Editorial Statement: The RCP acknowledges this is only some people’s experience and recognizes the ongoing need for reconciliation with the many Indigenous and First Nations People of Canada. The vibe of Canada Day can provide an impetus for needed change, an invitation to examine how all people can do their part to facilitate unity and respect for all Canadians. The RCP encourages readers to learn more about reconciliation efforts.

Humans are arranged so that each of us finds a corner to call our home. 

My home is in Canada, a country with thousands of lakes. Under the dome of the eternal heavens, the songs of the birds are heard. An emerald green carpet of summer herbs is sprinkled with dew over the ground each morning. Quiet sunsets turn into gentle morning dawns, and the stars dissolve into blue lakes. My country is majestic; it has mountain peaks, sparkling glaciers, noisy waterfalls, boreal forests, and national parks. It possesses unique flora and fauna. 

Canada is a coloured kaleidoscope of summer with mirror-like lake surfaces. It is the quiet rustle of yellow and red maple leaves of melancholic autumns. It is white winter days, playing mischievously with snowflakes in the endless distance. Canada is kind, open, and hospitable to people who visit from worldwide locations they call home. Ours is a tolerant, multicultural country where people of various cultures live in peace and mutual respect. 

In Canada, you can see and understand the whole world at a glance. Indigenous peoples living in Canada are called First Nations. They came from Asia through the land isthmus, which was on the site of the Bering Strait about 20,000 years ago. Each First Nations person is distinguished by their original culture, economic structure, and way of life. 

The symbol of Canada is the beaver. In Europe’s 17th and 18th centuries, there was a fashion for hats made of beaver fur. A large number of beavers lived in the territory of Canada. The First Nations hunted, and thanks to this, most of the territory of Canada was explored and discovered. And the beaver became a symbol of the state. 

On July 1st, my country celebrates its birthday, a main holiday. On this day, all cities and towns are decorated with national flags; the 11-pointed red maple leaf represents the cultural heritage of Canada and the vast natural resources found within its borders. The white background reflects the nation’s impartiality while representing peace and tranquillity. 

On this day in 1867, the British North America Act was signed, uniting the three British colonies into a single country called Canada. The holiday was originally called Dominion Day, later renamed Canada Day. Festive ceremonies, parades, and concerts are held nationwide, and fantastic fireworks are displayed in the evening. A traditional Canada Day treat is pancakes with maple syrup. Many Canadians love to celebrate the holiday in nature, taking their families out of town. On this day, many immigrants receive citizenship, officially becoming part of my country. All Canadian citizens are like one big family. When peace reigns in the family, everyone is happy. 

In Canada, all nations and peoples who were in a conflict between themselves in their home countries now abide in peace. Racism and hatred towards minorities and individuals from various nations are not tolerated. Equality prevails in my country, where no one is afraid to express themselves as who they truly are and are grateful to be accepted as themselves. 

We are all unique, with different dreams and destinies, yet we are united as citizens of Canada, a country in which we plan our future, aim for peace in every home, and hold on to hope and faith. Together, we must build our common home, a reliable place to live, strive for new achievements, and assist those who need our support. 

If you ask me if I am proud of my country, I will answer: Yes!