Why Canadian history isn't as boring as you think it is: Chris Turner at TEDxYYC

Summary

The speaker passionately argues for the importance of Canadian history, emphasizing that it is not as dull as commonly perceived. They draw parallels with American storytelling, highlighting the United States' ability to create compelling narratives around its history. The speaker critiques the stereotypical image of Canada as boring, exemplified by the character of Sergeant Preston and his dog, and attributes this to the influence of American media. They advocate for reclaiming and retelling Canadian stories with richness and depth, using the Klondike Gold Rush and figures like Sam Steele as examples of the exciting tales that can be shared. The speaker concludes by urging the audience to explore and share Canada's vibrant history to better understand the nation's identity and potential.

Takeaways

• 😀 Canadian history is often perceived as boring, but it's filled with exciting and important stories that define the nation's identity.
• 🌟 The power of storytelling is crucial for understanding our past, present, and future, and it's a skill that Canadians should embrace more.
• 🇺🇸 The United States has been influential in shaping the narrative around Canadian history, often portraying Canadians as less exciting than their own mythologized frontier stories.
• 📸 Eric Heg, a Swedish immigrant and photographer, played a significant role in creating the popular image of the Canadian Mountie and the Klondike Gold Rush through his iconic photographs.
• 📺 The rise of mass media and photography allowed for the widespread dissemination of images and stories, which helped to shape the mythology of the Klondike Gold Rush.
• 🎭 The long-form narrative drama, akin to the novel for our time, offers a new medium for telling historical stories in depth, which could be harnessed to bring Canadian history to life.
• 🚨 The Klondike series, produced by the United States, risks perpetuating the stereotype of Canadians as dull and law-abiding, rather than showcasing the rich and varied history.
• 🏰 The story of Sam Steele, a historical figure involved in significant events like the Red River Rebellion and the Klondike Gold Rush, is an example of the rich and under-told narratives in Canadian history.
• 📚 Pierre Berton's work, particularly 'Klondike,' is highlighted as a rich source of colorful characters and stories that could be better utilized in modern storytelling.
• 🗣️ The speaker calls for Canadians to reclaim their historical narratives, to explore and share the exciting and diverse stories that truly represent the nation's heritage.

Q & A

Why does the speaker believe Canadian history is important?

The speaker believes Canadian history is important because it is a living, exciting, and significant part of the past that shapes the present and future. It helps define who Canadians are, their capabilities, and where they can go next.

What does the speaker suggest Canadians can learn from Americans in terms of storytelling?

The speaker suggests that Canadians can learn from Americans' storytelling skills, particularly their ability to create myths and narratives that inspire and resonate with people, making history feel alive and important.

Why does the speaker think Canadian history is often perceived as boring?

The speaker thinks Canadian history is often perceived as boring due to a lack of compelling storytelling and a dominant image of Canada as steady, law-abiding, and unexciting, which was perpetuated by popular culture and media.

Who is Pierre Berton and why is he significant in the context of Canadian storytelling?

Pierre Berton was a renowned Canadian historian and writer known for his vivid storytelling about Canadian history. He is significant because his work brought color and life to historical events, making them engaging and accessible to the public.

What role did Sam Steele play during the Klondike Gold Rush according to the speaker?

Sam Steele was the head of the Northwest Mounted Police Detachment in the Klondike during the gold rush. He played a crucial role in maintaining order and preventing potential humanitarian disasters by enforcing regulations and providing guidance to the gold seekers.

Why does the speaker argue that the Klondike Gold Rush is a significant part of Canadian history?

The speaker argues that the Klondike Gold Rush is significant because it was a major event that attracted a large number of people and had global impact. It also showcased the role of the Northwest Mounted Police in managing the situation and preventing chaos.

What is the speaker's view on the portrayal of Canada and Canadians in popular culture?

The speaker views the portrayal of Canada and Canadians in popular culture as often stereotypical and dull, which does not reflect the rich and exciting stories that exist in Canadian history.

What does the speaker suggest as a solution to the underrepresentation of Canadian stories in media?

The speaker suggests that Canadians should take back the storytelling of their history and produce more content that accurately and engagingly represents their past, using modern mediums like long-form television dramas.

Why does the speaker criticize the new Klondike series being produced by Discovery Channel?

The speaker criticizes the new Klondike series for potentially missing the mark on Canadian history by focusing on American characters and perpetuating stereotypes, rather than exploring the rich and complex stories of the actual historical event.

What is the significance of Eric Heg's photographs according to the speaker?

Eric Heg's photographs are significant because they documented the Klondike Gold Rush in a way that had never been done before, capturing the reality and drama of the event, and contributing to the popular imagery and mythology surrounding it.

How does the speaker propose Canadians should engage with their history?

The speaker proposes that Canadians should engage with their history by finding and telling the stories that resonate with them, using various chapters of Canadian history as a source of inspiration and national identity.