O Canada! Our home and native land! True patriot love in all of us command!
Canadian Heritage Service has a lot of information about our country and its origins. The following article is based on their information.
The name “Canada” likely comes from the Huron-Iroquois word “kanata,” meaning “village” or “settlement.” In 1535, Aboriginal youths told French explorer Jacques Cartier about the route to kanata. They were probably referring to the village of Stadacona, the site of the present-day City of Québec. Cartier used the word “Canada” to describe not only the village, but the entire area controlled by its chief, Donnacona.
Maps in 1547 designated everything north of the St. Lawrence River as Canada. Cartier also called the St. Lawrence River the “rivière du Canada,” a name used until the early 1600s. Although the entire region was known as New France, the area along the great river of Canada and the Gulf of St. Lawrence continued to be called Canada.
The first use of Canada as an official name came in 1791, when the Province of Quebec was divided into the colonies of Upper Canada and Lower Canada. In 1841, the two colonies were united under one name, the Province of Canada.
Leading up to confederation, a number of names were suggested for the country, including: Albertsland, Albionora, Borealia, Britannia, Cabotia, Colonia, Efisga (England, France, Ireland, Scotland, Germany, and Aboriginal lands), Hochelaga, Norland, Superior, Transatlantia, Tuponia, and Victorialand. The debate was placed in perspective by Thomas D’Arcy McGee, who declared on February 9, 1865: “I read in one newspaper not less than a dozen attempts to derive a new name. One individual chooses Tuponia and another Hochelaga as a suitable name for the new nationality. Now I ask any honourable member of this House how he would feel if he woke up some fine morning and found himself instead of a Canadian, a Tuponian or a Hochelagander.” McGee’s wit and reasoning – along with common sense – prevailed, and on July 1, 1867, the provinces became “one Dominion under the name of Canada.”
In 1811 the Kingston Gazette suggested that the name Canada came from inhabitants of New France who, permitted only one can of spruce beer per day, "can-a-day."
Whatever the origins of our country's name, enjoy the colourful stories that make our history and take pride in Canada, our native land. I hope you enjoyed Canada Day and celebrated the richness and greatness of Canada.
The music for the anthem was written by Calixa Lavallee in 1880. The original French lyrics were written by Sir Adolphe-Basile Routhier. Here are the original English lyrics by Robert Stanley Weir in 1908.
O Canada! Our home and native land! True patriot love thou dost in us command.
We see thee rising fair, dear land, The True North, strong and free;
And stand on guard, O Canada, We stand on guard for thee.
Refrain: O Canada! O Canada! O Canada! We stand on guard for thee, O Canada! We stand on guard for thee.
O Canada! Where pines and maples grow, Great prairies spread and lordly rivers flow,
How dear to us thy broad domain, From East to Western sea!
Thou land of hope for all who toil! Thou True North, strong and free! (Refrain)
O Canada! Beneath thy shining skies May stalwart sons and gentle maidens rise,
To keep thee steadfast through the years From East to Western sea,
Our own beloved native land, Our True North, strong and free! (Refrain)
Ruler Supreme, Who hearest humble prayer, Hold our dominion within Thy loving care.
Help us to find, O God, in Thee A lasting, rich reward,
As waiting for the Better Day, We ever stand on guard. (Refrain)
Columnist John Kreutzwieser loves to research words and writes this weekly Word Wisdom column for Moose Jaw Express/MooseJawToday.com. He has an interest in the usage, origin, and relevance of words for society today. Greek and Latin form the basis of many words, with ancient Hebrew shedding light on word usage.
John would like to know if anyone has a sincere interest in a relevant word that he could possibly research for an upcoming column. If so, please send your requests to [email protected] . Words will be selected according to relevance and research criteria. We cannot confirm that all words will be used.
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect the position of this publication.
