Canadian Values

As Canadians we recognize Canada to be a multicultural society valued by “equality, freedom, and respect for all individuals in society” (Welcome Peterborough). Canada, a large country, is separated by regions. Each region has its own traditions, but are cherished and shared throughout Canada as a whole. Because equality, freedom, and respect are valued by Canadians: this is what “make[s] Canada an attractive place to live” (Durham). Canada has developed laws that enforce the importance of our values. The Charter of Rights and Freedom guarantees (Parlement of Canada): freedom of religion, of thought, of expression, of the press, and of peaceful assembly; the right to participate in political activities and the right to a democratic government; the freedom to move around and live within Canada, and to leave Canada; legal rights such as the right to life, liberty and security; equality rights; and language rights. Over the years Canada has developed in unifying and ensuring all Canadians are respected and treated as equals. Canada’s values of equality, respect and freedom have positively affected Canada’s improvement on providing education and eventually providing financial support to all races; the change in opportunities for women and immigrant's ability to be apart of our political system; gender equality in accepting woman into the workplace; and acceptance of multiculturalism where all races and religions feel safe and accepted in Canada. Because we are such a diverse county, more people have wanted to come over. Since 1982, when the Charter of Rights and Freedom was to affect, Canada’s population gained almost 12 million more Canadians (Worldometers). I believe Canada is a safe, happy place to live, and I witness our values taken place everyday whether its at school, work, the grocery store, ect. As a Canadian woman I am thankful for the change in rights and freedom over the years because I now have the privilege to a decent education and job around people genuinely accepted. I also am thankful that my children will grow up in a diverse country where everyone is valued as equals, respected, and have freedom to achieve their dreams. I believe all countries should be lucky enough to experience what all Canadians have the pleasure of living with everyday.

Works Cited

"Canada Population." Worldometers, www.worldometers.info/world-population/canada-population/.

"Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms." Parlement of Canada, lop.parl.ca/About/Parliament/Education/ourcountryourparliament/html_booklet/canadian-charter-rights-and-freedoms-e.html.

"Canadian Values." Welcome to Peterborough, www.welcomepeterborough.ca/Settling/Canadian_Values.htm.

"What Are Canadian Values." Durham Immigration Portal, www.durhamimmigration.ca/creating%20community/Pages/WhatareCanadianValues.aspx.

Canada, EH!

Canada is not a country with a lot of particularly flashy folk traditions, so we celebrate special moments where each date is important to home. Being Canadian is a culture I am honored to be apart of. The culture is built around traditions of gatherings with friends and family, to bond over important aspects of each other's lives.

One tradition that Canadians celebrate is the announcing of pregnancy. This is done with great pride to loved ones, and is lead to a gathering of friends and family. The new creation of life is celebrated and cherished by everyone. When it comes to naming the baby, it’s relatively common for children to be given names from members within the family. I was named after my mother's cousin that tragically died while fishing (Haines). This is special because generations of family remembrance and acceptance is passed on with a warm reminder of the past. Although I have not experienced this Canadian tradition of celebrating the birth of my offspring, I look forward to future and sharing this adventure with people I love knowing I will always be accepted.

John (Brother) with his crazy cake on his birthday

Another Canadian culture is the celebration of birthdays, where everyone invites their friends and family to party and spend quality time with loved ones. During childhood, most parents will arrange birthday parties for their children. Along with their parties, a most common tradition is giving a special birthday cake with candles. My family always got me and my brother crazy cakes, that got us so excited to eat. As we got older, however the cakes did get smaller, we had more control on how we wanted to celebrate. Parties change to casual outings to a favorite restaurant. Gifts from friends are also a tradition in our culture, to show appreciation and love. Though, the older you get the less gifts received, Canadians make it a good habit to  always acknowledge someone else’s birthday with kindness and warm wishes.

Lastly, another Canadian culture important to families is marriage, most Canadians generally get married in a public venue with the acquaintance of hundreds or so close friends and family members. The bride and groom are honored as newlyweds and everyone shows support and acceptance. When the ceremony is over the couple is celebrated by an entertaining after party with dancing and food.

Although I have yet to experience many of these Canadian cultures like: a pregnancy, throwing a party for a loved one, or marriage… I look forward to the day when I announce my special moments in life with the people who surround me with happiness and joy. The Canadian culture is a beautiful free culture to be yourself with the support of many.

Works Cited

"Canadian Traditions and Celebrations." Canadian Guide, www.thecanadaguide.com/culture/traditions/.

Haines, Natalie. Interview. By Noelle Daniel.

Thank God For Atheism

An article on my family's growing generations of Atheism, and how it opened our insights to a much broader spectrum of beliefs.

For generations my family has ranged between many religions. A few years ago my parents passed on Atheism to me and my brother, rather than what their parents (my grandparents) believed in. When my brother and I became of age to understand conversation of religions with friends, classmates, adults… we were given a choice of what to believe in. Since we were young, we never believed anyone could guide us other than ourselves (we were difficult kids), but we started noticing how we never had special traditions or went to church. As we got older we realized our parents had no beliefs in God or Gods. My father had expressed one thanksgiving that “the most important thing to believe in is yourself” (J.Daniel). My father taught me and my brother many things: kindness, love, compassion… everything a father figure should do, but never taught us to practice a religion. We never considered ourselves Atheist until people started asking us if we were Catholic or Christian, and when we answered with “neither” they would frown and drop the topic. I believe there is no such thing as believing in nothing, but I do believe in science, and am thankful for the privileges it's given to us for ages; I believe in miracles, because all we have is hope when times are rough; I believe in love and kindness, so we can respect and cherish one another; and I believe in Humanity, in which everyone should be treated the same and have no rules or sins placing restrictions on our life.

As Barbara Ehrenreich, author of “Cultural Baggage”  says: “skepticism, curiosity and wide-eyed ecumenical tolerance are also worthy elements of the human tradition”. By having no particular religion opens the world to many more beliefs and helps us view the world however we chose to interpret it. By being an Atheist I am thankful for the broad spectrum of things to believe in. Atheism is not a religion recognized by many, but it should be. By having my own thoughts and the freedom to believe in whatever I want has made me into the independent person I am today. I hope to continue and pass down the religion of Atheism for generations because my family believes “you do you” (N.Haines).

Works Cited

Daniel, James, and Natalie Haines. Interview. By Noelle Daniel. 9 Oct. 2010.

Ehrenreich, Barbara. “Cultural Baggage.” 1992. Essay, p. 2.

Mishra, Ishita. Atheist. 15 Oct. 2016. IndianExpress, images.indianexpress.com/2016/10/athiest-759.jpg.