The Great Hunger

In 1847 the Irish Famine drove shiploads of sick and starving men, women, and children to Canada’s shores.
Article / Settlement & Immigration
Jackie Kovacs, Editorial Director, Canada’s History magazine celebrates some incredible inventions made in Canada with guest host, Syd Smith. This segment aired February 7, 2025.
The roots of the drug addiction crisis in Vancouver's downtown Eastside stretch back to the opium dens of the nineteenth century and the heroin scene of the 1960s. Now, when thousands of people are dying of street drugs spiked with synthetic opioids, historian Dave Hazzan traces the origins of drug culture in Vancouver and other big Canadian cities.

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War at the Border

With Fenians massing on our country’s doorstep, it fell to an unlikely band of sharpshooting citizens in Quebec to defend Canada.

Montréal's Griffintown Reborn

Historic Irish neighbourhood is enjoying a renaissance.

The Irish Revolutionary who Became a Canadian Nationalist

Thomas D’Arcy McGee’s golden words helped to conjure Canada into existence — but his Irish revolutionary past came back to haunt him.

2024 Governor General's History Awards

Jo Anne Broders

Jo Anne Broders and her Grade 8 class embarked on a year-long journey to uncover and honour the history of a little-known Mi’kmaq cemetery in Gambo, Newfoundland and Labrador.

Wendell Nii Laryea Adjetey (Nii Laryea Osabu I, Atrékor Wé Oblahii kè Oblayéé Mantsè)

Cross-Border Cosmopolitans offers fresh insights into Black liberation movements in the twentieth century, focusing on the transnational efforts of Black North Americans of American, Caribbean, and Canadian descent.

Chinese Canadian Museum

The Chinese Canadian Museum is Canada’s first museum to honour the contributions, history, heritage, and the rich and diverse stories of past, present, and future Chinese Canadians.
The Governor General's History Awards

Celebrating the very best in Canadian achievements in the field of history and heritage.

View all the recipients, past and present

Latest Stories

Cash but Don’t Carry

A weighty 1950s-era cash register was used at a Northern store.

Saving Sweet & Sour

To halt the demolition of Toronto’s first Chinatown, restaurateurs found that the way to a politician’s heart is through his stomach.

A Nation’s Paper

Book review: All the essays in A Nation’s Paper have been published in the pages of the daily newspaper. Without exception, they’re concise, insightful, and easy reading.

My Grandfather’s Knife

Book review: An Edmonton-born historian traces the stories of five objects related to the Second World War, beginning with his grandfather’s knife.

Oh, Buona Vista!

Outdoor pageant regales audiences with stories and songs about Newfoundland and Labrador.

A Meeting of Minds

The Governor General’s History Awards celebrate Canadians who are contributing to this country’s story.
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Education

Teaching about Disability in Your Classroom

These activities and resources guide teachers on incorporating disability studies in their classrooms.

Reflecting on Historical Inquiry

This lesson will help students reflect on what they have learned throughout their inquiry project.

Preparing for Difficult Conversations

In this lesson, students will assess their knowledge of the Residential School system and the ongoing investigations related to students who died while attending Residential Schools.

Considering the Role of Media on Public Awareness of Residential Schools

This lesson encourages students to reflect on the role of the media and the impact of the “news cycle” on public awareness of current affairs.