Canadiana & Historical Storytelling on the Web

In this episode of the History Slam, I talk with Adam Bunch and Kyle Cucco of of the outstanding web series Canadiana, which has its Season 3 debut on Tuesday June 28. We talk about the delays to season 3 caused by Covid (3:27), how they pick topics for the show (12:07), and the benefits of filming on location (17:40). We also chat about their partnership with Parks Canada (24:09), the two-part season premiere on piracy in Canada (30:40), and the audience for Canadian history online (39:08).

Find them on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Canadiana

Follow them on social media:

Twitter: @ThisisCanadiana

Instagram: @ThisisCanadiana

You can also support them on Patreon: patreon.com/thisiscanadiana

Back in the summer of 2017, a new web series was released on YouTube. Telling viewers that they were on the hunt for the “most incredible stories in Canadian history,” Canadiana was a new type of Youtube channel. A documentary-style series, Canadiana combines archival and secondary research with outstanding visual elements to provide audiences with wonderful storytelling. And while the first season was bootstrapped by its creators, through its success in finding a big audience they have been able to secure additional funding and partnerships to expand and improve what was already a quality show. This season, for instance, the series is partnering with Parks Canada to tell some little-known stories at various national parks and historic sites.

As I look forward to the premiere of Season 3, coming on Tuesday (June 28), its success is a reminder that there is an interest in history. Despite the regular claims of Canadian history being boring and the stark reality of declining enrolments in history departments across the country, when history is done well, people want to engage. Over the past five years, the word unprecedented has been used with alarming regularity in the press (seriously, Google ‘unprecedented’ and click news and you will inundated with stories), which is fair only if you ignore the precedents. The past isn’t always prologue and certainly the very idea of history is under attack in some places, but in this environment of uncertainty, there is an appetite to look to our past and it’s critical that quality historical content be there for people to consume.

Indigenous Voices, Resources, & Learning in Canadian Classrooms

In its final report, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission included several Calls to Action regarding education. One of these was to develop and implement learning resources for all students in Canada so that more Indigenous voices, perspectives, and approaches were included in provincial and territorial curricula. As we’ve seen, however, some efforts to do this have not gone well. Fortunately, with better resources being made available to teachers, so many of whom are exhausted from over two years of pandemic teaching, the situation is slowly improving.

One such resource for teachers is Resurgence, a new volume edited by Christine M’Lot and Katya Adamov Ferguson. Organized using the 4-Rs – Resistance, Resilience, Restoring, and Reconnecting – it includes poetry, art, and narratives from a diverse group of Indigenous artists and writers. The book also includes resources for teachers that range from discussion questions to strategies for introducing Indigenous learning into classrooms. With material that can be used across provincial and territorial curricula and implemented in classrooms from elementary through high school, Resurgence is a terrific addition to the available educational material. Even if you’re not in an educational environment, though, you’re very likely to find plenty in the book to not only keep you interested, but to also learn/discover something new.

In this episode of the History Slam, I talk with Christine M’Lot about the book. We discuss her education background and how that influenced the project (3:45), the 4-R framework and how the book is organized (8:15), and its ability to be used across educational systems (14:14). We also chat about the editors’ learning process (22:31), how audiences can approach the material and Indigenous learning (29:03), and the benefits of meaningfully incorporating Indigenous voices into classrooms (34:42).

Colonial Violence, National Myths, & the Lynching of Louie Sam

On February 24, 1884, Louie Sam, a Stó:lo teenager, was accused by an angry mob of starting a fire that killed James Bell, a shopkeeper in the settler community Nooksack, in what is now Whatcom County, Washington, which borders British Columbia. Without any evidence, the assembled mob determined that Sam was responsible and, despite him being arrested by Canadian authorities, crossed the border, took him by force, and hanged him. Nobody was ever arrested for Sam’s death, which simultaneously stands a rare documented lynching in Canada as well as a powerful example of the violence associated with colonialism.

Canadian mythology reinforces the idea that Canada was, and is, a ‘peaceable kingdom.’ Louie Sam’s case leads to the question of ‘peaceable for who?’ In 2006, Washington State legislators passed a motion expressing regret and their “deepest sympathies” to Sam’s descendants over the incident, which the CBC reported as being started by two white Americans “who stirred up the mob.”  Framing it as an American event ignores that the same colonial structures and racism shaped Indigenous-settler relationships on both sides of the border.

In his new book, Deadly Neighbours: A Tale of Colonialism, Cattle Feuds, Murder, and Vigilantes in the Far West. Chad Reimer explores the murder of Louie Sam, putting into a broader societal context and challenging the notion that it was a foreign event. In examining the wider colonial environment that surrounded the events of that February night, Reimer is able to provide tremendous depth to his analysis of the murder as well as how it can help us re-examine some of the main themes, narratives, and myths that have long shaped Canadian history.

