DRAFT: FOR DISCUSSION PURPOSES ONLY

What Makes a Canadian a CANADIAN?

 

There is much more to being a Canadian than being born within our borders or choosing to become one.

 

 

The Canadian National Spiritual Culture

(21 Attributes)

Our Canadian Spiritual Culture values and respects our:

1. Belief in God
2. Harmony with Nature
3. Physical and Spiritual Existence
4. Individual Independence & Freedom
5. Pursuit of Equality of each Soul
6. Determination, Perseverance and Patience
7. Artistic Endeavor
8.  Competitive Spirit
9. Industrious Spirit
10. Compassionate Spirit
11. Generous Spirit
12. Honesty and Integrity
13. Responsible Spirit
14. Family Loyalty
15. Peaceful Co-Existence
16. Bilingual Heritage
17. Democracy
18. Rule of Law
19. Diversity of Community Cultures
20. Religious Diversity
21. Loyalty to Canada

 

Preamble

The world respects the diversity of over 1000 spiritual cultures that peacefully co-exist within Canada. This Spiritual Heritage can be traced back to pre-European times, when cultures evolved in the disparate environments existing within our borders. Peoples traded with each other and shared some customs, but everyone respected that decisions about the way they thought and lived had to be made by the local communities.

In fact, people have always respected spiritual cultural traditions of other Canadians, but few understand all the Spiritual Heritage, Values and Traditions shared as our National Canadian Spiritual Culture that flows out during national crises and victories. National awareness of these twenty one building blocks of our Canadian Spiritual Culture may help us to make progress through this present century.

Many Canadians sense that our Charter of Rights and Freedoms is a valuable aspect of Canadian Culture, but they also feel it is functioning without parameters or guidelines that will protect our Canadian Heritage and Values. Canadians feel that giving rights and freedoms without respect and responsibility to protect our National Culture is a serious constitutional omission. In response to this, the Canadian Federalist Party (Virtual) has drafted a prototype Canadian Declaration of Spiritual Heritage, Responsibilities and Values, which is found at:

www.canadianfederalistparty.com .  

 

 

1. Belief in God

Not only is God regarded as our supreme authority in our Canadian Constitution, but our ancestors lived in deep respect and worship of The Creator. Thus God is an integral spiritual reality for Canadians. Our Canadian Spiritual Culture values and respects Belief in God.  

2. Harmony with Nature

People have inhabited our country for over 10,000 years. How they learned to survive here in our vast array of geography and climate is our Canadian Heritage. Until the Europeans arrived in the 16th century, our country comprised 3 to 4 million people who had learned how to co-exist and thrive from coast to coast to coast. Our ancestors produced a national culture of relatively harmonious existence with our environment and with each other. The diversity of their communities and their lifestyles was respected and admired from the earliest explorers to the present day. Our Canadian Spiritual Culture values and respects Harmony with Nature.

3. Our Spiritual and Physical Existence

Canada’s ancestors were just as intelligent as our present generations and they pursued self-education and self-awareness by striving to survive and enjoy raising families in a generous but unforgiving environment. They recognized all sorts of patterns in nature and in the lives of the other living creatures. They saw that living creatures and people lost something when they died and thus they were aware that life contains a spiritual nature. They also recognized the spiritual reality of all living things. When missionaries brought knowledge of Jesus Christ to them, their faith in God was not diminished and their spiritual beliefs were not compromised as the Bible constantly stresses the importance of our spiritual reality in this world and the next. European settlers and immigrants from around the world brought different understandings of their own beliefs, but almost all brought with them a spiritual recognizance that is imbued in Canadian culture. Our Canadian Spiritual Culture values and respects both our Spiritual and Physical Natures.

4. Individual Independence and Freedom

Many of Canada’s provincial boundaries are much larger than most countries in the world. Our National Culture has absorbed this freedom to move about over vast distances. When we return from other nations, we immediately sense the joy of being able to freely roam as we please. Even though our sense of community imposes self-control, Canadians will never relinquish our Physical and Spiritual Freedom. This sense of Independent Freedom to explore the physical and spiritual world is deep within the soul of our culture. Our Canadian Spiritual Culture values and respects Individual Independence & Freedom.

5. Equality of Souls

As our environment can be harsh to humans, Canadians have learned that every individual is responsible to contribute to the well-being of each community. We respect each other and co-operate to survive in our harsh climate. Thus everyone must be treated equally as we need the best from everyone. Even in present times, storms and floods may arrive and destroy; however, Canadians immediately strive to help restore the equality of life for the dispossessed. Our Canadian Spiritual Culture values and respects Equality of each Soul.

6. Determination, Perceverance and Patience

Living in this land often requires great Determination, Perseverance and Patience. Enduring long journeys, overcoming great obstacles and waiting for crops to mature has produced admirable survival and exploration character traits in our citizens. We originated from great hunters, fishermen, gatherers and cooks. The imbedded character traits of these skills must be practiced by all Canadians if we are to remain stewards of our environment and nurturers of families in this domain. Our Canadian Spiritual Culture values and respects Determination, Perseverance and Patience.

