Discover Your Family Stories and History!

A family story is a tale passed down about people in your family. It shares memories and important events. You can learn where you come from by listening to family stories.

Your grandparents remember long ago. They can share stories about your family. You can also learn about Family Celebrations through these special stories.

Families share stories so you can learn about your history and roots. Knowing where you come from helps you feel connected. It shows your family is part of Canada's shared story.

Stories are passed down when older family members tell them to younger ones. This keeps family history alive for you and your children one day.

Families use many ways to remember their past. A photograph shows what family members looked like before. Old letters and songs also help keep stories alive.

A family memory box holds special objects like old letters written by relatives. A Family Artifact is a special object kept to remember family history. These things help tell your family's story.

You can also draw a picture or write in a journal to remember a family story. A family tree is a drawing that shows how family members are connected.

Canada is a multicultural country that welcomes many cultures. Families came from many different places. That is why two families can have very different stories.

Some families have Immigration Stories about coming to Canada by boat or plane. Immigration is when people move to a new country. Their country of origin is the place they came from.

First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples are the original people of Canada. Many of them share family stories through oral storytelling passed down by elders. You can learn more about First Peoples Oral Histories to understand this special tradition.

Some Canadian families speak French at home. Many French-speaking families live in the province of Québec in eastern Canada. Métis families are known for lively fiddle music and jigging dance celebrations.

Family: A family is made up of people who love and care for each other. Your mom, dad, grandparents, and siblings are your family.

Story: A story is told aloud to share what happened. Your grandparent tells you a story about the past.

Memory: A memory is something you remember from the past. You might have a memory of a fun holiday with your family.

Tradition: A tradition is something special your family does every year, like celebrating a holiday together. It is passed down from older family members to you.

Ancestor: An ancestor is a family member who lived a long time ago, like a great-grandparent. Learning about your ancestors helps you know your family history.

Heritage: Heritage means the customs and history passed down through generations in your family. It is an important part of who you are.

Generation: A generation means people born around the same time. Your grandparents are one generation and your parents are another.

Elder: An elder is an older family member, like a kokum or grandfather, who shares wisdom and stories with you.

Photograph: A photograph shows what family members looked like before. Old photos help you see relatives you may never have met.

Family Tree: A family tree is a drawing that shows how family members are connected. It helps you see your whole family across many generations.

Immigration: Immigration is when people move to a new country, like Canada. Many Canadian families have immigration stories.

Country of Origin: Your country of origin is the place your family originally came from before coming to Canada.

Oral Storytelling: Oral storytelling is when stories are spoken aloud and passed down. Many First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples share family stories this way.

You can ask a grandparent or elder to share a family story with you. Listen carefully so you can learn about your history and roots.

You can draw a picture of a family story or write it in a journal. This helps you remember the story and share it with others. Explore Then and Now Comparisons to see how your family's life has changed over time.

Family stories connect to many other big ideas. You will soon explore Generational Changes to see how life was different long ago. You will also learn about Family Artifacts and the special objects families keep.

Later, you will discover Family and Community History and how your family's story fits into your community. You will also learn about Coming to the Community and Using Historical Sources to find out more about the past.

Family stories connect to many other topics you will explore. Family Artifacts are special objects that help tell your family's story. Family Celebrations show the traditions your family shares every year.

Generational Changes help you see how life was different for your grandparents. Then and Now Comparisons show you how things have changed over time in your family.

First Peoples Oral Histories teach you how Indigenous families share their stories through speaking aloud. Immigration Stories help you learn how families came to Canada from other countries.

After this topic, you will be ready for Family and Community History, Coming to the Community, and Using Historical Sources.