In this episode of the History Slam, I talk with Chad Reimer about the book. We discuss the existing tensions in the region at the time of the murder and the way Canadians have long thought of colonialism (8:59) as well as the challenge of wading through colonial documents to try and find an accurate representation of what happened (11:55). We also chat about how the violence was about so much more than Louie Sam’s alleged crime (19:40), settlers being conscious of colonialism (25:45), and connecting local stories to broader national narratives (30:34).

Making of a Museum

In this episode, Sean Graham talks with Judith Nasby, former Director of the Macdonald Stewart Art Centre/Art Gallery of Guelph and author of The Making of a Museum. They discuss the gallery’s style (1:51), the challenges facing smaller museums (5:21), and how a dedicated space changed the gallery’s prospects (14:12). They then chat about the gallery’s relationship with the university (17:02), writing memoir as history (23:00), and what advice Judith would give to anyone wanting to work in museums (25:24).

For more, visit us at Activehistory.ca

Best of 2021

Before we put 2021 to bed later tonight, I wanted to look back at some of the great conversations we’ve had on the History Slam this year. The past 12 months have not been the easiest for anyone, but I’ve been so energized by the discussions, insights, and expertise that has been part of the show. So in this special edition, we re-visit a few of the great guests from 2021:

• Samantha Cutrara discusses the idea of ‘We’ in Canadian History (1:52)
• Shannon McConnell explains the decision to use poetry in telling a traumatic historical story (4:07)
• Rita Shelton Deverell talks about the power of national myths (5:48)
• Francesca D’Amico Cuthbert outlines her criteria for selecting road trip songs (11:08)
• Habiba Cooper Diallo describes the challenges of creating inclusive and welcoming environments in schools (16:14)
• Lynn Gehl chronicles her legal battle against the Indian Act (21:35)
• John Sandlos profiles the expansion of mining in Canada through the 20th century (24:50)

You can find the full catalogue of 197 episodes under the podcast tab or wherever you get your podcasts. Happy New Year and all the best for 2022!

History Podcaster Roundtable

In this episode of the History Slam, Sean Graham talks with three outstanding history podcasters to explore the past, present, and future of history podcasting. David Borys of Cool Canadian History, Kathy Kenzora of History of the 90s, and Craig Baird of Canadian History Ehx discuss the origins of their shows, telling historical stories in an audio format, and how they build relationships with their audiences. They also chat about how of them pick topics, the use of analytics, and what advice they might give any aspiring history podcasters.

Be sure to check out each of their shows wherever you get your podcasts!

For more great content, visit us at Activehistory.ca

Mining Country

In this episode of the History Slam, Sean Graham chats with John Sandlos, one of the co-authors of Mining Country: A History of Canada’s Mines and Miners. They talk about displacement and mining as part of the colonial project, the popular imagery associated with mining, and the how rural mining sites influence urban industries. They also discuss the environmental impact of mining, the industry’s treatment of workers, and the communities built around mines.

The Line Between Innovation & Cheating in Curling History

In this episode of the History Slam, Sean Graham talks with Game of Stones Podcast co-host Scott Graham about the fine line between innovation and cheating in curling. They talk about which innovations were deemed to be in violation of the ‘Spirit of Curling’, why others weren’t as controversial, and general resistance to new technology. They also chat about how things went from controversial to commonplace, the evolution of sweeping in curling, and what the next big innovation in the sport might be.

The Past & Present of Strathcona Park

In this episode of the History Slam, Sean Graham talk with Catherine Marie Gilbert, author of A Journey Back to Nature: A History of Strathcona National Park. They talk about the discovery of new photos of the park, how they were useful in writing the book, and the initial idea of Strathcona as ‘Banff West.’ They also chat about tourism as natural exploitation, the national resources in the park, and Strathcona (and parks in general) as part of Canada’s colonial project.

American Refugees

In this episode of the History Slam, Sean Graham talks with Rita Shelton Deverell about her new book American Refugees: Turning to Canada for Freedom. They discuss her personal story and its influence on the book, American immigration to Canada in the popular imagination, and what has traditionally drawn American immigrants to Canada. They also chat about racism in Canada and the United States, colonialism’s influence on perceptions of diversity, and the current state of Canadian-American relations.

Civilians at the Sharp End

In this episode of the History Slam, Sean Graham talks with David Borys, author of Civilians at the Sharp End: First Canadian Army Civil Affairs in Northwest Europe. They explore the military’s use of abbreviations, the evolution of civilian treatment by the military, and the colonial elements that influenced Civil Affairs in the Canadian military. They also discuss the circumstances in each country, the composition of the Civil Affairs branch, and David’s outstanding podcast Cool Canadian History, which is currently in its sixth season.

