Tuesday, March 4, 2025
Planning Your RootsTech 2025 Experience with a Canadian Twist
Monday, September 9, 2024
From Europe to the Prairies: The Mennonite Journey to Canada
Mennonite Heritage Week is an excellent opportunity to reflect on the significant history and contributions of Mennonites in Canada. Mennonites, an Anabaptist group, originated in Europe during the Protestant Reformation in the 16th century. They are named after Menno Simons, a Dutch priest who became a leader of the movement in the 1530s. Early Mennonites rejected infant baptism and advocated for adult baptism, pacifism, and a simple, communal lifestyle focused on mutual aid and faith.
The first migration of about 2,000 “Swiss” Mennonites arrived in Upper Canada from Pennsylvania during and after the American Revolution War. They sought religious freedom and land, settling primarily in the Niagara Peninsula, York and Waterloo counties. Beginning in 1822, a second wave of Amish Mennonites immigrated from Europe.
Another significant wave of European Mennonites occurred in the 1870s when around 7,000 immigrants of Dutch/Prussian descent fled the Russian Empire due to its Russification policies and settled in Manitoba and the Prairie provinces. These policies threatened Mennonite religious and cultural autonomy, including exemption from military service, a core principle of their pacifist beliefs. The Canadian government, eager to settle the Prairies, offered these Mennonites land, educational autonomy, and exemption from military service.
Mennonites established two major colonies in southern Manitoba: the East Reserve and the West Reserve. The East Reserve, located on the eastern side of the Red River, was settled first in 1874. The West Reserve, on the opposite side of the river, was established soon after. These areas quickly became agricultural hubs due to the Mennonites' farming expertise, particularly in wheat production. The fertile prairies were ideal for their agrarian way of life, and they introduced new farming techniques, such as crop rotation and the use of mechanical threshers.
For many years, Mennonite communities in Manitoba maintained a distinct cultural and religious identity. They built their churches, schools, and community institutions, preserving the Low German dialect and maintaining their traditional ways of life. Over time, the Mennonites in Manitoba split into various religious groups, ranging from conservative Old Order Mennonites to more progressive congregations.
Between 1923 and 1929, approximately 22,000 Russian Mennonites emigrated to Canada because of the Russian Revolution and Civil War, escaping war, famine, and political upheaval. The Canadian Mennonite Board of Colonization and the Mennonite Central Committee played crucial roles in facilitating this migration, helping to settle new arrivals in both urban and rural areas across the Prairies. Following the Second World War, a fifth migration took place, with another 12,000 Mennonite war refugees and displaced persons coming to Canada and mainly settling in urban areas like Winnipeg, Vancouver, and Kitchener-Waterloo, which became home to large Mennonite populations.
Today, Mennonites live all across Canada, from Nova Scotia to Vancouver Island, and recent Mennonite congregations include people from many different ethnic and religious backgrounds.
Researching Mennonite Ancestors
Researching Mennonite ancestry in Canada can be challenging due to the group's historical migrations and record-keeping practices. Several valuable resources exist for tracing Mennonite ancestors, including church records, immigration documents, and genealogical societies like the Mennonite Heritage Centre Archives in Winnipeg or the Mennonite Archives of Ontario. These archives contain detailed records of early Mennonite families, including immigration lists, birth, marriage, death records, and community histories.
If you're starting to research your Mennonite ancestors, be sure to explore the Canadian Mennonite Board of Colonization records, which document the immigration of over 21,000 Mennonites from Russia to Canada in the 1920s. Local historical societies and online databases also provide access to personal records and genealogical data specific to Mennonite families in Canada.
Resources
Mennonite Archives of Ontario
Mennonite Church Canada
Mennonite Heritage Centre Archives
Mennonite Historical Society of Alberta
Mennonite Historical Society of BC
Mennonite Historical Society of Canada
Mennonite Historical Society of Ontario
By exploring these resources, you can uncover the rich heritage of Mennonites in Canada, tracing their journey from Europe and their vital role in shaping Canada's agricultural, social, and religious landscape.
Sources
- “10 things to know about Mennonites in Canada,” Canadian Mennonite (https://canadianmennonite.org/stories/10-things-know-about-mennonites-canada).
- “A brief history of Mennonites in Canada,” Mennonite Church in Canada (https://www.mennonitechurch.ca/about/history).
- “History and Immigration of Mennonites into Canada, Third Way (https://thirdwaycafe.com/glossary/history-and-immigration-of-mennonites-into-canada/).
- “Mennonites,” The Canadian Encyclopedia (https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/mennonites).
