National History

History of Canada

The history of Canada can be observed and appreciated through many lenses – as many as there are people in the country.

Aboriginal peoples have a history on this territory that is approximately 12,000 years old, while Europeans settlers arrived on the shores of this land some 400 years ago, and a good percentage of Canadians are first and second generation immigrants. Their destinies met and together, they continue to write the history of Canada.

The history of Canada contains many moments that presented large challenges – learning to live together is not a finite process. Over the course of their history, Canadians have understood the benefits of social harmony, an essential element of Canadian society, and the result of the will of many peoples to share a land and prosper as one country.

In their ongoing dialogue with our past, historians are continuously shedding light on key moments like the early settlements, the exploration, the conflicts, and the agreements. They bring actuality to the economy, the culture and the fabric of the Canada we know today. They are allowing Canadians to further understand who they are, and perpetuate the truly Canadian traditions of openness, compassion, equality and freedom.