Imagining a New We

In this episode of the History Slam, Sean Graham talks with Samantha Cutrara, author of the new book Transforming the Canadian History Classroom: Imagining a New ‘We’. They discuss who constitutes the ‘we’ in Canadian history, the power of the nation state in historical narratives, and ensuring all people are reflected when telling stories of the past. They also talk about the book’s methodology, engaging people in classrooms and public spaces, and the principles of connection, complexity, and care when discussing history.

Samantha’s website: https://www.samanthacutrara.com/

Imagining a New We site: https://www.samanthacutrara.com/imagining-a-new-we

Jeannie’s Demise

In this episode of the History Slam, Sean Graham talks with Ian Radforth about Ian’s new book Jeannie’s Demise: Abortion on Trial in Victorian Toronto, which examines the murder trial following the 1875 death of Jeannie Gilmour, a young woman who had gone to Arthur and Alice Davis to have an abortion. They chat about crafting a narrative from the story, how the case was sensationalized by the press, and the Victorian idea of ‘Toronto the Good.’ They also talk about Arthur and Alice and how they advertised, Jeannie’s path to them, and how Jeannie’s story fits within the wider history of abortion in Canada.

Radical Housewives

In this episode of the History Slam, Sean Graham talks with Julie Guard about her book Radical Housewives: Price Wars and Food Politics in Mid-Twentieth Century Canada. They talk about the creation of the Housewives Consumer Association, who its members were, and what types of pressure they put on the government. We also discuss how public perception of them changed across the decades, the efficacy of political consumerism, and how these women’s stories can inform contemporary political discussions.

Capital Punishment, Murder, & Sexual Violence in Canada

In this episode of the History Slam, Sean Graham talks with Carolyn Strange about her book The Death Penalty and Sex Murder in Canadian History. They discuss her background studying criminal justice, the public’s influence in capital cases, and the concept of discretionary justice. They also chat about the number of capital cases in Canada, how reliable the sample size is, and whether capital punishment could re-emerge as a political issue.

Words Have a Past

In this episode of the History Slam, Sean Graham talks with Jane Griffith about the book Words Have a Past: The English Language, Colonialism, and the Newspapers of Indian Boarding Schools. They talk about why schools published newspapers, who the intended audiences were, and the information they did not include. They also discuss the power of language, colonial efforts towards linguicide, and the legacy of how language was policed in residential schools.

The Kissing Fence

In this episode of the History Slam, Sean Graham talks with Brian Thomas-Peter about his new book The Kissing Fence. They talk about his interviews with survivors, the legacy of internment within the local B.C. and Doukhobor communities, and the importance of telling difficult stories. They also talk about conveying forgotten stories through historical fiction, finding humanity in the past, and the damage caused by inter-generational trauma.

The Trials of Albert Stroebel

In this episode of the History Slam, Sean Graham talks with Chad Reimer about his new book The Trials of Albert Stroebel: Love, Murder, and Justice at the End of the Frontier. They talk about John Marshall’s path to Sumas Prairie, Albert Stroebel’s life, and the other key people in the story. They also talk about murder investigations in the late 19th century, the legal process in rural B.C. at the time, and how the case served as a significant precedent for the province.

Enemy Alien

In this episode of the History Slam, Sean Graham talks with Kassandra Luciuk about her new book Enemy Alien: A True Story of Life Behind Barbed Wire. They talk about the Ukrainian experience in Canada during the First World War, the legacy of the work camps, and her efforts to identify the author of the memoir on which the book is based. They also chat about confirming the memoir’s claims, the decision to write a graphic novel, and the challenges of funding.

Canadians and the Chinese Labour Corps in the First World War

In this episode of the History Slam, Sean Graham talks with Dan Black about his new book Harry Livingstone’s Forgotten Men: Canadians and the Chinese Labour Corps in the First World War. They talk about how he came to the story, why it hasn’t received a lot of attention, and the challenges of finding sources. They also chat about the men’s experiences in Canada, the government’s reasons for keeping it secret, and the acknowledging the diversity of Canada’s war experience.

The Making of the October Crisis

In this episode of the History Slam, Sean Graham talks with author/journalist D’Arcy Jenish about his book The Making of the October Crisis: Canada’s Long Nightmare of Terrorism at the Hands of the FLQ. We talk about his approach to the subject, the historical literature on the October Crisis, and the FLQ’s rise. We also talk about terrorism, the linguistic divide, and how the book connects past and present.

Firewater

In this episode of the History Slam, Sean Graham talks with Harold Johnson about his book Firewater: How Alcohol is Killing my People (And Yours). They talk about his motivation for writing the book, the “drunken Indian” stereotype, and how the criminal justice system deals with alcoholism. They also talk about trauma in Indigenous communities, reducing alcohol-related deaths, and how addressing these issues requires a communal approach.

