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As Canadians,
our history plays a large part in who we are. The waves of
immigration from other parts of the world happened at
different times and under different circumstances, hence
Canadians of today can trace their lineage back to other parts
of the world. This historical timeline is by no means a
complete record of Canadian history, but it includes many of
the events, people and places that created the Canada of
today.
First Nations
Written history of Canada was recorded by
early European travelers and settlers to North America, but
there also exists a wealth of oral history passed from
generation to generation by the first peoples of Canada.
These first
people migrated across long stretches of frozen ocean during
the last ice age. Once settled, their culture thrived within
North America until the arrival of Europeans.
In addition to
exploiting the natives labour for commercial gain, the
deadlier sin of the Europeans was introducing diseases never
before seen in North America. Europeans also saw theirs as the
dominant culture, so rather than trying to understand native
culture, often imposed their own on the native people. The
combination of these and other disruptions were devastating,
leading to tremendous social problems within First Nations
communities.
Although there
still remain unresolved issues resulting from ignorance and
misunderstanding, there has also been progress toward
reconciliation by the descendants of both groups.
11th-16th Centuries
1000
Around this time, the Norse built the
settlement at L'Anse-aux-Meadows (northern tip of
Newfoundland).
1497
Giovanni Caboto (John Cabot) claims Cape
Breton Island (or Newfoundland) for England.
1534
Jacques Cartier explores Gulf of St.
Lawrence.
1541
Cartier and Sieur de Roberval found a
settlement on St. Lawrence River, but it fails.
1583
Sir Humphrey Gilbert, brother-in-law of
Sir Walter Raleigh, sails for Newfoundland from England.
1588
English fishing fleet delays sailing to
Newfoundland to participate in the defeat of Spanish Armada.
1598
The Marquis de la Roche lands 40 convicts
on Sable Island.
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