Thoughts From a "Lost Canadian" About Gulf Island National Park Reserve

Yesterday I wrote about Gros Morne on the East Coast of Canada, and today I'm writing about Gulf Island National Park Reserve on the West Coast of Canada - two very beautiful and surprising National Parks in Canada!

Thoughts From a "Lost Canadian" About Gros Morne National Park

If you want to visit a National Park where you will see nature in all it's beauty and things which are unique, which you may not be able to see anywhere else, then Gros Morne National Park in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada is absolutely the place for you to visit!

Thoughts From a "Lost Canadian" About Grasslands National Park

When you hear there is a Grasslands National Park in Canada, you might think it may not be a very interesting place, but in this case, Grasslands National Park is extremely interesting as not only will there be nature to see and experience, but dinosaurs as well! Yes, dinosaurs!

Thoughts From a "Lost Canadian" About Glacier National Park

Growing up in the USA, there are many Canadian National Parks with which I was not familiar, but even though I had heard of Glacier National Park, there were certainly a great many things I did not know about it. I am happy to share with you today some of the amazing things I have learned about this beautiful National Park in Canada!

Thoughts From a "Lost Canadian" About Georgian Bay Islands National Park

As someone who has grown up and lived most of my life in Michigan, I have always been curious about the Canadian "side" of Lake Heron. It looked very interesting with so many islands and I always wondered what it was like. Well, today I am very happy to share with you a little I have learned about part of it - the Georgian Bay Islands National Park.

Thoughts From a "Lost Canadian" About Fundy National Park

If you enjoy rugged coastlines, waterfalls, mountain biking, and kayaking, then Fundy National Park in Canada is a place you are likely to want to visit - and revisit over and over again! I may not be interested in the biking and kayaking, but I would absolutely love to see the beauty I'm learning about which makes up Fundy National Park!

Thoughts From a "Lost Canadian" About Forillon National Park

Today I want to let you know about the first National Park in Quebec, Forillon National Park. While this park was preceded by the removal of 225 families through expropriation, on February 14, 2011, the House of Commons adopted a motion which issued an official apology to the people whose properties were expropriated to create Forillon Park. I am saddened by the behavior of the firm which forced the First Nations people out of their land, but am encouraged by how the Canadian government told the truth about what happened and took responsibility for it.

Thoughts From a "Lost Canadian" About Elk Island National Park

Growing up in the US I learned how massive herds of Bison used to roam out West, but then people killed them - even shooting them from trains, and in so doing they nearly killed them all. . Once numbering in the tens of millions, the population was reduced to just a few hundred wild animals in the United States by the late 1880s. A VERY sad and shameful time in the history of the US for sure, which shockingly is not only part of our history, but is something the current occupant of the white house and his administration are actively working to do again as they try to displace hundreds of bison from federal lands, citing a reinterpretation of grazing law. I hope someone stops them.

Knowing the history of the US with Bison and the current attempts to harm them, it made me so happy to read about Elk Island National Park in Canada - where they are doing the opposite - trying to protect Bison!

Thoughts From a "Lost Canadian" About Cape Breton Highlands National Park

I have been enjoying learning about Canadian National Parks, and the one I'm writing about today is one I have found to be very interesting, particularly if you enjoy seeing animals in their own natural habitats when you travel, as this National Park has everything you might hope to see and experience in a National Park - at least everything I might hope for! Cape Breton Highlands National Park is in Nova Scotia . . . which is a place where some of my ancestors are from!

Thoughts From a "Lost Canadian" About Bruce Peninsula National Park

Growing up in Michigan, Canada has been a close neighbor - particularly Ontario, so I was very happy to learn about Bruce Peninsula National Park - one of Canada's largest protected areas in Ontario. It looks like a place I would love to visit!

Thoughts From a "Lost Canadian" About Auyuittuq National Park

As I've written, I am so happy to learn Canada values their National Parks and while some countries are trying to reduce their National Parks and the protections those areas have historically had in place, Canada is not only continuing to protect their National Parks, but they are increasing them as well. I have been learning about these amazing places across Canada and today I'm writing about Auyuittuq National Park, which is a national park located on Baffin Island's Cumberland Peninsula, in the Qikiqtaaluk Region of Nunavut. 

Thoughts From a "Lost Canadian" About Aulavik National Park

I believe it says a lot about a country for them to set aside land to be preserved as a National Park - and Canada has 37 national parks and 11 national park reserves, covering an area of approximately 343,377 km² (132,579 sq mi), or about 3.3% of the total land area of Canada, and representing 31 of its 39 natural regions. I've written so far about Banff and Akami−Uapishkᵘ−KakKasuak−Mealy Mountains - today I'm writing about another, Aulavik in the Northwest Territories . . . 

