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

Growing up in the US while we did learn how the Native Americans helped the Pilgrims (our schools focused on this around Thanksgiving, but the focus was more on how the Pilgrims survived than on the Native Americans), most references to "Indians" placed them in the position of the "bad guys" who wanted to "scalp" the white "Americans". So, when I learned how Canada faced their own history with First Nations Peoples I was SO impressed! Canada apologized to the First Nations People for the schools their children were forced to attend, faced the truth of how First Nations Peoples suffered, and worked for reconciliation. I learned on-line . . .

Thoughts From a "Lost Canadian" About Orange Shirt Day

Tomorrow (September 30th) is Orange Shirt Day, which is "officially known as the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, this day commemorates and pays honor to the indigenous children of Canada who were taken from their families and sent to residential schools in the 19th century." 

I have read online how Canada has been working with First Nations Peoples to, advance reconciliation, renew nation-to-nation relationships, and support self-determination. In 2008 the historic government apology for Indian Residential Schools and the findings of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, Canada established statutory holidays like the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Canada committed to implementing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) to align laws with Indigenous rights. The federal government is negotiating self-government agreements to help First Nations transition away from the control-based framework of the 1876 Indian Act toward independent community governance.

I am SO happy to see Canada is prioritizing showing respect for First Nations Peoples with their words and actions.

Thoughts From a "Lost Canadian" About Miscou Island in New Brunswick

This "Lost Canadian" grew up in Michigan, so I have been able to experience many beautiful Falls. The other day I saw a post on Instagram about some very beautiful places in New Brunswick where Fall color is amazing, so today I wanted to share these places with you . . .

On the Northeastern tip of New Brunswick is an Island - Miscou Island in New Brunswick 🇨🇦 turns crimson every Fall due to its unique peat bogs. It’s 3.5 hours from Moncton but totally worth the drive. The Island turns red in the Fall, thanks to its peat bogs from late September through early October - so if you have a chance to go see it this year, go now! Otherwise, put it on your list of must-see places!

Thoughts From a "Lost Canadian" About Bannock for Canadian Thanksgiving

I've been writing about Canadian Thanksgiving - the history and culture behind their celebration, which is on the second Monday of October. So, today I'm going to share a recipe I found for Bannock - which is a First Nations bread and a common part of Canadian Thanksgiving, but first some information I found online about Bannock . . .

Thoughts From a "Lost Canadian" About "The Canadian Caper."

There has been much talk from the massively corrupt likely war criminal who currently occupies the US white house which has damaged the long relationship between the US and our dear friends, neighbors, and family in Canada - so much so there is even talk of Canada preparing to defend itself from an US invasion. This breaks my heart.

Whether I was a "Lost Canadian" or not, I have been a Michigander all my life and have always believed Canada to be the best neighbor and friend a country could ever have - or hope to have. It also angers me. How dare the so-called "president" of the US behave in such a shameful, despicable, disgraceful way! Please know, there are many of us in the US who feel as I do and we hope to be able to vote in November, flip congress, and hope they are able to take their seats in January and then begin to hold the criminal "president" accountable. We hope - we also believe he will do everything possible to stop all this from happening. Things are not well here in the US at this time.

But, today I want to share an account I found online about Kenneth Douglas Taylor, the Canadian diplomat to Iran during the Iran Hostage Crisis in 1979 and the incredible risk he took to save the lives of six Americans . . .

Thoughts From a "Lost Canadian" About Canadian Thanksgiving - Why Celebrate in October?

As I wrote a few days ago, I wrote about how Canada celebrates their Thanksgiving Day in October. I wrote about the history behind Canadian Thanksgiving, so today I thought I'd share with you what I've learned online about why Canada celebrates Thanksgiving in October . . .

Thoughts From a "Lost Canadian" About the Benefits of Duel Citizenship & Possibly Moving to Canada

This past April I learned I am a "Lost Canadian", so I've been learning more about Canada. I'm gathering my documentation so I will be able to receive my Canadian citizenship - and have learned there are challenges with doing this. But, there also are many benefits to having duel citizenship with the US and Canada and with possibly moving to Canada - today I'm sharing some of these benefits which I have learned about online . . .

Thoughts From a "Lost Canadian" About the Challenges with Duel Citizenship & Moving to Canada

Since this past April when I learned I am a "Lost Canadian", I've been learning about how amazing Canada is - if once we have our paperwork collected and receive our Canadian citizenship, we could decide to move to Canada. There seems to be many reasons why this could be an excellent move, but as with any big decision, while there many be benefits to a decision, there are likely challenges as well. Today I want to write about some of the challenges with having duel citizenship and moving to Canada - tomorrow I will write about the benefits, which are many. Online I learned . . . 