Live at the Cellar

In this episode of the History Slam, Sean Graham talks with Marian Jago about her new book Live at the Cellar: Vancouver’s Iconic Jazz Scene in the 1950s and ’60s. They talk about Canada’s jazz scene, the co-operative structure of the Cellar, and the type of performers who played at the club. They also chat about clubs in other cities, the counterculture movement of the mid-20th century, and Marian’s use of oral history.

Reconsidering Confederation

In this episode of the History Slam, Sean Graham talks with Daniel Heidt, editor of the new book Reconsidering Confederation: Canada’s Founding Debates, 1864-1999. They talk about the Confederation Debates project, the team he assembled, and approaches to understanding Confederation. They also chat about Canada as a political entity, concepts of Canadian identity, and what an examination of Confederation tells us about contemporary Canada.

Pierre Trudeau, the Constant Liberal

In this episode of the History Slam, Sean Graham talks with Christo Aivalis about his new book The Constant Liberal: Pierre Trudeau, Organized Labour, the Canadian Social Democratic Left. They talk about the renewed interest in Pierre Trudeau, the difference between Liberal and liberal in Canadian political parlance, and Pierre’s social policies. They also get into Canada’s economic structure, Pierre’s policies, and whether the electorate supports leftist reforms.

From Left to Right

In this episode of the podcast, Sean Graham talks with Brian Thorn about his book From Left to Right: Maternalism and Women’s Political Activism in Postwar Canada. They talk about the book’s origins, the nature of women’s activism on both the left and right of the political spectrum, and the issues supported by those on both sides. They also talk about women’s participation in the political process and the book’s connection to the current events.

Reviewing the New Canada Hall at the Canadian Museum of History

In this episode of the History Slam, podcast Hall of Famers Aaron Boyes and Madeleine Kloske join Sean Graham as they walk through the new Canada Hall at the Canadian Museum of History. They give their thoughts before they head into the exhibit, break down each of the sections as they walk through, and even play one of the new interactive games. They then sit down following the visit and give their thoughts on the exhibit as a whole, its strengths and weaknesses, and give their grades for the revamped Canada Hall.

History Five Years Later

In this episode of the History Slam, Sean Graham talks with the podcast’s most frequent (starting with the never released pilot episode) guest Aaron Boyes. They talk about the podcast’s origins, how history has changed over the past five years, and the adoption of digital tools by historians. They also talk about the job market for historians and the pros and cons of doing a PhD in history. As an added bonus, they talk with Megan Reilly-Boyes about the benefits and challenges of doing history in the 21st century.

Historica Canada and Heritage Minutes Contest

In this episode of the History Slam, Sean Graham chats with Bronwyn Graves, Education Manager for Historica Canada. They chat about the Heritage Minutes contest, Historica Canada’s role in promoting history, and the challenges of getting students interested in history.

Canadian Mysteries

In this episode of the History Slam, Sean Graham talks with co-directors of the Canadian Mysteries project, John Lutz and Ruth Sandwell. They talk about how they put together the mysteries, the site’s audience, and the Franklin Exhibition.

Canada’s Cross-Country Train

This episode of the History Slam features Sean Graham’s conversations with people he met while taking the train from Vancouver to Toronto. Given its popularity as a tourist attraction, he was able to talk with folks from around the world and across Canada. Starting just west of Edmonton, he talked with 12 people as we crossed the country, concluding as we sat just north of Sudbury.

Prime Minister Fantasy Draft

Canada has had twenty-two people serve as Prime Minister and in this podcast Aaron Boyes, Patrick Fournier, Mike Thompson, and Sean Graham sit down and each draft teams of four.

Anti-Americanism in Canada

In this episode of the podcast, Sean Graham chats with Aaron Boyes about anti-Americanism in Canada. They talk about anti-Americanism as a founding principle of the country, the use of anti-Americanism in Canadian politics, and try to identify some the American most disliked by Canadians.

Ottawa’s Haunted Walk

With Halloween just around the corner the History Slam decided to get into the spirit and explore the world of ghost tours! In the first half of the podcast Sean Graham chats with Jim Dean of Ottawa’s Haunted Walk about how they put together their stories and the importance of historical accuracy. In the second half, Sean sits down with one of the tour guides, Denis Lamoureux, and talk about how history is incorporated into the tours.

[audio https://media.blubrry.com/history_slam/activehistory.ca/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/Haunted-Walk-Edited.mp3}

John Resch on the American Perspective on the War of 1812

The History Slam has gone international! In this edition I chat with John Resch of the University of New Hampshire – Manchester and get the American perspective of the War of 1812. So while people across the country commemorate the Canadian point of view of the war, Professor Resch describes how the Americans feel about the conflict. We talk about the American desire to obtain Canada, national sovereignty, and William Henry Harrison even makes a cameo!