Thoughts From a "Lost Canadian" about Akami−Uapishkᵘ−KakKasuak−Mealy Mountains National Park Reserve

I am very happy today to let you know about a truly beautiful place in the Labrador region of Newfoundland and Labrador. This National Park has been a park for eleven years and is in the Labrador region of Newfoundland and Labrador. I absolutely LOVE how Canada is still protecting their land by making National Parks - this says so much about Canada as a country! So, lets take a look at  Akami−Uapishkᵘ −KakKasuak−Mealy Mountains National Park Reserve . . .

Thoughts From a "Lost Canadian" about Banff National Park

One of the things I have found to be wonderful about the USA are the National Parks - especially Lassen National Park. The National Parks belong to the people and give us the opportunity to see and experience amazing places and incredible beauty. So, this "Lost Canadian" is very happy to learn Canada also has National Parks, so over the coming days, I am very happy to let you know about these places of wonder throughout Canada, starting with Banff National Park in Alberta -

Thoughts From a "Lost Canadian" About New Years, Good Friday, and Easter in Canada

There are three more holidays in Canada which I'm going to write about, but these three holidays are the same in the USA, so I'm going to combine them in this post today - New Years, Good Friday, and Easter Sunday. I'll start with New Years in Canada . . .

Thoughts From a "Lost Canadian" About Christmas & Boxing Day

It is no surprise to learn Canada celebrates Christmas on December 25th pretty much the same way as we do here in the USA - trees, decorations, gifts, Nativity scenes, time with family, etc. I would have been surprised if Canada did not celebrate Christmas.

But, I have been very happy to learn about Boxing Day, which is celebrated on December 26th and is not a holiday we celebrate here in the USA - this is what I've learned . . .

Thoughts From a "Lost Canadian" about Remembrance Day

Canadians celebrate a day, well it is more remember a day which is remembered here in the USA, too, but they call it a different name - Remembrance Day (In the USA it is called Veterans Day.) But, no matter what it is called, whether you are Canadian or from the USA, this day is a day to remember the end of World War 1 and honor the Veterans. This is what I've learned about Remembrance Day -

Thoughts From a "Lost Canadian" About Canadian Thanksgiving Day

When I saw Canada celebrates Thanksgiving Day, I thought I probably knew all about this day, but I was mistaken. Canadian Thanksgiving Day is not the same as Thanksgiving Day in the USA, so in this post I will write first about how these holidays are different and then about how Thanksgiving is celebrated in Canada - and I'll share a couple Canadian recipes.

Thoughts From a "Lost Canadian" About National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

This "Lost Canadian" is so happy to know my new country is one which truly values truth and making things right. Canada has a history which is not a great one, as does the USA, when it comes to First Nations peoples. But, unlike the USA, Canada faced the truth, stood up, and took steps to do the right thing. The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is held annually in Canada on September 30th to honor Survivors of residential schools, their families, and communities, and to remember the children who never returned home.

Thoughts From a "Lost Canadian" About Labor Day

I've been writing about several uniquely Canadian holidays, but today I'm writing about a holiday which is basically the same in Canada as it is in the USA - Labor Day. This is what I've learned about Labor Day in Canada . . . 

Thoughts From a "Lost Canadian" About Civic Holiday

If you are not familiar with Canadian Holidays, you may wonder - as I did - what is "Civic Holiday"? Well, I looked on-line and learned quite a bit about it which I am happy to share with you today!  Canada's Civic Holiday is a public holiday observed on the first Monday of August each year. It is not a federally mandated statutory holiday. Instead, observance and statutory pay rules depend heavily on the specific province or municipality. 

Because the holiday is determined at the regional level, it goes by many different names and is celebrated with various local traditions across the country.

Thoughts From a "Lost Canadian" About Canada Day

Today I'm happy to let you know about another holiday in Canada - Canada Day which is celebrated every year on July 1st. Some people think Canada Day is like the 4th of July in the US, but this "Lost Canadian" has learned while both holidays involve independence from the United Kingdom, Canada Day marks the beginning of Canada's path to sovereignty—starting with Confederation in 1867. Complete independence came gradually, with major milestones in 1931 (Statute of Westminster) and 1982 (Constitution Act). Here are the details you need to know about celebrating Canada Day . . . 

