Conversation Kit A guide to imagining Canada s 150th anniversary
Preface CBC/Radio-Canada, VIA Rail Canada and Community Foundations of Canada have teamed up to launch 2017 Starts Now. It s a national conversation to incubate, ignite and inspire ideas for how we celebrate Canada s 150th anniversary in 2017. In Spring 2013, 12 conferences took place across the country to begin imagining and planning 2017 celebrations. This kit will help to sustain this conversation and build momentum in communities and organizations across the country. 2
Contents Introduction.............................5 Your 2017 conversation....................6 Inspiring great ideas..................... 11 Sustaining the momentum................29 Resources............................. 31 3
In 2017, Canada will celebrate the 150 th anniversary of Confederation. It s time to start planning. 2017 Starts Now. 4
Introduction Welcome to the conversation In 2017, Canada will celebrate the 150 th anniversary of Confederation. Across the country, organizations and communities have started planning how to celebrate this major national milestone. To incubate and inspire ideas for celebrations, CBC/Radio-Canada, VIA Rail Canada and Community Foundations of Canada have joined forces to launch 2017 Starts Now. This initiative is connecting Canadians and building momentum for 2017 from the ground up. Through 2017 Starts Now, a series of conversations are taking place at events, kitchen tables and boardrooms across the country. Canadians are getting together to look back at our rich history, reflect on the changes and challenges ahead, and explore ways to define ourselves in 2017 and beyond. This kit will help you join the conversation. Work through this guide with your family, friends, colleagues and neighbours. Your efforts will help bring 2017 celebrations to life. 5
Your 2017 conversation The 2017 Starts Now conversation is an opportunity to convene enthusiastic citizens in your community. Your conversation can range from a small dialogue around a boardroom table with colleagues to a large event with community leaders. This kit can help you organize a conversation that suits your needs. Consider your time and resources Determine if you have the ability and support to host a one-hour workshop or a full-day event. Tap into your networks Reach out to people you know to gauge interest in planning and taking part in a 2017 Starts Now conversation. This could include your workplace, volunteer group, neighborhood association or business council. 6
Set the table Inviting people to your conversation It s important to bring together diverse perspectives to foster a productive and lively dialogue. Engaging people across your community can also help you to build an inventory of local stakeholders to join and sustain the conversation. Here are some sectors to include: NON-PROFIT Arts and culture, academic, youth, volunteer, newcomer and service club organizations PUBLIC Government, Aboriginal organizations, museums, libraries, local archives, parks and recreation departments BUSINESS Financial institutions, banks, chambers of commerce, advertising agencies and local small businesses MEDIA Local media can be invited to cover your event. This could include your community paper and local bloggers. Social media is a valuable tool to engage people. Use channels like Facebook and Twitter - with the hashtag #Canada150 - to connect across your community and the country. 7
Frame the discussion Mapping out your agenda The 2017 Starts Now conversation is based on four simple components. 1. INTRODUCTION Introduce 2017 Starts Now and the purpose of the conversation. Set an exciting tone for the program by emphasizing the opportunities to celebrate Canada s 150 th anniversary as a community. 2. INSPIRATION Inspire participants by exploring concepts around history, change and the future. Use videos of speakers online at 2017StartsNow.ca or engage local leaders to tell their story. This kit provides tools to inform and inspire your participants. 3. DISCUSSION Invite participants to share their ideas and thoughts about how to commemorate 2017. Discussion questions listed throughout this kit can help you explore ideas for national and local celebrations. 4. CONCLUSION Express your appreciation to participants for their time and energy. Discuss ways to continue planning for 2017 celebrations. These components can be tailored to reflect your needs and your conversation. 8
Customize the dialogue Building your conversation The format of your 2017 Starts Now conversation and program can be scaled to suit the size and interests of your participants. Here are some options: AGENDA Introduction 12 PEOPLE 36 PEOPLE 72 PEOPLE 5 minutes 10 minutes 15 minutes Inspiration 25 minutes 80 minutes 3 hours Discussion 25 minutes 80 minutes 3 hours Conclusion 5 minutes 10 minutes 15 minutes 1 HOUR 3 HOURS FULL DAY 9
All meaningful conversations require a little inspiration. Look back and then look forward. Great ideas are sure to follow. 10
Inspiring great ideas Through 2017 Starts Now conversations like yours, community leaders and engaged citizens are diving into collaborative discussions and bringing forward innovative ideas. Three core themes are designed to inspire great ideas. These themes can help to seed your conversation Looking back The 1967 Centennial Exploring our country A snapshot of Canada Celebrating 2017 Ideas for events and celebrations 11
The 1967 Centennial captivated the attention and imagination of all Canadians. The legacy lives on. 12
Looking back The 1967 Centennial The 100 th anniversary of Confederation in 1967 was a momentous occasion. Celebrations ignited enthusiasm among all Canadians. Its memory is alive and well for millions of people. The 1967 Centennial was a success because Canadians in all corners of the country found unique ways to celebrate. Communities organized local events, municipalities developed parks and arenas, and neighborhoods got together to learn more about our national history. From big to small, Centennial celebrations connected Canadians. As we look ahead to 2017, the Centennial demonstrates what is possible. Logo of Canada's 1967 Centennial celebrations, designed by Stuart Ash 13
