Hello Bloggers,

I found a video about Canadian History with the Canadian hockey song!

Go here to check it out!

Assignment #10

My History teacher, Mrs Pollock gave us (her students) an assignment to do about the, Chinese railway workers who built the, Canadian Pacific Railway. On this assignment, Mrs Pollock asked us to put our selves in the Chinese railway workers shoes, and write a diary or an entry about them. I decided to write a entry on a worker named, Cheng Foo.

CHENG FOO's point of view.

It was the year 1881 that I got to escape the poverty that China had. Unfortunately, I did not know that I was going to be taking myself into a worse environment. I was a fishermen back in China with a wife and two sons. When I was taken to Canada, I did not know the bad condition I would have to face. The food that was being given to me and the other railway workers was, one meal a day and very little water. I had even sent a note to my wife saying that, ten men were working had died all ready because of the low vitamins we were receiving. I was working with other Chinese men to build a Canadian railway, to connect Canada from the east coast to the west coast.
We had to build bridges over steep gorges, using a dynamite to fire through solid mountains, and blow up boulders to make way for the railway tracks. For this reason, I had lost my left arm. When I reported this to the Canadians, they had told me to keep working and one arm will not effect me. After one month, I found myself awake in a white room. I started to get up, but before I had a chance to open the door, a nurse came walking in. With no knowledge in English, I started to shake my hand back and forth, trying to indicate that I did not know where I was. She pointed to a needle in her hand and I immediately recognized that it was a hospital. After two weeks, I started to feel even worse. I wrote a letter to my family, telling them that I love them and I hope to see them one last time. The next day I was not able to move. I knew that it was my last day before my death. I closed my eyes feeling nothing but the last beat of my heart.


Cheng Foo went through a hard time in his life. I just want to say that, the people who say their was never any slavery in Canada should read this entry, and here are some websites you could visit if you need help getting started:

www.ccnc.ca
www.collectionscanada.gc.ca
www.wikipedia.org

Assignment #8

Hey my fellow bloggers! My History teacher, Mrs. Pollock, decided to give us an assignment about Louis Riel. In this assignment, Mrs. Pollock asked us (students) to make up an imaginary interview with Louis Riel. I Hope you guys will enjoy reading mine!

Fatema: Good morning everybody and welcome to the, History Fatema Show!

(Audience claps)

Fatema: For today's show, their will be a huge surprise. Today, I will be interviewing a Canadian hero. This man is a Canadian Politician. He is the founder of the province, Manitoba, and the leader of the Metes people of the Canadian prairies. This man, whether he is a father of confederation or a traitor, he will always be the most controversial figure in the history of Canada. Everybody, please give a warm welcome to, Louis Riel!

(audience stands on their feet and clap, while Louis enters the stage)

Fatema: Good morning Louis Riel ( Fatema shakes Louis Riel's hand)

(Audience, Louis, and Fatema sit in their chairs)

Louis Riel: Good morning to you too and to our great audience.

(Audience claps then stops)

Fatema: I am so happy to have you here, on my very stage.

Louis Riel: Well, Thank you. I am happy to be here.

Fatema: Louis, I am very excited to have you here and, I also have some questions I would like to ask you.

Louis Riel: I will be honored to answer your questions.

Fatema: Well, thank you. My first question is, at one time, Alexandre-Antonin Tache, who is a priest, had wanted you to join him and become a priest as well. Why did you abandon that idea?

Louis Riel: I believe, at that time, my father past away and, I needed to provide for my family. I didn't think becoming a priest will help me or my family so, I decided to become a law- office clerk in, 1865.

Fatema: OK. Well, great answer. On November of 1869, you decided to write a, List of Rights, preceding the entry of Manitoba into confederation. What were some of the rights you wrote down and, why did you choose to write this list?