- “Who are the Mennonites?” Mennonite Historical Society of Canada
(https://mhsc.ca/who-are-the-mennonites/).
All articles and websites accessed September 8, 2024.
This blog post was edited using artificial intelligence.
Friday, August 30, 2024
Labour Day in Canada: A Tribute to Workers and a Nod to Our Labour History
Labour Day in Canada, which we celebrate on the first Monday in September, isn’t just another long weekend. Sure, it’s a great time to enjoy the last bit of summer, but it’s also a day to recognize the contributions of Canadian workers and the history behind the labour movement. Let’s take a look at the origins of Labour Day, how it became a national holiday, and how we, as Canadians, like to celebrate.
How Labour Day Came to Be
The story of Labour Day in Canada kicks off in the early 1870s, during a time of significant industrial growth in Canada. Workers demanded better conditions, fair pay, and, most importantly, shorter workdays. One of the most pivotal moments was the Toronto Printers' Strike of 1872, where more than 100 printers downed tools to push for a nine-hour workday instead of the usual ten. This strike was part of the larger Nine-Hour Movement that was sweeping across the country.
Although the strike didn’t immediately achieve its goals, it wasn’t all for nothing. It drew public attention to the condition of workers and led to the passing of the Trade Union Act, which officially legalized unions in Canada. This was a big win for the labour movement and set the stage for future successes.
Fast forward to 1894, and the Canadian government, recognizing the growing influence of the labour movement, made Labour Day a national holiday. The first Monday in September was chosen, aligning with similar celebrations in the United States of America. Since then, Labour Day has been a staple on our calendars, a day off between Canada Day and Thanksgiving that honours the hard work and achievements of Canadian workers.
Noteworthy Labour Strikes in Canada’s History
Before we get into how we celebrate, it’s worth remembering a few key labour strikes that helped shape the rights we enjoy today:
The Winnipeg General Strike of 1919
This is the largest strike in Canadian history. It started on May 15, 1919, when over 30,000 workers in Winnipeg walked off the job to demand better wages, working conditions, and the right to collective bargaining. The strike lasted six weeks and ended in violence on June 21, 1919, what’s now known as "Bloody Saturday." This event had a profound impact on labour laws and the formation of unions in Canada.The Asbestos Strike of 1949
This strike, which began on February 14, 1949, in Asbestos, Quebec, involved over 5,000 workers who were fighting for better wages, safer working conditions, and union recognition. It closed major asbestos mines for nearly five months. The Quebec government sided with the American-owned company, which was the main employer, leading to violence by the workers. This strike is often seen as a key moment in Quebec's history and influenced the Quiet Revolution, paving the way for future political leaders like Pierre Trudeau.
How We Celebrate Labour Day
Now that we’ve got a bit of history under our belts let’s talk about how Canadians typically celebrate Labour Day. Here’s a glimpse:
Parades and Festivals: In many cities, especially the big ones like Toronto and Vancouver, Labour Day is celebrated with parades and festivals organized by labour unions. These events are a great way to honour workers, with speeches, live music, and a lot of community spirit.
Outdoor Fun: For many of us, Labour Day weekend is the last hurrah of summer. It’s the perfect time for camping, hiking, or heading to the cottage. Parks and campgrounds are packed as Canadians take advantage of the long weekend.
Sports Events: The Labour Day Classic is a must-watch for Canadian football fans. The Canadian Football League (CFL) puts on some of its biggest rivalry games, like the ones between the Toronto Argonauts and Hamilton Tiger-Cats, as well as the Saskatchewan Roughriders and Winnipeg Blue Bombers. It’s a huge part of the Labour Day tradition.
Family Time and Back-to-School Prep: Labour Day is also about spending time with family. Whether it’s a backyard barbecue or a picnic, it’s a time to relax and enjoy the company of loved ones. It’s also the last chance to get those back-to-school supplies ready, as the school year is just around the corner.
Conclusion
Labour Day in Canada is more than just a day off. It’s a day to remember the struggles and achievements of workers who fought for the rights we have today. Whether you’re attending a parade, enjoying the great outdoors, or just relaxing with family, take a moment to reflect on the importance of the labour movement and its ongoing impact on our country. Happy Labour Day!
Resources
The Canadiana Encyclopedia
Library and Archives Canada on Flikr: Labour Day
Canadian Football League: Labour Day Classic
Written in part with the assistance of ChatGPT 4.0.
© Copyright by Kathryn Lake Hogan, 2024. All Rights Reserved.
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