpours of rain, we stuck through Canada Day on July 1st but then spent a beautiful Saturday in the Byward Market meeting different people, and enjoying the music that was everywhere. 

I thank Mario for a really cool weekend, and now we look towards Canada's birthday next year, when we will also celebrate our 30th anniversary on July 4th! It's all good! 

And that was the week in Canadian news! 

This e-newspaper has been published since April 2012! 

Be sure to tell your friends about us. 

If you would like to subscribe, please send your email to genealogycanada@aol.com 

Publishers Elizabeth and Mario Lapointe 

Sponsored by Elizabeth Lapointe Research Services. To learn more about the research services offered by ELRS, go to www.elrs.biz 

(c)2016 All rights reserved.
Posted by at 2 comments:

Monday, July 4, 2016

Canadian Week in Review 04 July 2016


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

This Week in Canadian History 

Queen's Plate 

In 1860, the inaugural Queen's Plate was run near Toronto, and was won by "Don Juan." 

The Queen's Plate is the oldest uninterrupted stakes race in North America, having been stated by Sir Casimir Gzowski and Thomas Patteson who, on April 1, 1859, from the Toronto Turf Club, petitioned Queen Victoria to grant a Plate for a race in Ontario … and the Queen's Plate was born! 


Social Media 

(Video) N.L. library closures suspended until review completed 


Newfoundland and Labrador's education minister says he has requested a suspension of the decision to restructure the public library system. 

(Photos) Pictou Academy: Iconic institute remembered for historic presence in Nova Scotia 


One hundred years ago, Pictou Academy was the Crown jewel in the Scottish tradition of Nova Scotia education. 

From Aug. 27-29, 1916, the Town of Pictou rolled out the red carpet for a grand commemoration in honour of the Academy, one of the province’s leading and most influential school institutions 

(Video) Liam, Olivia remain top choices for Alberta baby names as boom continues 


Alberta’s classrooms will be filled with girls named Olivia and boys named Liam if current trends continue  

(Video) Secrets in the attic? Searching for the gallows from Halifax's hanging past 


Wednesday marks the 40th anniversary of the House of Commons vote to abolish the death penalty in Canada. 

The final execution in Halifax took place in 1935. Daniel Sampson was arrested and charged with the murder of two young brothers who had been beaten to death near what's now the Armdale Rotary. 

Newspaper Articles

Newfoundland and Labrador

A poignant return to Beaumont-Hamel 


July 1, 2016 marks the 100th anniversary of The Battle of Beaumont-Hamel. Coinciding with Canada’s national birthday, July 1 represents one of the bleakest days in Newfoundland and Labrador’s history. 

Nova Scotia 

Seawall Trail project in Cape Breton gains support 


The people behind the concept of developing a 50- to 100-kilometre trail in northern Cape Breton have taken a big step towards realizing that goal. 

The Seawall Trail Society was formed in 2014 to explore the idea of creating a wilderness path that would connect Pleasant Bay with Meat Cove. 

History: June 27, 1854-The Canadian inventor who saved the whales 


Some 160 years ago, whales were being actively slaughtered by the thousands in the quest for things like their baleen, used in women’s garments, and for things like fishing rods, umbrella stays, buggy whips, etc. but especially sought after was their “oil”. Around 1850, there were over 700 whaling ships in the US alone. 

100th anniversary of No.2 Construction Battalion 


Why are we commemorating the 100th Anniversary of the No.2 Construction Battalion (Bn)? What is this Bn? For I have never heard of it. Well, let me tell you why, as well as provide some context as to why we are all commemorating and celebrating this unique Unit that is a part of our rich Canadian military history. 

Grande-Anse re-opens museum with new cultural theme 


A museum in Grande-Anse has reopened with a new name and a new theme a year after its transition began. 

The Founding Cultures Museum has replaced the former Popes' Museum that was closed in 2015 after 30 years of operation 

Prince Edward Island 

Canada Day in Ireland: County Monaghan celebrates ties to P.E.I. 


