Discover Canadian Heritage, First Peoples, and Your Family's Story

Every family has a story. Your story is part of Canada's big history. You can learn about Family Stories and how they connect you to the past.

A family narrative is the story of your family. It tells where your family came from and what they did long ago.

First Peoples are the original people of Canada. They lived here long before anyone else came. They are also called Indigenous peoples.

There are three groups of Indigenous peoples in Canada: First Nations, Métis, and Inuit. First Nations people built longhouses and carved totem poles. Inuit people live in Canada's cold far north. Métis people have their own special flag with an infinity symbol.

You can learn more about First Peoples Oral Histories and how they share their stories out loud. You will also explore First Peoples Ways of Life as you keep learning.

At a pow wow, First Nations people celebrate by dancing and drumming. An Elder is an older, wise person who shares knowledge with children. Elders are very important in Indigenous communities.

Many families came to Canada from far away. People who move to a new country are called immigrants. Long ago, many families crossed the ocean by ship to reach Canada.

Families brought special things with them, like quilts and songs. They also kept cooking food from their home country. You can explore Immigration Stories to learn more about how families came here.

Families share their history in many ways. A grandparent can share old stories about the family's past. A grandmother might sing a song from long ago. These are called oral history history that is spoken out loud, not written down.

Families also keep old photos in a photo album. A family tree shows your relatives, like your parents and grandparents. Special objects remind families of where they came from. You can discover more through Family Artifacts.

Canada has two official languages: English and French. Some families speak French at home, especially in Quebec. Many families also speak languages from their home countries.

The Canadian flag is red and white. It has a red maple leaf on it. Canada Day is on July 1st. We celebrate Canada on that day.

Your culture is how your family lives. It includes your food, songs, and celebrations. Some families celebrate Diwali, a festival of lights. Wearing special clothes at celebrations is one way families honour their culture. Learn more about Cultural Characteristics, Language, Family Origins, Food and Dress.

First Peoples: First Peoples are the original people who lived in Canada first, long before others arrived. They are also called Indigenous peoples.

Indigenous peoples: Indigenous peoples are the First Nations, Métis, and Inuit people who have always called Canada home.

First Nations: First Nations are one group of Indigenous peoples in Canada. They built longhouses and carved totem poles.

Inuit: Inuit people are Indigenous peoples who live in Canada's very cold far north, like the Arctic.

Métis: Métis people are part of Canada's history. They have their own special flag with an infinity symbol.

Elder: An Elder is an older, wise person in an Indigenous community. Elders share their knowledge and traditions with children.

Oral history: Oral history is history that is spoken out loud. A parent or grandparent tells you about the past instead of writing it down.

Immigrant: An immigrant is a person who moves from their home country to live in a new country, like Canada.

Family narrative: A family narrative is the story of your family. It tells where your family came from and what happened long ago.

Family tree: A family tree shows your relatives. It shows who is in your family, like your parents and grandparents.

Photo album: A photo album holds old pictures of your family. It helps you remember and share your family history.

Totem pole: A totem pole is carved from wood by First Nations people. It tells a family's story and shows important events.

Pow wow: A pow wow is a First Nations gathering where people celebrate by dancing and drumming together.

Longhouse: A longhouse is a large home that First Nations people built long ago.

Culture: Your culture is how your family lives. It includes your food, songs, language, and celebrations.

Canada Day: Canada Day is on July 1st. It is the day we celebrate Canada.

Diwali: Diwali is a festival of lights that some families in Canada celebrate as part of their culture.

Official languages: Canada has two official languages: English and French. These are the main languages used in Canada.

You can draw your own family tree and show who is in your family. Ask a grandparent or family member to share an old story with you.

Look at old photos with your family. Talk about Then and Now Comparisons to see how things have changed. You can also explore Generational Changes to learn how life was different long ago.

After learning about family narratives and Canadian heritage, you will be ready to explore even more. You will discover Family and Community History and First Peoples History.

You will also learn about Coming to the Community and Cultural Customs and Traditions. You can explore Diversity Within Communities and Community Languages and Multilingual Diversity too.

This topic connects to many other important ideas. You can explore Family Origins to learn where your family first came from. You can also learn about Family Structure Evolution: Grandparents Era vs Modern Households to see how families have changed over time.

As you keep learning, you will discover Using Historical Sources and Sharing Between Cultures. You will also explore Cultural Foods and Traditional Dress Across Societies and Changes in Community Life.