The Secret Life of Canada

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The Secret Life of Canada is a history podcast about the country you know and the stories you don't.

CBC Podcasts


    • Feb 10, 2023 LATEST EPISODE
    • infrequent NEW EPISODES
    • 22m AVG DURATION
    • 84 EPISODES
    • 4 SEASONS


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    Latest episodes from The Secret Life of Canada

    The Secret Life of Canada Introduces: The Africas VS. America

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 10, 2023 53:00


    In 1985, at the height of the Black Power era, police dropped a bomb in a Philadelphia neighborhood. Their target? A family of Black radicals known as ‘MOVE,' who found themselves ensnared in a city — and nation's — domestic war on Black Liberation. Over seven episodes, host Matthew Amha investigates the events that culminated in the MOVE bombing, and the long afterlife of a forgotten American tragedy. More episodes are available at: https://link.chtbl.com/JHku2dCD

    S4: Shanawdithit

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 1, 2022 19:39


    Throughout the years, the Beothuk people have been written about as an “extinct” nation, whose numbers were few at the time of European contact to Newfoundland. By 1828, they were all gone except one woman named Shanawdithit. She is now known as "the last Beothuk" but was she? In our final episode of the season, we look at one of the longstanding myths that Canada loves to tell itself — that Indigenous people are no longer here. With guest Yvette Nolan. For more about this episode visit us at : www.cbc.ca/radio/secretlifeofcanada

    S4: Crash Course on Kanata

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 23, 2022 10:39


    How did this place end up being called Canada? We look into the lore behind the naming of the country and the push to reclaim Indigenous place names across this land. Links: Reclaiming Indigenous Place Names: https://yellowheadinstitute.org/2019/10/08/reclaiming-indigenous-place-names/ The Squamish Language Atlas: squamishatlas.com Visit us at: www.cbc.ca/radio/secretlifeofcanada

    The Secret Life of Canada Introduces: Buffy

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 21, 2022 36:22


    Buffy Sainte-Marie is one of the most prolific singer-songwriters of the past century. For 60 years her music has quietly reverberated throughout pop culture, and provided a touchstone for Indigenous resistance. In this five-part series, Mohawk and Tuscarora writer Falen Johnson explores how Buffy's life and legacy is essential to understanding Indigenous resilience. More episodes are available at hyperurl.co/buffy

    S4: The Halifax Donair

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 9, 2022 26:49


    How did the donair become the official food of Halifax? We find out how it travelled to Canada and transformed after getting here. We learn about its inventor and that famous sweet sauce recipe. Then, we discover all the good and bad versions of the donair across the country and learn why Edmonton may rival Halifax over its love of this street food. With guests Omar Mouallem and Lindsay Wickstrom. Link to the Book of Donair: https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/book-of-donair-everything-you/9781772761542-item.html Link to The Last Baron: https://gem.cbc.ca/media/absolutely-canadian/s21e23?cmp=sch-the-last-baron Visit us at: www.cbc.ca/radio/secretlifeofcanada

    S4: Crash Course on Ukrainian Canadians

    Play Episode Listen Later May 26, 2022 12:44


    Why does Canada have the second largest Ukrainian diaspora in the world? We talk to historian Dr. Rhonda Hinther from Brandon University to find out why so many people from Ukraine made Canada their home. Books by Dr. Rhonda Hinther include Perogies and Politics: Canada's Ukrainian Left, 1891-1991 (https://utorontopress.com/9781487500498/perogies-and-politics/), and Re-Imagining Ukrainian-Canadians: History, Politics, and Identity (https://utorontopress.com/9781442610620/re-imagining-ukrainian-canadians/). Visit us at www.cbc.ca/radio/secretlifeofcanada

    The Secret Life of Canada Introduces: Kuper Island

    Play Episode Listen Later May 19, 2022 32:38


    Kuper Island is an 8-part series that tells the stories of four students: three who survived and one who didn't. They attended one of Canada's most notorious residential schools – where unsolved deaths, abuse, and lies haunt the community and the survivors to this day. Hosted by Duncan McCue. More episodes are available at hyperurl.co/kuperisland

