Phase Three: The Book

Symbols of Canada
by Michael Dawson (Author, Contributor), Catherine Gidney (Author, Contributor), Donald Wright (Author, Contributor)

From Timbits to totem totem poles, Canada is boiled down to its syrupy core in symbolic forms that are reproduced not only on t-shirts, television ads, and tattoos but in classrooms, museums, and courtrooms too. They can be found in every home and in every public space. They come in many forms, from objects—like the red-uniformed Mountie, the maple leaf, and the beaver—to concepts—like free healthcare, peacekeeping, and saying “eh?”.

But where did these symbols come from, what do they mean, and how have their meanings changed over time? Symbols of Canada gives us the real and surprising truth behind the most iconic Canadian symbols revealing their contentious and often contested histories.

With over 100 images, this book explores Canada’s true self while highlighting the unexpected twists and turns that have marked each symbol’s history.

Symbols of Canada is available for purchase at various outlets including: