I Am Canadian

There is nothing like being out of the country and away from home for an extended period of time to remind you who you are and where you hail from. There are days when I consider having a maple leaf tattooed on my forehead so as to avoid the question, “What part of the States are you from?’”. Oh yes, there are other questions as well, usually politically loaded ones which are, suffice it to say, simply annoying. Of course, once the word Canadian emerges from my lips, people apologize, especially when I feign being insulted by the question. Regardless I am left wondering why people assume.

Needless to say, being Canadian is something I wear proudly and yes, I plan to invest in more gear and evidence of my nationality for my next trip abroad. Like most Canadians, I have never felt the need to be boastful or outwardly and obnoxiously patriotic. This has changed and as I see hats with maple leaves and sweatshirts with ‘elbows up’ declarations showing up in various tourist locations, I am experiencing the growing sense of pride and nationalism that is infusing our country.

I have also stopped apologizing, a habit most of us could afford to relinquish. I say this as we are exceedingly polite, which is a trait I plan to retain. This does not require saying ‘I’m sorry” incessantly. We have intersected with many American tourists while here, I would say more this year than ever before. When they ask where we are from, and we share our Canadian identity, they usually look embarrassed and apologize to us, whispering, “he is not our president”. Unfortunately, he is, and we simply say, “thank you for the apology, we deserve it.” Yep, no more “oh it’s okay”, simply the truth.

All of this, and watching what is unfolding at home and abroad, has left me wondering what else can we do to be proud Canadians. I have often though that we could be far more ‘Nationalistic’ even as we have witnessed what ego-centric nationalism looks like from our southern neighbours. I have asked myself ‘can we be proud yet humble, speak up for ourselves without being obnoxious, stand strong for our country without putting down others?’ The answer: YES!

Here are some of the things I believe each of us can do to wear our Canadian identity proudly:

1. Simply be Canadian. What the heck is wrong with that? When we have conversations with one another and ask what our nationality is, why do we hesitate to say simply, “I am Canadian”. The rebuttal is generally, “Yes, but what are you really?” Personally, my ancestors, on both sides of my family, immigrated to Canada in the 1700’s from Ireland and Germany. Does that make me Irish and German? No, it means I have deep roots in this country and I am Canadian. Let’s all begin being Canadian.

2. Stop complaining. Are we a perfect nation? No, we are not. And yet we are ranked as one of the best countries to live in in the world. That is not to say that our systems don’t need improving, it is simply to suggest that we begin to celebrate the things that are right with our country, and to celebrate them, before complaining. And where things need attention, let’s build on what already exists and make it better.

3. Buy Canadian and local. This is more important than ever and this movement has been gaining great traction. Remember however, that the lights dim on every movement and in a few months, you will find yourself forgetting, being less mindful regarding your purchases. Buying Canadian needs to become an embedded habit rather than a temporary whim. We all recognize that some things cannot be sourced from our country. Find options from countries that are our allies and fair-trade partners if you must (I happen to like Reiker Shoes, German made), simply be mindful of where things come from.

4. Celebrate Canada Day. Fly Canadian flags, wear maple leaf attire, sport red hats, be a little bold, perhaps even a smidge obnoxious. Make sure that every day is Canada Day and celebrate in some fashion.

5. Be an ambassador. Most of us are on social media. Use this to promote all things Canadian. If you are travelling speak about being Canadian and how proud you are to travel and represent your country. Yes, be polite and also be bold. I plan to invest in whatever pins or other paraphernalia I can for my next trip abroad so it is evident where I hail from. If you have friends and family living outside the country, speak positively of who and what we are as a nation.

6. Set Intentions. These days I say a quiet intentional prayer each day for the safety and security of Canada, that our government acts in our best interest with our neighbours and within the world, and that our sovereignty is solid.

7. Triage your media intake. Carefully select your media sources. Curate your followers on Facebook and whatever platforms you use to communicate. Unfollow people and/or sources that attack you, argue, or publish negative news. Be realistic and informed but not at the cost of sliding into fear.

Travelling abroad is the great equalizer. As many of you know, Jim and I have been wintering in Portugal for the last few years. We love the country, the people, the hospitality. We enjoy the winters here where temperatures rarely dip below 10C and average daytime highs are 18C. And it is not Canada, it is a second home. People have asked us if we plan to move to Portugal. It is possible, and I suspect in the upcoming years there will many who do move to this country. Canada is home however. Travelling reinforces that. Which brings me to my final point:

8. Travel Canada. Know your country. As you know Canada is the second largest country in the world. Its land mass is stunning. The history and geography of each region is distinct. Personally, I was born in Nova Scotia, grew up in Cornwall from age 9 to 19, went to university in Montreal and then lived in the Niagara peninsula, Edmonton Alberta, Montreal and back to Ontario. Working and living in each region had its own perks and lessons. It also allowed me to travel Canada extensively and I am proud to say that Jim and I have travelled every kilometre of the Trans-Canada Highway from Cape Spear, Newfoundland to Long Beach, Vancouver Island. There is so much Canada to see, much of it within 100km of your doorstep.

Note: Before Jim and I began travelling abroad, we made a point of seeing Canada.

Final Word

So that folks is my soapbox. I hope you will join me in raising the Canadian Flag in your life, to help us all be bold, strong and free.

Elbows Up! Until Next time,

Betty Healey