    Crash course on Puffed Wheat Squares

    Play Episode Listen Later May 12, 2022 13:59


    When candy maker A.J. Russell created a recipe for puffed wheat bars in 1913, it became a popular dessert. But only in one half of the country. We look at why the west loves them and many in the east have never even heard of the chocolatey treat. This is the history of one Canadian recipe and why early breakfast cereal was invented to prevent sexual arousal (yeah, you read that right). Special thanks to historians Andrea Eidinger and Kesia Kvill for help with this episode. Link to recipe: https://visitreddeer.com/story/the-original-puffed-wheat-square Visit us at: www.cbc.ca/radio/secretlifeofcanada

    S4: Pro Wrestling

    Play Episode Listen Later May 5, 2022 44:38


    Why are there so many Canadians in pro wrestling? We take a deep dive into carnival and sideshow history to find out why Canada became one of the centers of early pro wrestling. We look into the fun and problematic past of performance wrestling and conduct a very scientific poll to find who the top Canadian favorites are. With guests Scarlett Harris and Nug Nahrgang. Find Scarlett Harris's book "A Diva Was a Female Version of a Wrestler" here: https://www.fayettevillemafiapress.com/product/a-diva-was-a-female-version-of-a-wrestler/. For more visit us at www.cbc.ca/radio/secretlifeofcanada.

    Porter Primers: Building a multicultural Canada

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 18, 2022 5:49


    Canada's much-touted multiculturalism was hard-fought-for and started to materialize in the aftermath of immigration policy changes in the 1950s and 60s. A lot of that change is thanks to Black sleeping car porters and their ability to politic with influential passengers on their train routes.

    S4: Crash course on Mary Ann Shadd

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 14, 2022 13:31


    Abolitionist, activist, teacher and trailblazer Mary Ann Shadd wore many hats in her extraordinary life. We take a look at the story of the first Black woman in North America to publish a newspaper and one of the first female journalists in Canada. Mentioned in this episode: The Indigenous connection to the Underground Railroad by CBC's Unreserved where Falen speaks with historian Roy Finkenbine. Check it out at cbc.ca/1.6061957 Visit us for more at www.cbc.ca/radio/secretlifeofcanada

    Porter Primers: A historic fight to unionize

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 11, 2022 8:53


    When the CBRE, Canada's railway union, was created in 1908, it intentionally shut out Black porters. What ensued was a historic and decades-long struggle for Black railways employees to be heard at the negotiating table.

    Porter Primers: Side hustles

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 4, 2022 5:52


    Sleeping car porters were notoriously underpaid and had to fight for tips, condemning most to poverty. Historian Dr. Dorothy Williams describes how porters turned to side hustles and other entrepreneurial pursuits to survive, and to regain the agency they lost as precarious railway employees.

    S4: The Fruit Machine

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 31, 2022 40:08


    For decades, Canada attempted to purge queer people out of the public service and the military. We look into why it all started during the Cold War, what the fear of the Soviet Union had to do with it and how the invention of a homosexuality test nicknamed “The Fruit Machine” was supposed to aid in the RCMP's investigations. Spoiler alert — it didn't work. With guest Gary Kinsman. *Warning, strong language and content. To learn more about this episode visit: www.cbc.ca/radio/secretlifeofcanada

    Porter Primers: The rise of jazz

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 28, 2022 7:49


    In the early 20th century, musicians and audiences flocked to Montreal for its jazz scene, earning the city the nickname “Harlem of the North.” Historian Dr. Dorothy Williams explains how porters were instrumental in introducing jazz to Canada and how they served more generally as “conduits of culture.”

    Porter Primers: How porters created Black neighbourhoods

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 21, 2022 6:38


    Where porters went, Black neighbourhoods often followed. Historian Dr. Dorothy Williams breaks down how porters — and the location of railways — catalyzed the creation of historically Black communities and institutions across Canada.

