Symbols of Canada

THE EMBLEMS OF CANADA

CANADA - the name

In 1535 explorer Jacques Cartier heard the word "kanata".
It was used to refer to the site of present day Quebec City.
"Kanata" was a Huron-Iroquois word for "village" or "settlement"
The name "Canada" later referred to a large area north of the St. Lawrence River.
As more land was explored "Canada" grew.
The first time "Canada" was used as an official name was in 1791 for the colonies of Upper and Lower Canada.
In 1867, at the time of Confederation, the new country became known as Canada.

FLAG

THE MAPLE LEAF and MAPLE TREE

It is said that the maple leaf served as a symbol of Canada as early as 1700.
In 1867 Canada's confederation song The Maple Leaf Forever was written (by Alexander Muir).
The coat of arms created for Ontario and Quebec both included the maple leaf.
The maple leaf appears on the penny, on the arms of Canada and on Canada's flag (1965).
The red maple leaf is recognized around the world as a symbol of Canada.
The Aboriginal people of Canada made syrup and sugar from the sap of the sugar maple tree.
In 1996 the maple tree was officially recognized as a national emblem.

COAT OF ARMS

Early settlers are represented by the three royal lions of England, the royal lion of Scotland, the harp of Ireland and the fleur-de-lis of France.
The lion of England holds the British flag.
The unicorn of Scotland holds the flag of Royal France.
The bottom has the fleur-de-lis (France), the shamrock (Ireland), the thistle (Scotland), and the rose (England).

THE ROYAL CANADIAN MOUNTED POLICE (RCMP)
CANADA'S PARLIAMENT

MOTTO - "From sea to sea"

ANIMAL: THE BEAVER

The beaver played an important role in Canada's history.
It is a symbol of the fur trade of the early days.
Beaver pelts were needed for fur hats.
English and French fur traders trapped many beavers.
The fur traders explored large parts of Canada and fur trading posts were built.
There were six million before the start of the fur trade.
The beaver was in danger of being wiped out.
At last the demand for beaver pelts ended.
The beaver was featured on the coat of arms for the Hudson's Bay Company, Nova Scotia, Quebec City and the city of Montreal.
It was also featured on the first postage stamp in 1851.
The beaver officially became an emblem of Canada in 1975.
A beaver is on the coat of arms for Saskatchewan, Alberta and Manitoba.
The beaver appears on the nickel .