7. Artistic Endeavor

Art poured out of the earliest inhabitants of Canada who expressed their sense of the beauty of our land and its living creatures on stone, in stone and in wood carving. Their clothing, body paintings and music were beautiful artistic expressions. More art forms were adopted with each new group of settlers. This artistic nature is intrinsic to Canadian Culture and it often expresses itself as a reflection of the grand stature of our geographic features. Our Canadian Spiritual Culture values and respects Artistic Endeavour.

8. Competitive Spirit

There is an abundance of living creatures in Canada who our forefathers studied and learned from. The competition for food and habitat could not be over looked. Thus we acquired a Competitive Spirit that challenged us to become strong and clever peoples. New Canadians often don’t understand why Lacrosse and hockey are so important to Canadians. Lacrosse was a favourite sport for centuries before the Europeans arrived. Hockey brought competition and joy to our spirits in the dead of winter. It draws us away from the temptations of idleness, lethargy and hibernation and enables us to overcome our fear of nature. Canadians learn that winter can be loved just as much as the other three seasons.

Note: (For those who judge the professional sport of hockey, they should be aware that the professional version of hockey is an aberration of the game. It has been modified for entertainment rather than participation, which appeals to the baser natures of humanity. The game played on frozen ponds and on neighbourhood rinks and roadways produces incredible results in our youth in regards to positive Canadian character, physical and mental development.)

Competitiveness is an integral element of our Canadian Heritage. Competition with nature and other peoples is a source of adventure, learning and personal development. It builds self-esteem, confidence, initiative, strength, resilience and fortitude throughout our National Culture. Our Canadian Spiritual Culture values and respects a Competitive Spirit.

9. Industrious Spirit

Our vast country spreads its resources all over. Thus it is crucial that Canadians trade, share and produce for each other’s benefit, never mind supply other nations. It is impossible to survive in Canada without storing up extra necessities. Our distinct four seasons don’t allow for us to live on a day to day basis. We must think ahead and plan our futures. Our Canadian Spiritual Culture values and respects an Industrious Spirit.

10. Compassionate Spirit

Living in a country with extremes of weather and geography can harm all kinds of living creatures, including humans. When Canadians see suffering or injury we experience a compassionate spirit and act accordingly to provide help. Our Canadian Spiritual Culture values and respects a Compassionate Spirit.

11. Generous Spirit

The abundance we can produce in the areas we live is usually more than we need for our own use. Thus, Canadians have always been generous in helping others who haven’t been able to meet their own needs. This aspect of our culture led Canada to introduce a wide range of “social-safety-nets” ahead of most other nations. As long as Canadians demonstrate our Canadian Cultural Attributes, we will be able to remain a Generous Society. Our Canadian Spiritual Culture values and respects a Generous Spirit.

12. Honesty and Integrity

Even though Canadians have thousands of laws to protect commercial enterprise, we often rely upon verbal agreements and Honesty in our transactions and commitments to each other. Combined with other positive traits there is a reliable Integrity in our spirit to fulfill obligations we have made to others. Canadians understand that Truth becomes meaningful only when we mutually understand Honest Intentions with others. Our Canadian Spiritual Culture values and respects Honesty and Integrity.

13. Responsible Spirit

Canadians feel that we should be individually “Responsible” for our actions in spite of the “RIGHTS” we have provided for our citizens. For example, our teenagers are not entitled to the car keys unless they have demonstrated they can behave and drive in a responsible manner. Rights are earned by demonstrating responsibility. Canada’s Charter of Rights and Freedoms is most certainly and admirable attempt by Canadians to act in a noble manner towards all citizens, but it is dangerously naked without a covering of Canadian Responsibilities. Rights and Freedoms must be earned by adopting and reflecting our national cultural values. Without this broad awareness and understanding, unique minority values and interests can easily dilute and even pollute the Canadian National Culture.

Canadians recognize that a “Responsible Spirit” has been a major influence upon Canada’s growth and development. When Canadians are given jobs to do they accept responsibility to perform as best they can. Thus, responsibility to others is an integral element of our National Culture. We also accept full responsibility for our own actions and behaviours. We accept the full consequences of our actions and behaviours and do not carelessly blame others for unfortunate outcomes. Our Canadian Spiritual Culture values and respects a Responsible Spirit.

14. Family Loyalty

Our family members are of utmost importance to our Canadian Culture. Canadians belong to the broader Canadian Spiritual Family, which expresses itself in this document, but it is our genetic families that form our basic social units of Canadian Culture. Canadians hold loyalty to family members as a sacred trust and we will provide a protective envelope over our families. Our Canadian Spiritual Culture values and respects Family Loyalty.

15. Peaceful Co-Existence

Canadian individuals, families and communities voluntarily agree to a spirit of peaceful co-existence with each other. We extend helping hands to each other when suitable, and will avoid unwarranted intrusive acts and behaviours. Our Canadian Spiritual Culture values and respects Peaceful Co-Existence.

