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My interpretation of his theory is that because Canada is so big, our massive (and imposing) land mass combined with such diverse geography and relative isolation with low populations, makes us Canadians less about being one nation and more about many nations, many peoples. We are regionalized folks, connected but with differing customs and traditions. Our history adds to this notion as we were founded on three nations: Indigenous, French, and English, although in 2026 we are many more diverse peoples too.
I like to think of it this way: it's as though we Canadians paddle in many canoes, but share the same storms.
But then what do we Canadians have in common with each other? Lots, but regarding geography, two examples:
1. The Canadian Shield: a glacier-scraped scar of bedrock, lakes, and trees that covers 50% of Canada, not exactly a beach. Add the Rocky Mountains and well, we're basically just rocks, er, we just rock—that's how we roll.
2. Winter. Snow doubt about it, we put the north in North America. This underscores our survival instincts, again a factor of geography.
Yes, I'm a geography nerd, and that (finally) brings me to the Republic of Ireland—a country whose geography has also shaped the country's character, in particular, The Burren. It's otherworldly and the geographical equivalent of a cinematic anxiety dream. So sure, why not attempt to live there, right?
Our Shield is similar to this Irish dreamscape as is Nova Scotia's incredible Peggy's Cove and parts of Newfoundland, etc. I have visited the Burren twice now and I can't help but believe that surviving it helped forge an Irish resilience, a toughness, and when those Irish came to Canada? They brought that grit with them: "many a good tree grew on shallow ground."
Not on point, but I see from your sidebar that you just read Mary Walsh's "Brassy Bit of Aging Crumpet" -- was it a good book? I saw her interviewed about it recently on a Canadian chat show. She said Stephen Harper was a lousy kisser.
ReplyDeleteI liked it; it's quite funny. You might enjoy what she says about other politicians too, ha. She calls today's brand of conservatives "selfservatives" lol. I also liked learning about Newfoundland's history and the way Canadians shamed/othered them as late-joiners to confederation. She also has a lot of personal shame due to trauma and she shares how she eventually overcame that. I also like that she celebrates growing old.
Delete...Canada is huge and beautiful country, but 90% of Canadians live within 100 miles (160 km) of the U.S. border, a narrow southern strip accounting for roughly 4% to 7% of the country's total land area.
ReplyDeleteIt's true...we're not so spread out anymore, and yet, we are because you facts remind me of another fact: Canada's entire population is quite similar to California's.
DeleteI love visiting wild places, but I would NOT want to live in one of them.
ReplyDeleteI think that is a common (and understandable) sentiment. And yet, then there are those who yearn for the wild. Go figure.
DeleteWith your interest in Ireland and the Irish, you might relate to this: Once in a meditation, I was told I had an "Irish intellect." What the heck was that? I had no idea and did a search online, with no result. Couldn't find the term at all. Eventually I mentioned it to a favourite blogger who is an Irish immigrant, and she had the answer at the tip of her fingers. it's "intuition." -Kate
ReplyDeleteVery intriguing. This Irish intellect/intuition adds a new element to my appreciation. Thank you for sharing this, and I agree, this comes across in your writing.
DeleteOur regions seem vast, but their’s seem small. Possibly, if we were so big, we would describe more diversity in smaller regions. Northern Ontario is quite different than southern and East is not the same as Southwest. Just yesterday I came across the fact that there is a rocky or sandy region not that far from where I used to live, but I had never heard of it.
ReplyDeleteThe muchness of our country is full of surprises, isn't it?
DeleteIt's funny how populations of towns/cities changed our perspective. I prefer smaller towns, Killybegs is around 1300 people. Some of the larger ones, we get aggravated just walking around and there are tons of people. I enjoy the places people avoid. There's lots to see that has hardly anyone around.
ReplyDeleteBelieve me Bill, I hear you. I enjoy a city experience, but I am most comfortable away from big crowds. There are lots of places in Canada to do just that. We experienced quiet places in Ireland this summer too: Ennis, Ennistymon, Kinvarra, and we hiked in the Burren. Be-a-U-tiful!
DeleteWe live on the shield here. This corner of Canada was settled by Scots (it is called Lanark), Irish and some Québecois. It is unceded Aboriginal land, also. And, yes, those guys were toughies, all four or more types.
ReplyDeleteVery tough but thankfully it was those tough Indigenous folks who taught them how to survive.
DeleteLots of places in Alberta named by and for Scots too: Calgary, Airdrie, Banff, Canmore.... Many Canadians live on unceded territory. Every inch of Alberta is treaty land, which makes the whole separation thing kind of moot, but the separatists prefer magical thinking or something, sigh.