What’s in a country?
Well, now that the biggest party in our nation’s history is finally in the books, it seems like an appropriate time to do some reflection.
What were we celebrating on July 1?
This country that we live in is so much more than just a land mass that we claim to be ours.
Most importantly, it is a mosaic. It’s a tapestry that is constantly changing with the people who call themselves Canadians.
Canada is the sum of its parts.

This year especially, Canadians have been giving this occasion more thought than they have in the past on July 1.
We heard from Indigenous groups about the meaning of Canada’s 150th birthday to them. For many in the aboriginal community, this year marks the celebration of 150 years of colonialism.
The treatment endured by Canadian First Nations at the hands of our government was nothing less than barbaric. And so, they have a point when they say that this is not an occasion to celebrate.
Despite our sordid past, there is plenty to celebrate.
Our country, although it’s changed over the years, has been in existence for a century-and-a-half. That is no small feat. On top of that, we’ve maintained relative peace and prosperity for that entire time.
That is something to be proud of.
As our population changes – one generation gets older and the next one comes of age – so does our country. As new cultures and creeds immigrate to our country, they bring aspects of their culture here, which alters the Canadian fabric again and again.
Looking around the rest of the planet, we see many nations working to firm up their borders, build bigger fences to make sure their neighbours stay out and cast a suspicious eye towards those that are seen as different.
That kind of attitude exists here in Canada, but it’s not a widespread problem.
We coexist, and we’ve been doing it for more than 150 years. French and English relations, although not always smooth, proves that we can get along.
Even the birth of our nation is a great indicator of the type of country we are. We didn’t take up arms and win freedom with the help of a gun. We waited patiently and politely asked the British if we could leave.
But it’s not all sunshine and maple leafs.
Has this nation made mistakes? Absolutely. But it seems like we’re working to try and remedy those mistakes.
Those of us who can’t relate to the horrors witnessed by our Aboriginal compatriots have been talking less and listening more in recent years. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission has done important work mending the relationship between the government and First Nations.
We’re still working on it, and it’s going to take time. But at least there is an acknowledgement and an admission of wrongdoing. That’s the first step.
Whether you thought this July 1 was an occasion to celebrate or something to boycott, you have the right to voice that opinion and celebrate accordingly.
We live in a country where we have the ability to disagree and not resort to violence. We have the right to protest that which we don’t think is right.
We’re a country made up of smaller communities. In some cases, smaller nations.
You’re from Quebec? Go ahead, celebrate St. Jean Baptiste Day.
Aboriginal groups chose not to celebrate the occasion and instead used it as an opportunity to open the eyes of many Canadians. That’s great too.
Some people waited in line for eight hours just be closer to our government’s house. Others called those people crazy while sitting on their dock with a cold refreshment in hand.
Ultimately, we’re celebrating a subjective holiday. You ask 35 million Canadians what Canada means to them and you’ll get 35 million different answers.
National pride is a tricky thing.
It’s hard to explain why people take so much pride in where they’re from. But we do it.
It’s the mysterious force that allows Ottawa Senators fans and Toronto Maple Leafs fans to stand shoulder-to-shoulder and cheer for team Canada at the Olympics.
And if something can bridge the gap between Sens and Leafs fans, it’s ok in my books.

Chris Lowrey