National Network for Equitable Library Service

The stories told in this collection, though tragic for many, illustrate the steadfast determination and courage of people in the face of misfortune and extreme distress. From the lesser-known weed outbreaks and tornadoes to the world-wide influenza outbreak in 1918 that devastated many Calgary families, these stories focus on the human side of these disasters.

Across the country and throughout time, Blacks have played pivotal roles in the unfolding of Canadian history. Woven into the fabric of the country itself, they have made serious contributions to this great nation. In the early 1600s, African navigator Mathieu De Costa used his knowledge of Mi'kmaq languages to enable communication between the Europeans and Aboriginals. Arriving in 1605, he was the first Black to come to what would become Canada.

How the Chinese Created Canada provides an in-depth look at the triumphs and struggles of one of Canada's most vibrant communities. Chinese culture has permeated the fabric of Canadian society with bold, exciting cuisine, art, music and alternative approaches to medicine and healing. Talented and creative individuals have made these concepts an integral aspect of everyday Canadian culture.

Jeff Pearce's irreverent romp through the annals of the history of the English in Canada: * This was the territory that England used as the staging ground for many battles and wars with the French and the Americans * It was an Englishman, John Graves Simcoe, who enacted the first anti-slavery act for the entire British Empire...right here in Canada!

French explorers first came to the New World seeking uncharted lands and unprecedented wealth. What they brought with them, however, was a unique culture that would eventually emerge as one of Canada''s most dynamic and influential societies. Seven million Canadians from coast to coast identify themselves as having French or French Canadian ancestry. They have contributed to every aspect of life in our country―language, government, business, education, cuisine, media and the arts. Fierce battles were fought and wars waged by early colonists and Quebecois seeking autonomy.

From the moment explorer Giovanni Caboto stepped onto Canadian soil, Italians have left their footprints on Canadian history.

For generations, the Polish have been among the top 10 immigrants to Canada. With them has come their rich culture, religious strength and steadfast work ethic, which have all contributed to many outstanding achievements in the development of our country. Canada owes a debt to Polish Canadians for Medicare and multiculturalism, beautiful music and the ''black gold'' hewn from its coalmines, for the Queen's Plate horse race and delicious cuisine. This book will give you a taste of just how the Polish created Canada.

The Scots in Canada made their mark as explorers, fur traders, soldiers, business leaders, prime ministers and more. Ex-pat Paul Cowan marks their journey from his native land to the New World.

John Rae is best known today as the first European to reveal the fate of the Franklin Expedition, yet the range of Rae’s accomplishments is much greater. Over five expeditions, Rae mapped some 1,550 miles (2,494 kilometres) of Arctic coastline; he is undoubtedly one of the Arctic’s greatest explorers, yet today his significance is all but lost. John Rae, Arctic Explorer is an annotated version of Rae’s unfinished autobiography.

Lands that Hold One Spellbound is an informal history of East Greenland. Spencer Apollonio has written the only known overview of the history of this region, summarizing indigenous settlements over four millennia, and describing European explorations from the Norse period to recent years. East Greenland, running from Kap Farvel in the south to Kap Morris Jesup in the north, is an immense land of great mountains and fjords, of glaciers and meadowlands, and contrasts of weather perhaps unique in the world.