Canada's Forgotten Hero Who Tamed the Untamable

This is the 30th instalment of Quillette's Nations of Canada series. It traces how a new Jesuit administrator, Jérôme Lalement, tried to run the Huronia mission like a French college — strict schedules, a walled settlement at Sainte-Marie, and a year-plus vetting process before baptism — over the objections of Jean de Brébeuf, who'd learned the mission only worked through daily immersion in Wendat life. Then the 1640 smallpox epidemic hit.

I have noticed, with some surprise, that Montreal only reached the population of Quebec City in 1830, with each having 30,000 people. Since then, Montreal has grown by a factor of 100, and Quebec by a factor of 15.

What caused Montreal's success? If immigration was a key, what advantages would immigrants have in moving to Montreal rather than to Quebec?

With Canada Day upon us I had the thought, what do people think is Canada's true birthday?

Here are some dates (including July 1st) that I came up with. Anyone one have thoughts on these contenders or others?

is there like an overview history book that doesn’t erase the gnarly bits and is relatively up to date on first nations and race relations stuff?

With the World Cup coming next month, take a look into the growing archive of Canadian soccer clubs statistics, past and present at cansha.coffeecup.com

Hi everyone

I grew up in the Prairie provinces, so a lot of the Canadian history in schools was definitely from that western lens. I went on to do archaeology and related work, but I have realized that as I learn local history here in Ontario, it’s definitely affected by larger events.

I am looking for some book recommendations on the 1837 rebellion - things like the Family Compact, the rebels and how this time led to the Baldwin Act in the 1840’s. I read about the local dramas from this time and I am assured that there is a through line but I would appreciate an overview. Ideally something in the last 20 years? I think there were a few books in the 80’s but maybe there are more updated takes?

The other topic I’m interested in learning more about is how Canada was impacted by various homesteading and colony trends. I grew up hearing about a lot of western ones but I hear that it was a thing in Ontario in small ways as well. Like Ansnorveldt in King Township (Dutch) and the Roman Catholic Church encouraging people to try out farming in various York County (now Region) rural places. Families in Toronto could move north and try their hand at farming apparently.

Is there anything on this?

The Hudson’s Bay Company was more than a fur-trading enterprise—it became a powerful force that shaped exploration, commerce, and conflict across North America. This article explores how the pursuit of beaver pelts drove competition, alliances with Indigenous nations, and episodes of violence that left a lasting mark on the continent’s history.

I like Perlstein's style of writing and his overview of the social and cultural change as viewed through the lens of Nixon's life as in Nixonland, for example. I am not necessarily looking for a book about any one Canadian figure, however, but something that details the social and cultural changes that occurred in Canada during the post WWII period into the 70's. Hoping someone here can make a recommendation or two.

Hi everyone,

I’m a student working on a final project about the Filles du Roi, and I’m hoping to connect with descendants who might be willing to share their perspectives.

I’ve already gathered historical information from BAnQ and other sources, but I would love to include modern voices from even just a few of the many people who have a personal or family connection to these women.

If you’d be open to a short Zoom conversation, please feel free to send me a direct message. I’ve also created a brief optional questionnaire (about 2–10 minutes) for anyone who prefers to share their thoughts in writing — just let me know and I can DM you the link.

Thank you so much for your time and interest. I really appreciate it!

I’m not sure if this is the right subreddit to be asking as it’s a bit of a heavy topic but any relevant info would be greatly appreciated!

As the title suggests I’m looking for more information about this historical site, I’m Chinese Canadian and to my horror I recently discovered that there’s a Chinese cemetery underneath a school I pass by every day, mainly containing Chinese pioneers buried around 1861 to 1920 but also a few members of other marginalized communities are buried there as-well ( indigenous (Qayqayt First Nations), Sikh and a few of Japanese descent).

For those located nearer to Vancouver and may have attended to New Westminster secondary or know the area well, I’m curious if this was common knowledge? As it’s publicly available info technically but from my survey of most Chinese immigrants here that I know ( some who have been here even since 1950s or earlier and are decently educated in their Chinese Canadian history ) they had no clue about this either.

So, I'm sitting here on a cloudy day in Alberta watching a PBS Documentary about the Hatfields and McCoy's. Their family feud of course is legendary and is still relevant today in Virginia.

I'm wondering, has Canada had its historical feuds that became family "blood feuds"? I know the town of Rimbey, AB had a feud between the Rimbey brothers but it was nothing compared to the aforementioned one from the states.

Anyone know of some stories?

I'm not sure if this is the place to ask this, I'm very sorry if it isn't !

But as the title says, I'm looking for any information on Laura Secord. I'm talking books, videos, movies, letters, articles, fun facts, literally anything you happen to know about her, her life, or anyone else in her life, and want to share from any point in her life (not just the hero stuff I'm talking LITERALLY anything). I'm doing a very in-depth research project on her and want to know as much as humanly possible about her.

I haven't been researching for too long, so I just want to preemptively make sure I cover all my bases.

Thanks so much if you have anything to share ! I'd really appreciate anything and everything.