Thoughts From a "Lost Canadian" About Canadian Thanksgiving Menu

Yesterday I wrote about the history of Canadian Thanksgiving, today I want to share what I've learned online about how Canadians celebrate Thanksgiving - in the coming days I'll share some recipes I've found so if you want to celebrate Canadian Thanksgiving, you'll have some tasty ways to do so . . .

Thoughts From a "Lost Canadian" About Canadian Thanksgiving - What Started It?

As a person who has lived in the US all my life, I am used to Thanksgiving being celebrated in November. But, in Canada Thanksgiving is celebrated on the second Monday in October - which is just three weeks away. So, I thought over the coming weeks it would be interesting to write about the history of Canadian Thanksgiving and share some Canadian recipes which are typically enjoyed on their Thanksgiving. Today I'm starting with some of the history of Canadian Thanksgiving, I learned online . . . 

Thoughts From a "Lost Canadian" About Mont-Saint-Pierre, Gaspésie, Quebec

Several of my ancestors were born in Quebec, so I find it to be an interesting place for sure! Today I learned about a unique place in Quebec - once since I have MS I will not be able to experience first hand, but I am very happy to let you know what I have learned online about Mont-Saint-Pierre, Gaspésie, Quebec . . .

Thoughts From a "Lost Canadian" About Things Which Show Canada is Amazing - Their Quality of Life & Society

I've been writing this week about how in light of the tremendously rude and disrespectful way the massively corrupt convicted felon/sexual abuser who currently occupies the white house here in the US has been talking about and treating our dear neighbors, friends, allies, and family in Canada, I am spending this week just learning more about Canada - and sharing what I learn about how Canada is an amazing place - and there are a few more days to share - today I'm sharing how Canada is amazing because of their quality of life and society! Online I learned . . .

Thoughts From a "Lost Canadian" About Things Which Show Canada is Amazing - Their People

I've been writing this week about how in light of the tremendously rude and disrespectful way the massively corrupt convicted felon/sexual abuser who currently occupies the white house here in the US has been talking about and treating our dear neighbors, friends, allies, and family in Canada, I am spending this week just learning more about Canada - and sharing what I learn about how Canada is an amazing place - and there are a few more days to share - today I'm sharing how Canada is amazing because of their people! Online I learned . . .

Thoughts From a "Lost Canadian" About Things Which Show Canada is Amazing - Their Extraordinary Culture & Iconic Traditions

I've been writing this week about how in light of the tremendously rude and disrespectful way the massively corrupt convicted felon/sexual abuser who currently occupies the white house here in the US has been talking about and treating our dear neighbors, friends, allies, and family in Canada, I am spending this week just learning more about Canada - and sharing what I learn about how Canada is an amazing place - I believe I could learn about and share about this for more than a week, but I will begin with a week, today I'm sharing how Canada is amazing because of their Extraordinary Culture & Iconic Traditions! Online I learned . . .

Thoughts From a "Lost Canadian" About Things Which Show Canada is Amazing - Breathtaking Nature

I've been writing this week about how in light of the tremendously rude and disrespectful way the massively corrupt convicted felon/sexual abuser who currently occupies the white house here in the US has been talking about and treating our dear neighbors, friends, allies, and family in Canada, I am spending this week just learning more about Canada - and sharing what I learn about how Canada is an amazing place - I believe I could learn about and share about this for more than a week, but I will begin with a week, today I'm sharing how Canada is amazing because of their breathtaking nature (and how they protect it)! Online I learned . . .

Thoughts From a "Lost Canadian" About How Canada Makes the World Better for Everyone

I've been writing about how this "Lost Canadian" continues to wait for my final four documents to arrive so I and my family are able to request our official Canadian citizenship (because of Bill C-3 - which says if you have Canadian ancestors - and I have 15 ancestors who were born in Canada since 1800 - you are already a Canadian - a "Lost Canadian" - and if you are able to document your direct line to a Canadian-born ancestor, you are able to receive your Canadian citizenship!). It will be worth the wait, so I am trying to be patient!

As I wait, I have been learning more about Canada. In light of the tremendously rude and disrespectful way the massively corrupt convicted felon/sexual abuser who currently occupies the white house here in the US has been talking about and treating our dear neighbors, friends, allies, and family in Canada, I am spending this week just learning about Canada - and sharing what I learn about how Canada is an amazing place - I believe I could learn about and share about this for more than a week, but I will begin with a week, today I'm sharing how Canada is amazing because they not only make everyday life better for their citizens, but they have been there to help so many people around the world! On Canada.ca I learned . . .