16. Bilingual Heritage

Canada’s Multi-Cultural Heritage includes people with over 100 native languages.  A fundamental element in the creation of our present country is the institution of English and French as the languages of our government and judiciary. If possible, and to enrich our National Culture, every Canadian should endeavor to learn one or both of these official languages. Canadians respect each other’s right to pass other linguistic cultural traditions to their descendants and those people also respect in the spirit of co-existence that their public communications should not exclude one of the official languages. Our Canadian Spiritual Culture values and respects our Bilingual Heritage.

17. Democracy

A more recent factor in the formation of the National Culture has been our parliamentary government institutions. Such things did not exist within our original communities, but as we gained greater access to the breadth of our nation, and as we began to intermix our communities, these institutions began to mold other attributes into our culture.

Our Canadian Spiritual Culture is entrenched within our Democracy and our Democracy assures that every Canadian has the Right to vote for our political leadership. From the council lodges of our cultural ancestors to the chambers of government, dialogue and service to others is essential to our Culture. Canadians value and respect that “majority rule” is a fundamental property of our Democracy; however the fundamental values of our Canadian Spiritual Culture must supersede majority political decisions within our country.
With the proposed Canadian Constitutional Amendment of July 1, 2017, under God, Canada’s Governor General and the Senate are responsible for the protection and development of Canada’s Spiritual Culture. All laws passed by our Federal Parliament and all other political agencies must not contradict the Attributes or Intentions of our Canadian Spiritual Culture.
Our Canadian Spiritual Culture values and respects Democracy.

18. Rule of Law

Canada’s Common Law legal system is founded upon the concept of being “Innocent Until Proven Guilty”. This is a powerful protection for our cultural insistence upon our personal freedom. It puts the onus upon accusers to discover evidence of wrong doing before Canadians are judged by their peers. The fact that our laws are made by parliament justifies the concept that the majority choice laws will be acceptable as an attribute of our culture.

Canada’s Civil Law system comprises thousands of laws and regulations encompassing almost every aspect of Canadian life within and even outside our country. Heretofore, it has been almost impossible for Canadians to ensure they act or behave within the constraints of our legal institutions. However, with this present straightforward framework of our Canadian Spiritual Culture, it should make it easier to understand when one may be protected or is contradicting our legal institutions. The “Rule of Law” is most definitely an integral element of Canadian culture.

Our Canadian Spiritual Culture values and respects The Rule of Law.

19. Diversity of Community Cultures

As people escaped to Canada from oppressive regimes and impoverished conditions, they adopted the Cultural Values of the Canadians they came in contact with. Many retained the better elements of their previous cultures and adapted to the harmonious reality of life in Canada. Canadians integrate their new Heritage Cultures and community traditions with our common Canadian National Culture. In this way, our Canadian Culture has retained its core values and expanded our cultural identity. Our Canadian Spiritual Culture evolves through Diversity of Community Cultures.

20. Religious Diversity

Canadians who enjoy becoming intimate with our natural environment quickly sense the mystic animism practiced by our ancient forefathers living off the land and its resources. During the past 500 years, settlers introduced religions from around the world and followed their beliefs to present times.

Many conflicts arose between these religious communities, but common sense eventually prevailed and we applied our Canadian Cultural Imperatives to find ways to understand and not fear each other. This state of inter-faith respect emerges out of our Canadian spiritual nature and purpose to prepare ourselves in this life for our Eternal Spiritual Existence.

(One might expect greater secularization of our institutions over time, but an example of recent evolution in our Heritage and Culture is the removal of Christian influences within our public schools and the installment of Muslim influences based upon the somewhat open legal ramifications of our Charter of Rights and Freedoms.)
Our Canadian Spiritual Culture values and respects Religious Diversity.

21. Loyalty to Canada

Although it is basic to our National Spiritual Culture that we respect all of humanity, the values governing societies often oppose our Canadian Values. We willingly accept our stewardship responsibilities for our country and Canadians are always ready to defend our country and its values.

As present generations include peoples with heritage and loyalties to former birthplaces, Canadians respect dual citizenship and personal support for original nationalities. Nevertheless, it is also expected that Canadian citizens’ loyalty to Canada is absolute and unconditional with respect to political affairs. Aside from recognized humanitarian services, foreign involvement in political matters without official Canadian authorization could produce grounds for retraction of one’s Canadian citizenship.

Our Canadian Spiritual Culture vales and respects Loyalty to Canada.

Respectful comments from Canadians regarding our cultural growth and development are most welcome.

May God Bless Canada!

Jim Reid Founder: CFP- Canadian Federalist Party

P.S. I will share a personal philosophical meditation I once had after several years of historical, religious and philosophical studies:
“If God doesn’t exist, life is a bad joke, but if God does exist, life has meaning and purpose. I choose to live with meaning and purpose.”

Thanks for reading this essay.