    S4: Crash course on beavers

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 17, 2022 7:36


    Beavers are everywhere, on our money, crests, and keychains. So, why do some people see them as a nuisance? We take a look back at the story of the animal who was almost wiped out to build the early Canadian economy and how these “ecosystem engineers” are a key in helping fight forest fires due to climate change.

    Porter Primers: Why were all porters called ‘George'?

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 14, 2022 4:57


    Introducing ‘Porter Primers' — 6 short episodes that shed a little light on Black porter history with the help of historian Dr. Dorothy Williams. For this first episode, Dr. Williams explains why porters were referred to as “George” and how it's linked to slavery, the Antebellum Period, and a railroad car manufacturer. ‘Porter Primers' is inspired by ‘The Porter', a new original series from CBC and BET+ that follows the lives of Black train porters in 1920s Montreal. While the show is fictionalized, it draws on decades of Black porter history — and that history changed Canada as we know it today.

    S4: The Punjabi Market

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 3, 2022 32:05


    How did Vancouver end up with the oldest Little India in North America? We take a look back at the history of South Asian people in British Columbia to learn how the Punjabi market formed and why the next generation of community members is trying to preserve this one of a kind neighborhood. With guests Naveen Girn and Gulzar Nanda. To see pictures of the Punjabi Market and learn more about this episode visit: www.cbc.ca/radio/secretlifeofcanada

    The Secret Life of Canada Introduces: Podcast Playlist

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 24, 2022 54:58


    Podcast Playlist with host Leah-Simone Bowen offers a weekly sampling of new and interesting podcasts from around the world. In this special crossover episode, guest Falen joins Leah to celebrate launching the fourth season of The Secret Life of Canada. And you'll get to hear what Falen's been listening to. If you're a longtime fan you'll love their conversation about how the show has evolved since its first season. Plus, you've heard what Leah listens to — now it's Falen's turn to share her top podcast picks. Of course, she's brought some Canadian history — Edmonton's history, to be exact. More episodes are available at: smarturl.it/podcastplaylist

    S4: Crash Course on Nora's Place in Hogan's Alley

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 17, 2022 11:39


    When vaudeville performer Nora Hendrix ended up in Vancouver in the early 1900s, she became a fixture in Hogan's Alley, the neighborhood at the center of Vancouver's Black community. By the time she died at 100 years old in 1984, she had led the community and raised a large family. This included her grandson who would live with her in Hogan's Alley from time to time. His name was Jimi Hendrix. To learn more about Hogan's Alley and to watch the Black Strathcona series visit blackstrathcona.com

    S4: The Boy in the Picture

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 3, 2022 44:05


    They are some of the most shared images connected to the Canadian residential school system. A pair of photos from the late 1800s, taken a few years apart, feature a young Indigenous boy. Often published without his name and with the title "Before and After'' because he is wearing what looks like traditional clothing in one and European clothing in the other. Who is this boy? Where is he from and what happened to him after he was taken away from home? We go deep into the archives to piece together the details and find out that not everything in these photos is as it appears. With guests Louise BigEagle and Paul Seesequasis. *Warning, strong language and content. To see the pictures of Thomas Moore Keesick and to find the resources mentioned in this episode visit: www.cbc.ca/radio/secretlifeofcanada

    Introducing: Stuff the British Stole

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 20, 2021 36:28


    We're working away on Season 4 right now. In the meantime, here's something we think you'll like. Throughout its reign, the British Empire stole a lot of stuff. Today those objects are housed in genteel institutions across the U.K. and the world. They usually come with polite plaques. This is a series about the not-so-polite history behind those objects. Hosted by Marc Fennell. More episodes are available at: smarturl.it/stuffthebritishstole

    Introducing: Telling Our Twisted Histories

    Play Episode Listen Later May 31, 2021 22:56


    Discovery. Reserve. Savage. After centuries of colonization, some words have the power to hurt us deeply and twist our collective history. Host Kaniehti:io Horn guides listeners through over 70 conversations with people from 15 Indigenous communities sharing their truths about the impact of words on our perspectives, cultures, and lives. Together we will decolonize our histories – and ourselves – one word at a time. More episodes are available at smarturl.it/twistedhistories

    S3: Mailbag!