Louis Riel: Wow! Um, that was a long time ago but, I believe some of the things I wrote down was having the right to elect, English and French should be used by the government,
all documents and acts should be written in French, um...have a fair representation of the Parliament, and have transfer be respected. To be honest, I believe their was more, it's just it's been a long time since, 1869.

Fatema: I believe you and, that's ok. Were just glad that you could make it here. Right guys?( Audience chants, yes)

Fatema: Louis, at one point, you established a provisional government. Why?

Louis Riel: It was a response to pressures from the United States for Red River to become part of the Union and, that payed off because later on, after I fought with the United States, I helped bring Manitoba into confederation with Canada.

(audience claps)

Fatema: For the death of, Thomas Scott (violent and racist man), you were banished to the United States for five years. Was that a difficult time for you?

Louis Riel: It was definitely not a easy time in my life. I went through depression, mixed with states of utter euphoria. I felt insane and I hope that never occurs to me or anybody else ever again.

Fatema: For my last question, Reil, In the spring of 1883, weeks after becoming an American Citizen, you accepted a teaching position at the Catholic mission of St. Peter's on Montana's Sun River. Why did you decide to take that job?

Louis Riel: Well, I enjoy teaching and it's one of my hobbies but, the job was paying poorly and the hours were too long to allow me to pursue my other interests like relegion, poetry, and politics.

Fatema: Well, Mr. Riel, It is the end of our segment. I hope you had a great time with us and, I hope your days will always be great. Thank you for coming.

Louis Riel: Actually, thank you for having me. I had a great time. You had great questions and I hope my answers didn't bore you or the audience.

Fatema: Of course not and thankyou once again. (Fatema shakes hands with Louis Riel and, audience claps)

Fatema: It's been a great time everbody. I hope you and the viewers at home enjoyed this segment. Have a great day! (Fatema and Louis Riel exit the stage)

Check out these websites to learn more about, Louis Riel:
http://www.shsb.mb.ca/Riel/indexenglish.htm

http://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/confederation/023001-2390-e.html

http://library2.usask.ca/northwest/background/riel.htm

Assignment #7

4 a.) Which category of Canadian Personalities interested you the most? Did you like the "we inspired", "we founded", "we fought", "we built" or "we governed" section the best? Why?

The Category of Canadian Personalities that interested me the most was, "We Fought."
The reason why I chose that category was because, the Canadians in that section fought passionately for Canada through actions, words, public demonstrations, and military engagements.

4 b.) Which personality interested you the most? Why? Find an image of him or her to embed (add to the body of your post) and write, in your own words, a short description of what he or she did and why he or she is your favourite. If you get information from any source, you must credit it by creating a link to it (that includes information from the site that I've asked you to look at).

The personality that interested me the most was Pierre Bourgault. Pierre Bourgault fought with passion for the independence of Quebec. In the beggining of the 1960's, Pierre helped found the pro-independence Rassemblement pour l'independance nationale. He participated in union strikes and marches that resulted into violence. Othe reasons why Pierre Bourgault is my favorite, is because he never forgot where he came from and, was a man of his words. If you want to know more information about Pierre Bourgault, go to http://www.civilization.ca



4 c.) In your post, suggest three more influential Canadian personalities that could be added to this site. Why did you choose these people? Which categories would they fit into? Link to information about each of them.

A influential Canadian that should be added to this site is, Terry Fox.
Terry Fox fought hard to raise money for cancer research. He started a marathon called, "Marathon of Hope," with a prosthetic leg. He is such and inspiration to many Canadians, that we still do the, "Marathon of Hope," in schools, across Canada, and in some places around the world. I believe Terry Fox should be in the inspiration category.

Anothe influential Canadian that should be added to this site is, Oscar Peterson.
Oscar Peterson was a Jazz pianist for over 40 years. He inspired people with his great music to never give up. Oscar helped out in many schools to influence children to follow their dreams and, advance school to contemporary music. He is the most sucessful Canadian pianist, and people still listen to his music. Oscar Peterson should be put in the inspiration category.

