Canadian History, eh? Lecture Series!

Join us at 2:30 p.m. on Tuesdays in November to take part in our Fall Lecture Series presented by Gary Weinger. The first lecture is today!

Canadians have a rich and interesting history. Natives survived here for millennia; then came the Europeans. These interactions had dire consequences that would alter our beginnings. Why? How? The French legacy has long been forgotten, but we must remember and respect what made us Canadian in the first place. This is tantamount to understanding French-English relations. The growth of Canada to nationhood is steeped in American and colonial relations. Looking at these will help us to understand: “What is Canadian?” Our growth to nationhood takes us through European wars and world politics. What is our role? How did we come by it? What does the future hold for Canada? And you thought Canadian History wasn’t interesting, eh?

This first lecture is all about European Discovery: Natives and Europeans first contact: struggle was inevitable. How Europe paid for its future industrial growth on the backs of the Natives of North America.

This second lecture is all about The French VS The English. Why is there still tension between us? Where did it begin in our history? Why did the French stay in Canada after 1763? Where do we go from here?

This third lecture is all about the Canadian identity (British? American? Melting pot or Fruitcake blend?). How has our history shaped our character?

This final lecture in the Canadian History, eh? series explores the hot button issues about why we confederated and how we began as a player on the international stage.

A graduate in History and Political Science from the University of Guelph, Gary Weinger taught High School History, English, Law and Business for over thirty years. This included years in Toronto, New South Wales (Australia) and the Bluewater School Board (Owen Sound, Meaford and Flesherton). Seeing that only one Canadian History course was compulsory in all of High School curriculum, he has taken to lecturing to lifelong learning groups about the complexity and controversies of Canadian Studies. Our heritage is interesting and diverse. We should know more about who we are and how our history still guides us.

Come to one lecture, or come to them all.  Complimentary refreshments following each lecture. Free with admission. Members free as always.