My 140-character Canada Day thought
A refined version of what I posted to Twitter:
All the new ethnic threads added to the original tapestry of First Nations, English and French peoples makes me happy to be Canadian. #CanadaDay
My views are formed somewhat by living in Toronto during World Cup season, but I think it’s pretty amazing that I can be watching South Korea play soccer with the Korean community, Ghana with Ghanians, England with the English and Argentina with the Argentines and Mexicans — all while feeling very, very Canadian.
We are an incomparably richer presence for the newcomers, but it’s worth remembering that First Nations people have lived continuously near Tofino, B.C. for 8,000 years.
Quebec City celebrated its 400th anniversary in 2008, and Newfoundland has had its first European visitors during the heyday of the Vikings, with the Portuguese coming in the late 15th century.
People have been coming here a long time.
While we have some ugly stains on our history and remain a work in progress, in many ways, we’re a miracle. We should never pass up an opportunity to count our many blessings.