The last influential Canadian that should be added to this site, that I chose is, Celine Dion.
Celine Dion is the most successful Canadian singer. Since her single, "My Heart Will Go On,"Celine has become a Canadian icon. Her music has been heard of all around the world. Celine has sold over 200 million records worldwide.She is also the first Canadian singer to receive the Chopard Diamond Award at the World Music Awards. Celine Dion should be put in the inspiration category.

5. Vote on your favourite Canadian personality.

The person that I voted for was Pierre Bourgault because his story inspired me.

7 d.) Which History-Maker did you have the most in common with? Were you able to figure it out from the clues given? What do you share with that person? What are some things that are different between you and that person?

The History-Maker that I have the most common with was Lucy Maud Montgomery.
Lucy was born on, 1847 and died on 1942. She was the author of more then 20 books.
Her best work was Anne of Green Gables, which has spun into a TV series, movies, and plays. It is also known as an entire tourists industry in Prince Edward Island, and even two theme parks in Japan.

I was not able to figure it out with the clues because I didn't know who this lady was.
The things that I share with Lucy Maud Montgomery is, Lucy and I were both born in the fall. Lucy has written many books, and the books have been translated in many different languages. I also like to read and write books and, I have always wanted to learn many different languages. Lucy was nine years old when she first wrote in her diary. That was the same age I started writing stories. Lucy also likes to travel to Europe and Asia, which is also in common with me. Another thing Lucy and I have in common is we both think education is one of the most important things in life.
The things that are different between me and Lucy Maud Montgomery is, she grew up as an only child and was raised by her grandparents, I grew up with two brothers and was raised by my parents. Lucy belonged to many book clubs, I have never been to a book club.
Another difference is, Lucy studied literature at University, and taught school for a few years. For me, literature and teaching isn't something I'm interested in taking at University.

8 e.) One hundred years from now, (in 2109!) imagine that students are learning about Canadian History Makers and they discover you. What will you be remembered for? How were you a Canadian History Maker? You are using your imagination, so think about some things that you would like to accomplish in your life and imagine that you have all the accomplishments of your life to look back on. Write a short profile of yourself, imagining the contributions you have made to the future of Canada.

Fatema Alhabib was a well known physician. She attended the University of Ottawa at the age of 18 and, graduated by the age of 27. Fatema was known for curing depression and many other diseases. She was known for giving money to charity to cure breast cancer and help save many human lives. Since she donated $10,000 to the Breast Cancer Foundation, her mother supported her to start her own charity. She decided to name the charity,"Happily Ever After." The charity was able to cure over 5,000 people. Fatema has won the,"Best Charity Award," for such a great accomplishment.

Another Assignement #6

Hello my fellow bloggers! I decided to do another entry on a influential African-Canadian. This time I choose the Canadian Alternative hip hop duo, DREAM WARRIORS!

Dream Warriors were formed in 1988 by, King Lou (Louie Robinson) and Capital Q (Frank Allert). The members of the group are, King Lou, Capital Q, DJ Luv and Spek hailing from, Jane and Finch and Willowdale, neighborhoods of Toronto.
They released their first hip hop album "And now the Legendary Begins" in 1991. The album was critically acclaimed and sold in Canada, United States, United Kingdom, and across Europe. Over 8oo,oo0 copies sold worldwide. The albums first single "My Definition of a Boombastic Jazz Style," was featured in the Austin Power Series. In 1992, Dream Warriors released a single called"Man Smart (Women Smarter)," for the Buffy The Vampire Slayer Soundtrack. Both singles went on to win a Juno Award. Their second album released in 1994, "Subliminal Simulation," had mixed reviews. It featured guest vocals by Ishmael Butler of Digable Planets (on the track "Tricycles and Kittens"), and Gang Starr (Guru and Dj Premier). The group released, "The Master Plan," which was not realeased in America. Later on, Spek and DJ Luv officialy left the group in 1997.
In 2002, the group reunited to make an album called,"The legacy continues."