    Play Episode Listen Later May 12, 2021 22:06


    We did it! We made it to our last episode of the season. Today Falen and Leah sort through the mail and answer your questions about treaties and unceded land; tell the story of a woman named Vivian MacMillan; and dive into the history of Zellers department store. (Remember Zeddy?) *Warning this episode contains descriptions of sexual assault from 7:43 -12:40

    S3: Crash Course on animals — only in Canada

    Play Episode Listen Later May 4, 2021 7:22


    How did an ice age determine what animals and insects are only now found on the land we now call Canada? Leah and Falen go way, way back to find the answers. See also: "Ours To Save," a special report from the Nature Conservancy of Canada and NatureServe Canada. Link: https://bit.ly/33dpT6H

    S3: The Indian Pavilion at Expo 67 (Part 2)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 28, 2021 34:06


    When Expo opened its doors on April 28, 1967, it was a gleaming futuristic spectacle; a chance for Canada to prove itself on the world stage. But one irreverent pavilion was set to tell its own side of the story — complete with truths the visiting public (including the Queen) were not expecting. Today Falen leads Leah on a tour of the “Indians of Canada” pavilion. She also speaks with two hostesses who were there to help make history.

    Back in a bit

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 15, 2021 0:40


    A quick update and some historical dating gossip ...

    S3: Crash Course on the "Whiskey War"

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 2, 2021 7:02


    Did you know that Canada and Denmark “battled” over a small, barren island in the far north for decades? Among their weapons: Canadian whiskey and Danish schnapps. In today's crash course, the strange but true story of "a cheeky little spat" known as The Whiskey War.

    S3: The Indian Pavilion at Expo 67 (Part 1)

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 16, 2021 36:16


    You may have heard of Expo 67 — Canada's biggest flex during its centennial year — but do you know the fascinating history of the Indian Pavilion? It was separate and distinct from the Canada Pavilion, and it was primed to make that distinction matter. In the first part of a two part episode, Falen takes Leah on a minirail tour around the Expo grounds. (Content warning: clowns.)

    S3: Crash Course on Mohawk ironworkers

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 27, 2021 10:40


    For over a century, Mohawk ironworkers have been shaping our skylines. Leah and Falen look into the contributions these workers have made in Canada and beyond, including their crucial role in the aftermath of 9/11.

    S3: Project Habakkuk, Jasper's top secret ice ship

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 13, 2021 36:28


    This is the story of how Geoffrey Pyke, a Jewish inventor from the U.K. came up with one of the most mind-boggling plans to win the war. Namely: to build a ship made out of ice. Code name: Habakkuk. Then, what happened when Canada tried to build a test vessel in secrecy, using the labour of conscientious objectors. With special guest, Erin Brandenburg

    S3: Crash Course on Canada's First Mosque

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 29, 2020 8:14


    Al Rashid Mosque — the first mosque in Canada — opened in Edmonton in the late 1930s, but getting it built was no small feat. It happened thanks to the determination of a group of Lebanese Muslim women, led by Hilwie Hamdon, who brought Albertans of all faiths together to help make history.

    S3: You should know The Indian Film Crew

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 16, 2020 42:09


    In the late 60s the National Film Board decided it was time that First Nations got to be behind the camera and in charge of how they were seen. Although short lived, the Indian Film Crew would create films that changed how the NFB operated, as well as the face of Indigenous filmmaking in this country.

    Introducing: Unreserved

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 28, 2020 53:21


    Unreserved is the radio space for Indigenous community, culture, and conversation. Falen, your host for the current season takes you straight into the Indigenous stories of this land, from Halifax to Haida Gwaii, from Shamattawa to Ottawa, introducing you to the storytellers, culture leaders, and community shakers from First Nations, Metis, and Inuit communities across the country. This episode, Mayflower 400: A deep dive into American Thanksgiving explores the merchant ship that was carrying more than 100 people, seeking a new world.

