What does it mean to be from the North?

The Great White North. What does it really mean to be from this great nation we call home? What is it that defines us as a country and as a population?

Some people would say it is our spirited sense of adventure. It is known, from patriotic beer commercials, to direct observation, Canadians are classically great adventurers and love to be outdoors. Activities such as ice skating, trekking, exploring our vast "backyard", canoeing, and skiing are but a few of the things that we love to do, and will continue to do.

Some say it's our peaceful and helpful nature. Though sometimes the butt end of a joke, we wouldn't have it any other way that we are known as one of the nicest people on the planet. Take, for example, the well reknown Canadian  peacekeeping missions that solidify our presence as a peaceful nation, or our friendly attitude to others (other than when on the ice rink, which I'm about to get to).

Many Canadians signify our identity with the sport of hockey. There is a sense of pride when we talk about the sport we invented, and a deep passion that surrounds it from sea to sea to sea. From the way Canada united during the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, to the thousands of backyard and community rinks that fill with hockey players, this sport has a deep-rooted integration in the Canadian culture.

Ultimately, there are countless ways to define what it means to be Canadian, and it is how they all work together to shape the ever changing definition. Our rich history of settlement, our ancient Native culture, our troops, doctors, teachers, politicians, entrepeneurs, athletes, and all in-between, work like gears to turn the wheel of Canadian identity.

Being Canadian is not one idea, it is many. But most of all it is what we as people define our country with our actions. Oh Canada indeed.

I think every Canadian should have a map of Canada in his or her house. It should be displayed in a place where one can sit and contemplate the wonderful vastness of this land. As Canadians we are continuously groping for an identity and a sense of love for our nation. We grapple with the concept, find it somewhat distasteful and leave it for another day. We find American flag waving, hand over heart while belting out Oh, say, can you see... too much and avoid doing the same. We admire their national spirit, but Canadians are, in contrast, understated. To understand the identity that exists in our hearts think of our sweepingly majestic home, its quiet, serene beauty. A beauty recognizable to us all. We are proud of this nation and of who we are. We just don't say it. It's like the map. It just sits there on the wall displaying the lines of our coasts, the bulk of our waterways, and the breadth of our northern territories. Surveying all of this leaves me in awe. It brings a tear to my eye...O Canada... (Debora O'Neil)

-North Of The Border

** Photo by www.istockphoto.com/shaunl