Originally posted as my Canadian Culture newsletter/ ezine.

Watch your step in Canadian cities and parks.

Canadian Dragon source - Lucania Arts

This week I have included Terry Fox as the Canadian Person. In time there will be other people who will become famous, be celebrated, and remembered in Canada. But, I don't think Canadians will ever forget Terry Fox. The young, blonde, college student who battled cancer and lost his life trying to support cancer research. School children are taught about Terry Fox, possibly more than any other Canadian in our history. 

Meanwhile, the 'Canadian Dragon', is famous for being bad tempered, aggressive and territorial especially during the Spring season when there are fuzzy little hatchlings around. The Canada goose is so protected and over fed in urban locations and parks, many of them do not fly south any more due to being over weight and/or unfit for the long flight. Also, as climate changes and humans continue to feed them, there is less reason for the birds to migrate. Often you will see signs up in parks, zoos, and urban areas asking people NOT to feed the wildlife, especially the Canadian geese. 

Canadian People

Terry Fox (1958-1981)

Terry Fox is known for his Marathon of Hope which he ran after losing his leg to bone cancer. He began on the East Coast and ran with a hop skip until the cancer reached his lungs and he was unable to continue. The Terry Fox Monument, just outside Thunder Bay, Ontario, marks the spot where Terry Fox had to stop on August 31, 1980.

The Terry Fox Run has become a national tradition in Canada. Individuals, communities, schools, businesses, and others participate every year in the Fall season. The Terry Fox Run continues to fund cancer research.

Canadian Places

Mount Thor (Thor Peak) is the world's steepest, tallest cliff, the longest vertical drop.  It has an elevation of 1,675 meters located in Auyuittuq National Park, on Baffin Island.

Nominated as one of the Seven Wonders of Canada by the CBC.

Try the Geography Quiz from The Canadian Encyclopedia.

Canadian Things

Canada has two official languages: English and French. Most of Canada and Canadians speak and write in English. Mainly, the provinces of Quebec and New Brunswick will be where you will hear the French language.  There are also about 70 distinct Indigenous languages in Canada.

Canadian Links

Branden Mark Lavoie - Posting videos of paranormal and history from Sudbury, Ontario. This one is "The Dark History of Sudbury Jail".

Cory Rennie - Posting from Prince Albert, Saskatchewan. This is a video post about Batoche, Saskatchewan. Instagram and YouTube.

Canadian Cosplay Community - a community of cosplayers, costume makers, otakus, gamers.

Canadian Wildlife Federation

This was originally, my first Canadian Culture newsletter/ ezine.

If You Have Nothing Good to Say Just Post Some ASCII Art

Substack says “Readers love clarity”. Sorry readers, you may not find much of that here. I tend to overthink but I work better when I stop thinking so much and just start - even if it is not recommended by Substack or almost anyone else. Starting is the biggest battle, for me. Like that quote about showing up.

“Half the battle is just showing up” Stephen Hawking

Long ago I wrote for a site called BackWash - The Internet by Personality. You can find it with the Wayback Machine/ Internet Archives, otherwise it is gone. Not even the Wayback Machine saved it all. Sadly. My plan is to write about Canada by Personality, mine. I only have mine to work with.

I am Canadian. I’ve tested myself by living elsewhere. I came back. A lot like “The Cat Came Back” a Canadian classic. Other places have grander views, different politics, more history... I love Canada. I live in Ontario. The West Coast is beautiful with mountains and orcas. The East Coast has red dirt and the endless seeming ocean. But, Ontario has less water damage. That’s something.

As an actual topic, because people might think there should be one. What does make something Canadian (or other location of your choice)? Is it enough that it is made by a Canadian, in Canada? Or does it need government inspection, social media seal of approval, a DNA test…?

Being born in Canada and living in Canada, most of my life, will just have to do. Besides, no one else is here to save you from my idea of what is Canadian.

Secondly, culture is a pretty wide area. I will try to stick to topics in the realm of Canadiana.

Following this is the ASCII art, as noted earlier. I make my own ASCII art, just MS Notepad, my fingers and my brain. Nothing especially Canadian today but made by a Canadian while in Canada.

One last thing… A Canadian Link or Two

Fireside Canada - A podcast about Canadian legends, lies & lore. You may not have heard about International Beaver Day on April 7th. Add it to your calendar for next year. I will try to watch for other relevant dates/ events. Even if I don’t find and post them before they happen.