    S3: Crash Course on Trees

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 25, 2020 11:49


    When did the Apple tree arrive in Canada and why do some trees in B.C live over a thousand years? A quick peek into some of the history kept by our land's oldest living knowledge keepers — trees.

    S3: The Mounties Always Get Their Land (Part 2)

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 11, 2020 48:36


    In 1919 almost half the working population of Winnipeg walked off the job in the largest strike in Canadian history. The events that followed led to the creation of a new police force called the RCMP. In part two, we continue to learn about early policing in Canada and why the RCMP are not our country's only police force. We connect the dots from past to the present to find out why many Black and Indigenous communities still have a distrust of the police. We'll talk about the concept of the “Carceral State,” continue our journey into old Mountie films and make way too many references to the TV show Law & Order and the Mission Impossible franchise. Then, with the help of guests, Sonya Ballantyne, a filmmaker and writer from Manitoba, and Toronto artist and activist Syrus Marcus Ware, we'll learn about the grim history of “starlight tours” as well as the modern day abolitionist movement. *This episode contains strong language and content.

    S3: Crash Course on British Home Children

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 6, 2020 16:03


    Over 100,000 “home children” were sent from the U.K. to Canada to work as labourers, from 1869 through to the 1940s. We find out who they were and what happened once they arrived here. Plus, Alan Dilworth tells us the story of his grandfather, Tom Selby, who arrived in Canada at the age of 8.

    S3: The Mounties Always Get Their Land (Part 1)

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 16, 2020 44:28


    The Mountie is one Canada's most enduring symbols. Found on souvenirs from keychains to dish towels, our national police force are icons to the rest of the world. Weird, right? In this episode, we try to figure out how this happened and talk about: the image of the Mountie in early Hollywood, what Irish and Indian resistance to British rule has to do with it, and why young Canada felt a greater need for policing in the West. With the help of Dr. Winona Wheeler, we dive into the early years of the North-West Mounted Police (precursor to the RCMP) and look at their complex relationship with Indigenous people that, for better or worse, continues to this day. *Warning, strong language and content.

    S3: Crash Course on L. M. Montgomery (a.k.a. Maud without an E)

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 19, 2020 18:24


    Today we look into the life of Lucy Maud (L.M.) Montgomery, creator of iconic characters like Anne of Green Gables and Emily of New Moon. The lesser-known story is that of the writer herself, who had many struggles within her own life, especially with her mental health. Today we are going to talk about that.

    S3: Kanesatake 300 Years Later (Part 2)

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 5, 2020 52:36


    On July 11 1990, the so-called Oka Crisis erupted near the small resort town of Oka. The 78 day conflict between the Kanien'kehá:ka (Mohawk Nation) the Quebec provincial police (Sûreté du Québec) and the Canadian Army would go on to change the course of history. In this second part of a two part episode, Falen and Leah go beyond the sensational photos and headlines to find out what happened during 78 days of resistance at Kanesatake.

    S3: Crash Course on Superheroes!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 15, 2020 20:12


    From Captain Newfoundland to Shaman and Alpha Flight, what can some of the most iconic Indigenous and Canadian Superheroes tell us about our history? Turns out, quite a lot.

    S3: Kanesatake 300 Years Later (Part 1)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 24, 2020 33:54


    Anniversaries can be a strange thing in Canada, depending on who you are and which side you're watching from. It's been 30 years since an event you may know as the Oka crisis; but that's not where the story begins for this podcast. In this first part of a two part episode, Leah and Falen look at the 300 year lead up to the “crisis” on Mohawk land.

    S3: Crash Course on Dr. James Barry and Victoria's Transgender archives

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 16, 2020 12:17


    How we should think and talk about Trans and Non-Binary people who lived well before those terms existed? In this Crash Course, we explore that question through the story of Dr. James Barry, a celebrated military surgeon. With the help of Dr. Aaron Devor, Chair of Transgender Studies at the University of Victoria, we also learn how Victoria B.C. ended up with the world's largest Transgender archives. For more information about the archives visit www.uvic.ca/transgenderarchives

    S3: What's the deal with blackface?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 10, 2020 44:42


    In this episode we look into the past to try to figure out why some present-day people are still doing blackface — including Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. We talk to Dr. Cheryl Thompson and look at what a minstrel show is, what “O, Canada” has to do with it, and how Canadian universities are connected. We also give a quick breakdown of blackface in entertainment — Kim Kardashian and her spray tan are on notice. (Note: This episode was recorded in January 2020, before the pandemic.)

