History Has Made Us Friends

This evening dress was made by Marjorie Gehl, the daughter of a Canadian diplomat, as her centennial project, worn to diplomatic functions during the centennial year of 1967. She sewed maple leaf designs into the fabric. Now it is here.

The preceding years had seen much debate about a distinctive Canadian flag. The unofficial flag had long been the Red Ensign. Eventually after much debate back and forth, the flag we have today became the country's official flag.

1200 different designs, as noted at left. Imagine being on the committee going through all that. At right, Prime Minister Lester Pearson meeting with supporters.

The centennial year was a big one for Canada, with Expo 67 hosted by Montreal. The photograph of Parliament Hill dominating this wall was taken on July 1st, 1967.

Sporting and cultural heroes are seen here. Northern Dancer was a Canadian horse that won the Kentucky Derby. Glenn Gould was one of the greatest classical musicians to ever live; a pair of his gloves and one of his caps are included. And Canadian skier Nancy Greene is also seen.

Two quotes by two different leaders sum up our relationship with our southern neighbour. John F. Kennedy's remark is an eloquent one. Pierre Trudeau's comparison is a humorous one.

This period also saw great change for women in the workplace.

The Museum ends its formal collection with a series of themes. The first is that of indigenous peoples, and the great dark stain of Canadian history: the residential schools. Federal governments starting with the Macdonald administration sought to assimilate the indigenous population, as opposed to what had been done before by the British- accommodation through treaties. The residential school program was the result, and one of the worst things we have ever done.