Thoughts From a "Lost Canadian" About How Canada Improves Canadian's Lives

As this "Lost Canadian" continues to wait for my final four documents to arrive so I and my family are able to request our official Canadian citizenship (because of Bill C-3 - which says if you have Canadian ancestors - and I have 15 ancestors who were born in Canada since 1800 - you are already a Canadian - a "Lost Canadian" - and if you are able to document your direct line to a Canadian-born ancestor, you are able to receive your Canadian citizenship!). It will be worth the wait, so I am trying to be patient!

As I wait, I continue to learn more about Canada. In light of the tremendously rude and disrespectful way the massively corrupt convicted felon/sexual abuser who currently occupies the white house here in the US has been talking about and treating our dear neighbors, friends, allies, and family in Canada, I am spending this week just learning about Canada - and sharing what I learn about how Canada is an amazing place - I believe I could learn about and share about this for more than a week, but I will begin with a week, starting with Canada is amazing because they actually are making everyday life better for their citizens! On Canada.ca I learned . . .

Thoughts From a "Lost Canadian" About How Canada Respects & Values Their People with strong Human Rights

This "Lost Canadian" is still waiting for my final four documents to arrive so I and my family are able to request our official Canadian citizenship (because of Bill C-3 - which says if you have Canadian ancestors - and I have 15 ancestors who were born in Canada since 1800 - you are already a Canadian - a "Lost Canadian" - and if you are able to document your direct line to a Canadian-born ancestor, you are able to receive your Canadian citizenship!). The most recent article I saw said the current wait for receiving citizenship through Bill C-3 is now 33 months! This is on top of the time it takes to get official documents showing the direct line to Canadian-born ancestors. But, it will be worth the wait, so I am trying to be patient!

As I wait, I continue to learn more about Canada. In light of the tremendously rude and disrespectful way the massively corrupt convicted felon/sexual abuser who currently occupies the white house here in the US has been talking about and treating our dear neighbors, friends, allies, and family in Canada, I want to spend the coming week just learning about - and sharing what I learn about how Canada is an amazing place - I believe I could learn about and share about this for more than a week, but I will begin with a week, starting with Canada is amazing because they respect and value their people! On Canada.ca I learned . . .

Thoughts From a "Lost Canadian" About How Canada is an Amazing Neighbor & Friend Who Goes Above & Beyond

Yesterday was a day to remember the loss and grief of September 11th and honor those who died. Almost 3000 US citizens died on that day and 24 Canadians died as well, so it is a day to remember this loss and grieve with the families left behind.

It is also a day to remember an amazing act of care, compassion, and friendship. On September 11th twenty-five years ago, as planes came down in New York, Washington DC, and Pennsylvania, all the planes in the air were ordered to land at the nearest airport. Nearly 240 airplanes landed at seventeen airports in Canada. Not only did Canada open their airports, but they also opened their homes and hearts and welcomed stranded and frightened passengers into their communities and homes.

Thoughts From a "Lost Canadian" About "Valuing Nature and Mobilizing Capital"

I have been writing about how this "Lost Canadian" is so impressed to learn how our dear neighbors, friends, and family in Canada are taking concrete and measurable steps to protect Nature. I am so very thankful to know this - especially since here in the US the current massively corrupt occupant of the white house continues to undermine and weaken Nature throughout our country and even in our National Parks. Today I want to share with you Pillar Three of Canada's plan - Valuing Nature and Mobilizing Capital . . .

Thoughts From a "Lost Canadian" About "Building Canada Well"

As more news here in the US talks about even new steps the current massively corrupt occupant of the white house is taking to undermine and weaken our National Parks, this "Lost Canadian" is even more impressed to learn more about how our dear neighbors, friends, and family in Canada are doing the opposite - you are taking steps to strengthen and protect Nature. Today I want to share with you Pillar Two - Building Canada Well . . .

Thoughts From a "Lost Canadian" - I Am SO, SO Sorry

I've been writing about the amazing things Canada is doing to preserve nature in their beautiful country, and will be writing more about it tomorrow, but today I feel like I need to apologize to Canada once again. The insane amount of disrespect directed at our incredible neighbors, friends, and family in Canada from the massively corrupt toddler in chief here in the white house is shameful, despicable, and embarrassing. Canada absolutely does NOT deserve the words and actions coming from trump - please know so many of us here in the US are appalled and furious about these things - and we are SO sorry.

So, today I'm sharing posts/memes I've found online which share the truth about Canada and also express how sorry this "Lost Canadian" and so many of us here in the US are for what trump is doing.

Thoughts From a "Lost Canadian" About Protecting Nature in Canada

Yesterday I wrote how as a person who was born in and who has lived in the US all my life, and who has enjoyed our country's National Parks, it has been painful to watch the last two years as the current corrupt administration destroys our National Parks and reduces protections for nature in the US. So, as a "Lost Canadian", I am SO happy to see Canada is taking a different perspective when it comes to protecting their National Parks and protecting nature in Canada with their strategy to protect nature. Canada has a three part plan to protect Nature in Canada, so today I'm writing about the first part of this plan - Protecting Nature in Canada: By protecting and conserving more lands and waters and connecting habitats so species can move more safely.