    S3: Crash Course on Black Nurses

    Play Episode Listen Later May 27, 2020 10:10


    In this Crash Course we look into the surprisingly young history of Black nurses in Canada and why many of these women had to travel to the U.S. for their education. We also take a look at the story of the Black Cross Nurses and how Black nurses went from shutouts to leaders in a matter of decades.

    S3: Where is Japantown?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 12, 2020 56:14


    Why isn't there a Japantown in every major city across Canada? This episode, we look into early Japanese Canadian history and figure out the “Asiatic Exclusion League” is not what we thought it was. Then, with the help of Lisa Uyeda from the Nikkei Museum we connect the dots between internment during the Second World War and the huge fallout for multiple generations. And what happened when theatre artists Julie Tamiko Manning and Matt Miwa, found out their families were both sent to Tashme — the largest internment camp in B.C.

    S3: Crash Course on "Uncle Tom"

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 21, 2020 17:03


    Today we try to figure out the true story of Uncle Tom, with the help of Dr. Cheryl Thompson. You may know “Uncle Tom” as a derogatory term. Or from Harriet Beecher Stowe's 1852 anti-slavery novel “Uncle Tom's Cabin”. But the name's also linked to Josiah Henson, who escaped to Canada through the Underground Railroad. So which one is right?

    S3: Sasquatch in the Gift Shop

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 14, 2020 37:02


    In the first full episode of Season 3, Leah and Falen explore the truth behind two very old stories. Sasquatch and Ogopogo are legendary creatures of land and sea — but how exactly did they go from sacred figures in Indigenous oral histories to terrifying beasts and dopey-looking mascots?

    S3: Crash Course on Friendship Centres

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 30, 2020 10:00


    We're baaack! Leah and Falen switch things up and introduce the Crash Course — snack-size history lessons on a range of topics. First up: the history of Friendship Centres, an essential part of urban Indigenous life across the country. (Because let's face it, we're already nostalgic for physical gathering spaces.)

    Season 3 is self-isolating

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 16, 2020 23:37


    We're not trying to mess with a global pandemic, so we'll be back on March 31st. Until then, here's a repeat of our most important episode and something we feel everyone needs right now: snacks.

    Introducing: CBC Podcasts in Class

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 26, 2019 1:02


    Free teaching resources have been developed for select episodes of The Secret Life of Canada! If you — or someone you know — teaches high school history, geography, civics or Indigenous Studies, visit cbc.ca/teachingguides to learn more.

    S2: The Nanny

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 27, 2019 41:42


    Who has been looking after Canada's kids? We find out that Indigenous women and women from all over the world took on this job, and none of their stories follow the plot line to Sound of Music. From Confederation to present day, has anything changed for these workers? For books referenced in this episode please visit our website at cbc.ca/secretlifeofcanada

    S2: Shout out to Autumn Peltier

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 6, 2019 4:28


    It's our first shout out to a living youth leader! Meet Anishnabe-kwe Autumn Peltier. Greatly influenced by her great aunt Josephine Mandamin, Autumn has been using her voice to advocate for water rights since she was 8 years old. Today, we learn a little more about this phenomenal water warrior and International Children's Peace Prize nominee.

    S2: Your Letters

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 23, 2019 29:45


    A mailbag episode! You asked and we answered your burning history questions which took us to the Cowichan sweater, Cheezies, the legacy of Hawaiian Canadians in B.C and one guy named Portuguese Joe.

    S2: Shout out to Atuat Akittirq

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 9, 2019 3:06


    As Nunavut marks 20 years as a territory, Leah and Falen shout out mother, grandmother, educator, knowledge keeper and award winning artist Atuat Akittirq.

