Sunday, February 5, 2023

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.

54 comments:

  1. The maple leaf design of the dress is really special.

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  2. I'll have to suggest to Miriam she makes a dress like that!

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  3. I think your flag change was a good one. We still haven't managed to agree on a change to ours.

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  4. The dress is beautiful. Enjoy your day and have a great week!

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  5. Interesting to see the flag-suggestions.
    And all that was accomplished.
    Canada is never in our news, btw... is that good or bad?

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  6. Interesting. All countries have interesting histories of their national flags.

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  7. ...your flag is simple and fabulous!

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  8. Wow, that dress was a bit different.

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  9. Great artifacts! I think I like the dress, but I'm not sure!

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  10. women, are awesome. thank goodness they are strong and wish to stay to their beliefs and where they know they wish to head in the future. because of their ideas, interests, and determination we can go forward. have a great week/day. ( ;

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  11. They made a good choice of flag design.

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  12. Como mujer, me he fijado en el vestido. Demuestra el buen gusto de la diseñadora y es bastante elegante.

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  13. I love that dress with the maple leaves.

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  14. I well remember both the flag debate and Expo.

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  15. Great exhibit ~ especially of the dress with maple leaves and the flag ~ good photos too ~

    Wishing you good health, laughter and love in your days,
    A ShutterBug Explores,
    aka (A Creative Harbor)

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  16. I still think it's one of the most beautiful flags.

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  17. I always liked the Canadian flag.

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  18. Fun Ottawa video of the day:
    https://youtu.be/uzvAu0vgkzs

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  19. I do like the maple leaf design on that dress ...

    All the best Jan
    https://thelowcarbdiabetic.blogspot.com/

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  20. The flag debate was a huge discussion and it was political.

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  21. What a lovely gown -- people's creativity amazes me.

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  22. That maple leaf dress really is lovely! I love your maple leaves!

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