Thoughts From a "Lost Canadian" About Canada's Strategy to Protect Nature

As a person who was born in and who has lived in the US all my life, and who has enjoyed our country's National Parks, it has been painful to watch the last two years as the current corrupt administration destroys our National Parks and reduces protections for nature in the US. So, as a "Lost Canadian", I am SO happy to see Canada is taking a different perspective when it comes to protecting their National Parks and protecting nature in Canada. I am happy today to share with you some of what I'm learning from Canada.ca about Canada's strategy to protect nature!

Thoughts From a "Lost Canadian" About Diversity in Canada

For the past two days I've been learning about where the first peoples who arrived in Canada came from. Many came from Siberia through the land bridge which long ago connected Siberia and North America known as, Beringia. These peoples became the First Nations Peoples and they spread throughout what we know today as Canada, as well as the US, Mexico, Central, and South America. People also came, many thousands of years later, from Europe to the East Coast of Canada and eventually spread throughout all of Canada.

So, Siberia and Europe are where people first came from who made Canada their home. What does it look like in Canada today? Is it a diverse country? I looked online and learned the following . . .

Thoughts From a "Lost Canadian" About Canadian History - the First Nations Peoples & the Arrival of Europeans

Yesterday I wrote while I know some things about Canada, there are many things I do not yet know, and since I'm a "Lost Canadian" I've decided to learn, really learn about Canada. I started at the beginning (as we all know this is a very good place to start!) and learned about the First Nations Peoples who migrated to Canada from Beringia and I am very happy to share with you the things I am learning about what happened when the first people arrived in North America from Europe. 

Thoughts From a "Lost Canadian" About Canadian History - the First Nations Peoples

I've written a few times how I learned this past April I am a "Lost Canadian", and it matters to me to learn about Canada. (I have fifteen ancestors born in Canada since 1800 - from Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia and according to Canada's new law Bill C-3, this makes me a Canadian!) Growing up in Michigan, I knew about Canada - they are our dear neighbors, friends, and now they are my family as well, so learning about them matters to me.

While I know some things about Canada, there are many things I do not know, this is why I've decided to learn, really learn about Canada. I'm going to start at the beginning (as we all know this is a very good place to start!) and learn about the First Nations Peoples who migrated to Canada - most scientists believe this happened possibly as long as 16,000 years or so ago (and some believe this happened possibly as many as 25,000 years ago) - there is much for me to learn and I am very happy to share with you the things I am learning about Canada!

Thoughts From a "Lost Canadian" About the Actual Truth

Even thought I grew up and lived most of my life in Michigan, there are many things I do not know about our close neighbor, Canada. Now I know I'm a "Lost Canadian" it has been important to me to learn about Canada. In light of the venom and outright lies about Canada spewing from the massively corrupt CONVICTED felon/sexual abuser, likely pedophile who currently occupies the white house, I think it is even more important for all of us, whether we are a "Lost Canadian" or not, to learn the truth about Canada. I found this very informative art online about how Canada has stood with and for the US as our Ally and an informative article from CNN which clearly states facts - the truth about the economies of the US and Canada and want to share them with you -

Thoughts From a "Lost Canadian" About the Thunderhead Monument

I grew up in what used to be (but happily is no longer so) the very "conservative" (legalistic, hurtful, and judgmental are better, more accurate words) area on the West side of Michigan where there is a church on nearly every corner, several major Christian publishing companies, and colleges. I was taught it was a sinful choice to be 2SLGBTQI+ and while we should love the "sinner", we should hate the sin - which actually really came out to be hating both.

I now know how wrong, hurtful, and damaging this thinking was. Jesus never treated 2SLGBTQI+ in a hurtful or hateful way - in fact, He told us to love ALL others. So many people have been hurt by the hateful thinking I grew up with, not only in West Michigan, but around the world. Here in the US we currently have people "leading" this country who continue to spread this type of hate, but I am so relieved, and impressed to see how Canada is making a different choice - one which brings healing and makes Canada so much stronger.

Thoughts From a "Lost Canadian" About Loving Canada & Being Loved by Canada

The past week and a half has been very difficult for this "Lost Canadian" and life-long Michigander to watch as the massively corrupt convicted felon/sexual abuser, likely pedophile, clearly inept current occupant of the white house disrespects and tries to bully our dear neighbors, friends, and family in Canada. 

For the past week and a half each day I wake up and hope things will improve, but then see and hear even more disrespect and arrogance directed towards Canada and their amazing people from the shameful resident of the white house. Every day I feel like this country owes Canada another apology.