    S2: The Indian Act

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 25, 2019 44:51


    What is the Indian Act and why Canada still have it on the books? The Secret Life team looks at the roots of this complicated policy, which after 143 years is still embedded in Canadian identity, from the policy that led to the Act to how it still impacts Indigenous identities today.

    S2: Shout out to Gay Asians of Toronto

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 4, 2019 4:39


    As Pride celebrations kick off across the country, Leah and Falen shout out the Gay Asians of Toronto (GAT). Formed in 1979, this organization is thought to be the first LGBT group for non-white queer people in Canada.

    S2: Chinatown

    Play Episode Listen Later May 28, 2019 28:17


    Most major cities across Canada have a Chinatown - but how did they start, and why? This episode, a look at the early history of Chinese people this side of the Pacific, and the historic Chinatown in B.C. that predates Confederation. (Hint: it's not in Vancouver.)

    S2: Shout Out to Dr. O

    Play Episode Listen Later May 7, 2019 3:59


    Meet Dr. Oronhyatekha, or Burning Cloud as he was known in Mohawk. Oronhyatekha grew up on Six Nations reserve and attended residential school where he trained to be a cobbler - but life had bigger plans. Hear how he became one of the first Indigenous doctors in Canada.

    S2: The Medicine Line

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 25, 2019 40:36


    This episode we look at the thing that literally defines Canada - the border. What happened to First Nations when the border was drawn right through their land? And as American "draft dodgers" came north, why did thousands of Canadians volunteer to fight for the U.S. during the war in Vietnam?

    S2: Shout Out to Bernelda Wheeler

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 2, 2019 3:31


    Meet Bernelda Wheeler, the "First Lady of Indigenous Broadcasting in Canada". The broadcaster, journalist, actor and activist inspired a generation of Indigenous journalists.

    S2: The Golden Boy

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 26, 2019 46:59


    Just how did a Greek god become a beacon for gay men in the Prairies? In this episode, Falen and Leah look into some of earliest known queer spaces in the Prairies, how they came to be and why they were so important. If you don't think of Winnipeg as a queer city, this episode may just change your mind.

    S2: Shout Out to Your Grandma

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 8, 2019 13:50


    In a special shout out for International Women's Day, The Secret Life of Canada asked listeners to share stories about the matriarchs hidden in their family histories. These women may not have been written about, or have won awards, or have achieved historic "firsts" but the people they were and the choices they made had a huge impact on their communities, families and descendants.

    S2: The province of Jamaica

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 19, 2019 50:16


    This episode we take a look at early Caribbean migration to Canada and reveal which islands could have become Canadian provinces. We also dive into the history of Black railway porters and how they and their wives made Winnipeg a hub of labour activism in Canada.

    S2: Shout Out to John Ware

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 5, 2019 5:11


    Meet John Ware, the Black cowboy who helped build Alberta's ranching industry and became a legend for his skill as horseman. Please be advised this episode contains strong language.

    S2: Water

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 22, 2019 50:42


    Can the foundation of Canada be traced back to Indigenous trade routes? In this episode Falen and Leah take a trip across the Great Lakes, they talk corn and vampires, and discuss some big concerns currently facing Canada's water.

    S2: Shout Out to Madhu Verma

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 8, 2019 3:45


    Many Canadians may not have heard of Madhu Verma but her almost fifty years of social activism has greatly shaped the current landscape of Fredericton, N.B. and Canada's East Coast.

    S2: Shout Out to Eleanor Collins

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 18, 2018 4:08


    Meet Eleanor Collins - Canada's first lady of jazz and the first Black person in North America to host a nationally broadcast television series, "The Eleanor Show" which began in 1954.

    S2: Your questions answered! (Bonus from Toronto Live show)

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 11, 2018 9:12


    Want to know where we get our ideas? Why Toronto was the original no-fun city? Check out the Q&A from our live show at the Hotdocs Podcast Festival in November 2018.

