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! 

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