Canadian Institute for Historical Education
@CdnInst4HistEd
The CIHE is a non-partisan, not-for-profit research organization dedicated to promoting historical literacy and civic understanding in Canada.
At the Canadian Institute for Historical Education, our mission is to foster thoughtful, informed discussion about Canada’s history — in all its colour, complexity, context, and humanity. We welcome diverse opinions, but we also believe every discussion should be rooted in…
Alexander Mackenzie was a young Scotsman working in the fur trade for the North West Company. He was stationed in Northern Alberta when his adventurous spirit compelled him to find a water route to the Pacific. His first attempt, in 1789, was unsuccessful when he followed what…
History doesn't happen on its own. It needs to be researched, written and preserved. We are a non-partisan, not-for-profit research organization that relies on public support. We welcome any donation, large or small at buff.ly/l9WLeNW
It's important to not judge historical figures by today's moral standards. Academics call this behaviour "presentism".
📍 July 18, 1873 A telegram leaked to the press shook the foundations of Canadian politics: “I must have another ten thousand.” The Pacific Scandal broke wide open, forcing Sir John A. Macdonald to resign. It was Canada’s first major test of political accountability—and a…
Did you know❓ Egerton Ryerson created Ontario’s first teacher training school—the Normal School—to raise the standard of public education. Though praised for this innovation, Ryerson’s 1847 recommendations for industrial schools were later tied to the residential school system.…
The Truth About Macdonald and Residential Schools ⚠️ The claim: Sir John A. Macdonald created the residential school system and is solely to blame for its harms. 📜 The truth is more complex. ✅ Yes, in 1883, Macdonald’s government authorized the creation of a federally…
Our connection to history defines our identity. History teacher JDM Stewart explains why understanding our past is essential to our national consciousness. #HistoryMatters #Canada"
Why is Canadian history disappearing from our schools? 🏫 Patrice Dutil reveals how our curriculum is erasing our national stories and what it means for our culture. 📚🇨🇦 #HistoryMatters #CanadianStories"
Did you know❓ Egerton Ryerson championed free, public education for all—introducing the idea of “common schools” in Upper Canada. But his 1847 recommendations for industrial schools later influenced the residential school system. His legacy is both foundational and…
🌲 On this day, July 8, 1917, Tom Thompson — one of Canada’s most celebrated artists — died under mysterious circumstances on Canoe Lake. A self-taught painter who, along with other members of the Group of Seven, captured the wild beauty of the Canadian Shield leaving behind…
Many accuse Sir John A. Macdonald of being a racist. But historians say a better term is ethnocentrist. What’s the difference? A racist believes certain races are inherently superior or inferior, and that racial identity determines one’s value or rights. 🌍 An ethnocentrist…
At 8:10 minutes of @TheHubCanada interview, @davidfrum discusses the importance of Canada reclaiming its history. youtu.be/O1FT7AqYJ0M?si…
Listen to @DavidFrum discuss how Canada's settler colonial past shaped its national identity and the controversy surrounding it today. Unpack the nuanced history and its impact. #ContextMatters #ColonialLegacy #CanadaHistory
Read Dan Gardner's excellent Substack post entitled "Who Are We?" which argues that modern democracies need civic nationalism. And national stories. buff.ly/NhWF4lQ
What is the moral alternative to settler colonialism? Can we reimagine the world's historical paths? Discover these challenging questions a discussion from @davidfrum. #ColonialHistory #ContextMatters #CanadianHistory
Every June 6th, Canadians gather in Kingston at the gravesite of our first Prime Minister to reflect on his legacy. This year, author and historian Roy MacSkimming delivered a powerful address titled “Reconciling with Sir John A. Macdonald,” urging us to approach our past with…
Did you know that today is not just Canada Day, it's the day that Prince Edward Island became Canada’s 7th province! After sitting out the original Confederation of 1867, PEI officially joined the Dominion of Canada on this day in 1873.
