Canada

Geography & History

Canada’s Natural Resources

First Nations Before European settlers arrived in Canada, First

Nations and Inuit peoples lived in Canada. They lived in groups called tribes, with many

different ways of life and traditions depending on the type of land and the weather in the region.

Some were nomadic, which means they moved around while hunting and gathering food. Others were farmers who settled down in a particular area.

Exploring Canada

John Cabot An Italian who moved to

England and eventually sailed for King Henry VII

He was inspired by Columbus & de Gama and was also looking for a route to Asia in 1497

Landed somewhere in North America and claimed it for England

Returned with reports of bountiful fish and forests which inspired others to explore there as well

Made a second voyage a year later and the outcome is a mystery.

Exploring CanadaSamuel de Champlain A French geographer and

explorer First traveled with his uncle to

Spain & the West Indies Joined DuPont's expedition to

Canada in 1603 Mapped the Atlantic coastline and

the Great Lakes Established Quebec City and

became the governor of New France

Fought against the Iroquois Indians and lived with the Huron Indians for a winter

Lost control of Canada to the English in 1629, but regained it in a treaty in 1632

Died in Quebec City in 1635

Who Owns Canada?• England claimed the regions of Canada along the St. Lawrence

seaway.• They controlled the Hudson Bay, Newfoundland, and southern

coastal areas.• France set up colonies in Montreal and Quebec. These were

trading posts for the missionaries and trappers who went to live among the Indians.

• France also controlled the area around the Great Lakes.• England dominated the seas, while France dominated the fur

trade with the First Nations.• The two countries fought for over 70 years without either side

winning until 1759, when Britain conquered Quebec and drove France from North America, taking possession of all of her colonies in the region.

Independence Day

• Canada’s Independence Day is celebrated July 1 and is called Canada Day.

• July 1, 1867: the British government (under Queen Victoria) allowed Canada to become an independent country with its own government.

• Officially, it was called the Dominion of Canada and it remained loyal to Britain.

Changes 1867-1999

What’s the difference between a province and a territory?

• Provinces were created in 1867 as part of the Constitution Act

• Territories were created by federal law.

• The federal government has more direct control over the territories, while provincial governments have more authority over their own province.