Thoughts From a "Lost Canadian" About National Indigenous Peoples Day

When it comes to celebrating, this "Lost Canadian" is very happy to learn Canada values the truth and the First Peoples. As I've written before, Canada knows the truth and teaching it as it is makes us stronger while lies about difficult times in the past only make us weaker. Canada teaches Canadian children the truth about the things which happened in the past with First Nations Peoples. Canada is working to right wrongs. And Canada has several holidays which honor First Nations Peoples including National Indigenous Peoples Day, which today I am very happy to let you know about this great day.

Thoughts From a "Lost Canadian" About Saint Jean Baptiste Day

Yesterday I wrote about a holiday celebrated in Canada - Victoria Day - today I'm happy to share what this "Lost Canadian" has learned about another Canadian holiday - Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day - which is celebrated June 24th as a National Holiday of Quebec and French culture. Here are some details about this holiday -

Thoughts From a "Lost Canadian" About Victoria Day

We all may think children enjoy celebrating holidays, and they typically do, but this "Lost Canadian" thinks we grandmas enjoy the celebrating the most because we get to plan and then celebrate with the ones we love! Of course I know all about the holidays we celebrate here in the USA, and while Canadians do celebrate some of the same holidays, I thought it would be fun to learn about Holidays in Canada, so for the next few days I will share with you what I learned about these days which bring opportunities for grandmas to plan and celebrate with the ones we love! I will share a list of Canadian Holidays at the end of this post, but today I'm writing about the next Holiday to be celebrated in Canada - Victoria Day . . .

Thoughts From a "Lost Canadian" About the Canadian National Anthem

Growing up in the USA, I of course, know the National Anthem - the Star Spangled Banner and the history behind the song. Since I am a "Lost Canadian", I thought I should learn the history behind the Canadian National Anthem - and learn the Anthem, too. Today I am happy to share with you what I have learned.

First for the history behind the song, O Canada! -

Thoughts From a "Lost Canadian" on How to Find Canadian Ancestors

I've been sharing the things I've been learning about Canada and its Government and First Peoples, and while this "Lost Canadian" still has much to learn, today I want to share how you are able to find out if you are a "Lost Canadian", too! As I wrote earlier, I was so surprised to learn more than 1/3 of my ancestors were Canadian - there is a strong possibility some of them were also First Nations Mi'kmaq as well. And today I discovered my husband has Canadian ancestors from Quebec!

So, how can you discover if your ancestors were Canadian? Well, follow these steps . . . 

Thoughts From a "Lost Canadian" About Canadian Politics

Growing up in the USA I am fairly familiar with politics in the USA. We basically have a two-party system - Democrats and Republicans. There are a few other parties - Independents, Libertarians, and Green Party, but since the 1850's the USA has basically been a two-party system. Democrats generally supports a stronger federal government, social programs, civil rights, and environmental regulation while Republicans typically advocate for free-market capitalism, limited government intervention in the economy, a strong national defense, and conservative social values. Of course trump has completely remade the Republicans in his image - which is not a positive thing at all.

At any rate, this "Lost Canadian" wanted to learn about the political system in Canada, so today I'm sharing with you what I learned on-line . . .

Thoughts From a "Lost Canadian" About New Discoveries!

Several weeks ago in my first post on "Thoughts From a 'Lost Canadian'" I wrote, "I have lived most of my life in West Michigan, just thirty minutes from beautiful Lake Michigan. I lived for a few years in Northern California, two hours from Oregon, where I met my husband - but I was born in West Michigan and have lived most of my life here. Of course I knew my dad and my grandpa, but my great-grandpa died before I was born. Along with not knowing him, I also did not know - until last week - my great grandpa was born in Argenteuil, Quebec, Canada, and my great-great grandpa and great-great grandma were born in East Hawkesbury, Prescott, Ontario, Canada, and Argenteuil, Quebec, Canada.

Thoughts From a "Lost Canadian" About More Differences Between Canada & the USA

Yesterday I wrote about some of the differences this "Lost Canadian" is learning about with the USA and Canada. Today I want to share a little more about what I'm learning about how they are different - and there are some significant and important differences in how their Governments function.

Thoughts From a "Lost Canadian" on the Differences Between the Governments of USA and Canada

Yesterday I wrote a brief "overview" of Canadian Government and some of the ways it is different from the US Government. Today I want to look more at how Canadian and US Governments differ - and this "Lost Canadian" has learned some of these differences are significant. I learned the following on-line - "While Canadians and Americans share fundamental democratic rights, they do not have the same rights, as their laws differ significantly. Canadians are protected by the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, offering rights like universal healthcare, official bilingualism, and stronger collective rights. Conversely, Americans have distinct constitutional rights, notably the right to bear arms and stronger protections for free speech." So, what does this mean?