    S2: Toronto vs. Everyone (Live!)

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 4, 2018 45:14


    It's our first live show! Recorded in front of an audience for the Hotdocs Podcast Festival, we try to answer the age-old question: why is Toronto the city Canada loves to hate? Featuring special guests Jane Luk, Kris Siddiqi, Brandon Hackett and music by Matt Reid.

    S2: The Gold Rush

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 27, 2018 33:04


    There is no doubt that the Klondike Gold Rush was an iconic event. But what did the mining industry cost the original people of the territory? And what was left when all the gold was gone? And what is a sour toe cocktail?

    S2: Shout Out to Private Buckam Singh

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 6, 2018 3:19


    Meet Private Buckam Singh, of one of the first Sikh Canadian soldiers. During WWI he enlisted with the Canadian Expeditionary Forces. In 1916 he served with the 20th Canadian Infantry Battalion in the battlefields of Flanders. His resting place in Kitchener, Ont., is now the only known WWI Sikh Canadian Soldier's military grave in Canada.

    S2: You don't wanna sleep here (Halloween Special)

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 30, 2018 31:42


    Is Canada a haunted place? In this bonus Halloween episode Falen and Leah travel to some of Canada's more obscure haunts. From one of Canada's oldest universities to a former asylum in Quebec to a number of haunted theatres across the country. Leah and Falen seek out what hides in these historical haunts.

    S2: Shout Out to C.D. Hoy

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 15, 2018 3:39


    Meet C. D. Hoy of Quesnel, B.C. His work wasn't discovered until 1995 when archivists found his photography. He left behind thousands of pictures that offered a rare look at life during the turn of the century through the eyes of the marginalized.

    S2: Bay Blanket

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 1, 2018 37:40


    The Bay Blanket. These warm blankets are as iconic as Mariah Carey's lip-syncing, but some people believe they were used to spread smallpox and decimate entire Indigenous communities. We dive into the history of The Hudson's Bay Company and unpack the very complicated story of the iconic striped blanket. For books and films referenced in this episode please visit our website at cbc.ca/secretlifeofcanada

    Season One Wrap Up

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 27, 2018 1:28


    Season 1 is done, and we're taking some time off to work on season 2!

    S1: Shout Out to Fred Sasakamoose

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 27, 2018 3:21


    Meet Chief Running Deer, Fred Sasakamoose of Ahtahkakoop Cree Nation in Saskatchewan, the first Indigenous player in the NHL.

    S1: The Secret Life of Statues

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 27, 2018 26:50


    What do you have to do to get a statue in Canada? We put some of our most lauded historical figures on trial and deliberate their pros and cons. Who should be torn down and who should stay up? From the Famous Five to Terry Fox, we look at some of the best and worst.

    S1: The Secret Life of Canadian Snacks

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 27, 2018 21:13


    Canada is full of its own weird and wonderful snacks. From Pizza Pops to ketchup chips, we dive into the history of Canadian food.

    S1: Shout Out to Tom Longboat

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 27, 2018 2:06


    Meet Tom Longboat, an Onondaga long distance runner born in 1887 on Six Nations. Tom became one of the most celebrated athletes of all time, despite his struggles and encountering racism throughout his career.

    S1: The Secret Life of the North

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 27, 2018 35:42


    Nunavut has the largest landmass out of all the provinces and territories in Canada - and yet, it is an area that many of us know the least about. In this episode, we look at the forced relocation of the Inuit, the Eskimo Identification System, and the dog slaughter perpetuated by the Canadian government.

    S1: Shout Out to Jackie Shane

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 27, 2018 4:00


    Meet Jackie Shane, the singer and trailblazer that came to prominence during Toronto's bustling Yonge Street music scene during the '60s.

    S1: Shout Out to Irene Uchida

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 27, 2018 3:00


    Meet Irene Uchida. A Japanese Canadian scientist, she was one of thousands of Japanese Canadians who were imprisoned as part of the Japanese Internment during WWII. Dr. Uchida went on to become a groundbreaking geneticist, transforming maternal and fetal health around the world.

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