Dream Warriors had contributed many things to Canada. They were one time named as the top selling hip hop dou for ten years. Dream Warriors produce songs that reflect who they are without using drugs, money, or sexuality in their lyrics. They present them selves in a decent way, and their music is catchy. That is why I choose, Dream Warriors for my assignment.

Assignment #6

February is Black History Month! It's a month for remembering the great contributions the Africans made to change World History. Mrs. Pollock, my History teacher, decided to give us an assignment where we get to choose a African-Canadian, Female or Male, that influenced Canada, and many others around the world.
I decided to choose, Oscar Peterson.


Oscar Peterson, was a Canadian Jazz pianist for over 40 years, and considered as one of the worlds greatest pianist! Oscar Peterson was born in a limestone house, on Montreal's Delisle Street, on August 15, 1925. Oscar was the fourth of five children to his parents, Daniel and Kathleen Peterson. It was his black neighborhood where he found himself surrounded by the jazz culture. By the age of seven, Oscar's father Daniel and his sister Daisy, taught young Oscar to play the piano. By the age of nine, Oscar played the piano with control that impressed professional musicians. In 1940, at age 14, Oscar won a national music competition, organized by the Canadian Broadcasting Competition. After that victory , Peterson wanted to drop out of school to become a professional pianist, but his father objected. Although Peterson did have a good time at school, playing the piano for many students, especially girls. Here is a quote from Oscar stating that, "the best way to have a bunch of girls come down. I became the guy."
When Peterson finished high school, he became a professional pianist, working at radio shows, hotels, and music halls.


Oscar Peterson has contributed so much to Canada and everyone else around the world. Oscar was named the worlds greatest jazz pianist. He was a successful musician, that was able to get the crowd on its feet. Peterson has released over 200 recordings, and was the first black, Canadian pianist to win seven Grammy Awards. Oscar, also helped out in many schools, to influence young children to follow their dreams, and advance schools on contemporary music. Oscar has accomplished so much that, people still look up to him and listen to his music, even after he died. Oscar died on December 23, 2007, because of health problems and a stroke. He left seven children, his fourth wife Kelly, and their daughter Celine (born 1991).

Interesting Facts
-he was called, "Maharajah(the great king) of the keyboard" by Duke Ellington(professional, American pianist)
-he was also called, "o.p" by his friends
-member of jazz royalty
-Oscar was influenced by, Teddy Wilson, Nat "King" Cole, James P. Johnson, and Art Tatum

"I liked it when...next time...

Hello, my fellow bloggers. I had already commented on my top three favorite entry's of assignment #3. I would just like to say Zaryab, AmitJ, and Helena you guys are doing a really good job with your blogs and entry's.


Zaryab...
I like the way you express your opinion in assignment #3. You used positive and logical words to make the readers believe in what you were saying. I like the fact that you specified your entry. The only advice I would give you would be, try not to make your paragraphs too big, because sometimes it makes it boring for the readers. Everything else was perfect!
Check out Zaryab's website on http://historyzaryab.blogspot.com/


AmitJ...
I believe you used your entry very well to voice your opinion in assignment #3. I like how you organized your thoughts in your entry. That was very well done. The only advice I would give you would be, try to be more specific on some of the subjects you mentioned. The rest of your entry was put out really well!
Check out AmitJ's website on http://historyamitj.blogspot.com/


Helena...
Your blog is excellent! You used so much of your own opinion in your assignment #3 entry, that I couldn't stop reading it. You definetly know what it takes to catch the readers eyes. I like how the entry had many subjects, from racism to technology. The only advice I would give you would be, when you are writing your paragraphs, sometimes the sentences are long, make sure you use commas so that the readers are able to take a breath. Keep up the great work!
Check out Helena's blog on http://historyhelenac.blogspot.com/