We all know Islanders are big on their St. Patrick's Day celebrations — and now a county in Ireland is drawing on shared connections with P.E.I. and preparing to celebrate Canada Day. 

Ontario  

12,000-Year-Old Campsite and Hundreds of Artifacts Unearthed in Canada 


First Nations archaeologists in New Brunswick, Canada, are unearthing hundreds of artifacts and exposing a campsite where their distant ancestors lived about 12,000 years ago. It is one of the earliest sites in eastern North America, occupied not long after the glaciers started to recede northward. 

Waving flags: Sudbury's Bridge of Nations gets new additions 


Seven new flags will be raised along Sudbury's Bridge of Nations today, representing the heritage of people in the Nickel City from Barbados, Burundi, Egypt, Indonesia, Tunisia and Nepal and Palestine. 

Manitoba 

New park commemorates St. Norbert’s Métis history 


The legacy of one of Manitoba’s early Métis families has been recognized with a new park in St. Norbert. 

On June 16, a newly minted greenspace on the east side of Pembina Highway at Grandmont Boulevard was named Parc Charette Park after the Charette family. 

Stitching their place in history 

http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/our-communities/lance/Stitching-their-place-in-history-384551551.html

A number of Winnipeggers have played their part in the creation of a historic tapestry. 

The Scottish Diaspora Tapestry is currently on tour from Scotland and will be on display on the main floor at the legislative building daily until July 3 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Admission is free. 

British Columbia 

Evidence Found Supporting the Oral History of Indigenous Tribe 
An archaeological dig, which was started after workers on a construction project at Kamloops Lake in British Columbia, Canada, uncovered evidence of an indigenous settlement; has unearthed evidence supporting the Skeetchestn Indian band’s oral history regarding a pre-contact settlement that was located on the lake hundreds of years ago. 

North 

Order of the N.W.T. welcomes 4 new members 


The Order of the Northwest Territories welcomed its four newest members Thursday in Yellowknife, as Nellie Cournoyea, Jan Stirling, Anthony Whitford and Marie Wilson received the territory's highest honour. 

Eskasoni celebrates 25th powwow that 'revived who we are' 


This weekend is not only celebrating Canada Day but it's also an extremely important holiday in the Eskasoni First Nation. 

The community will be celebrating its 25th annual powwow, the largest in Atlantic Canada. This anniversary year will honour the powwow's founding elders, like Georgina Doucette. 

Canadian Stories this Week 

Archives of Ontario 

The Archives of Ontario (AO) had two new events to mark July – they have started a Facebook page and have a new online exhibit called the Meet the Browns: A Confederation Family. 


The Facebook page is at https://www.facebook.com/ArchivesOntario/, and so far, so good. They are putting on good and interesting stories and photos about Ontario, and hopefully, they will continue. 


Anniversary Celebration

This is a shortened Canadian Week in Review because my husband and myself had an anniversary weekend in the city of Ottawa, and no time was left for the Canadian Week in Review. 

Through the thunderstorm and downpours of rain, we stuck through Canada Day on July 1st but then spent a beautiful Saturday in the Byward Market meeting different people, and enjoying the music that was everywhere. 

I thank Mario for a really cool weekend, and now we look towards Canada's birthday next year, when we will also celebrate our 30th anniversary on July 4th! It's all good!

Happy 4th of July


And speaking of anniversaries, last but certainly not least, a big "Happy 4th of July!" shout-out to our American friends, neighbours, and fellow genealogists.

Here's to wishing you and yours all the best on your special day!

(I have many happy memories of  visiting family in the Boston States ...)


And that was the week in Canadian news! 

This e-newspaper has been published since April 2012! 

Be sure to tell your friends about us. 

If you would like to subscribe, please send your email to genealogycanada@aol.com 

Publishers Elizabeth and Mario Lapointe 

Sponsored by Elizabeth Lapointe Research Services. To learn more about the research services offered by ELRS, go to www.elrs.biz 

(c)2016 All rights reserved.
Posted by at No comments:
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)