A Lasting Legacy Communities across the country found distinct ways to commemorate Canada s Centennial. The legacy of these projects lives on to this day. THE CENTENNIAL SONG CONFEDERATION TRAIN CENTENNIAL FLAME CANADIAN RAILROAD TRILOGY Bobby Gimby s CA-NA-DA song was the most popular single in 1967. Millions of Canadians boarded this train as it traveled across the country. This monument was installed on Parliament Hill. Gordon Lightfoot created a tribute song to kickstart the year. CARIBANA FESTIVAL VOYAGEUR CANOE PAGEANT EXPO 67 CHALLENGE FOR CHANGE In Toronto, Caribana was launched to celebrate Caribbean culture. Ten teams canoed from the Rockies to Montreal. The Universal Exposition took place in Montreal. 140 films were produced through this National Film Board project. 14
Activity 1 Looking back 1. Visit the library. Go online. Talk to community members. 2. Find out how your community celebrated in 1967. 3. Use the discussion questions to tell the story. 15
Activity 1 Looking back Lead a conversation How did your community celebrate the Centennial? What are the most memorable events from 1967? What local legacies remain part of your community? The country? 16
Canada is a country rich in history, culture and diversity. A lot has happened in 150 years. We continue to transform. 17
Exploring our country A snapshot of Canada Canada is a rich and dynamic country that is home to more than 34 million people. We ve got a lot to be proud of. Canada is the second largest country in the world. Our country has vast geography, diverse cultures and vibrant communities unlike any other nation. Since Confederation in 1867, Canada has seen a world of change. Today, we re part of a global community that is connected by technology and travel. Our provinces and territories continue to transform to reflect the evolving face of our citizens. Our country is home to a diverse spectrum of citizens. Today, more than 20 per cent of people living in Canada were born outside the country - a proportion we ve not seen in almost a century. Conversely, more than one million Canadians call another country home. These are some of the factors that influence our country and our communities. As we look ahead to Canada s 150 th anniversary, it s important to reflect on the Canadian experience and what it means to be Canadian. 18
Activity 2 Exploring our country 1. Learn about perspectives of leaders from across the country. 2. Use discussion questions to explore Canada today. 19
Activity 2 Exploring our country Watch these videos ANTHONY WILSON-SMITH GILLIAN SMITH OMAYRA ISSA The friendship that founded our nation Integrating and including all citizens Reflections on multiculturalism Visit 2017StartsNow.ca for more videos and ideas 20
Activity 2 Exploring our country Lead a conversation What values and goals helped to form our country? How has Canada changed since 1867? Since 1967? How can we ensure all Canadians feel pride in 2017? In 2067? 21
Communities are looking ahead to 2017 and imagining ways to celebrate our 150 th anniversary. Now it s your turn. 22
Celebrating 2017 Ideas for events and celebrations When it comes to celebrating Canada s150 th anniversary, the sky is the limit. As Centennial celebrations showed us, initiatives can range in scope, time and intensity. Celebrations could include awards and recognition programs to honour Canadians accomplishments. They could involve new events, festivals or parades. These could be one-time occasions or the start of an annual tradition. Canada s 150 th anniversary could also take the shape of a monument, park or other lasting piece of community infrastructure. The possibilities are endless. As we brainstorm ideas for 2017, think of what would motivate, excite and inspire your organization, neighbourhood and family. The 2017 logo, imagination150 23
Activity 3 Celebrating 2017 1. Cut out the images on the next page. 2. Put together different celebration scenarios for 2017. 3. Learn about other Canadians ideas. 4. Use the discussion questions to refine your ideas. 24
Cut these images out, mix, match and build scenarios for 2017 Celebrations Activity 3 25
Activity 3 Celebrating 2017 Watch these videos ROB TARRY KAREN RADFORD INOUK TOUZIN 150 ideas to celebrate 2017 Exploring our country and ourselves The power of multilingualism Visit 2017StartsNow.ca for more videos and ideas 26
Activity 3 Lead a conversation Celebrating 2017 Adapt these questions or create your own to fuel discussions about 2017. NATIONAL PLANNING LOCAL PLANNING 1. What major events can we create to mark this milestone and make 2017 memorable for all Canadians? 1. What are the local accomplishments and histories we want to tell and commemorate in 2017? 2. How should we celebrate Canada Day 2017? 3. How can we take this celebration to the world? 4. How can we ensure that 2017 fosters a sense of pride, citizen stewardship and public engagement? 5. What are the themes and ideas that should shape 2017 celebrations? 6. How should CBC/Radio-Canada, VIA Rail Canada and Community Foundations of Canada mark this anniversary and involve all Canadians? 2. What can the city, region and province give to Canada s celebrations? 3. What role can different local organizations play in preparing to celebrate 2017? 4. How do we ensure that local youth have an opportunity to lead, contribute to and enjoy 2017 celebrations? 5. What initiatives could the city, region and province undertake to create a lasting 2017 legacy? 6. How should the city, region and province mark this anniversary? 27
Canada s 150 th anniversary is around the corner. Our conversations today are just the beginning. What s next? 28
Sustaining the momentum Bringing 2017 to life Thank you for taking part in this 2017 Starts Now conversation. You ve joined thousands of people across the country in an exciting dialogue. We hope this Conversation Kit has inspired you to lead and plan 2017 celebrations in ways that make sense to you and your community. Canada s 150 th anniversary is a oncein-a-lifetime opportunity for all citizens. And it s up to all of us to make this milestone count. Now it s time to roll up your sleeves. Your ideas for 2017 can be brought to life in many ways. Mobilize your local networks. Build a committee of interested volunteers. Connect with other organizations and groups in your community and across Canada. With your help, we can connect Canadians, celebrate our achievements and chart a course for an even stronger future. Together, we can make 2017 a year to remember for generations to come. 29
Your 2017 team Convening a committee to get the work done Bringing together a group of dedicated individuals can help you make 2017 celebrations a reality. Consider organizing a committee that meets regularly, collaborates on 2017 ideas and works together to make it all happen. i150 Calgary has a unique resource to help. This community-based organization aims to inspire countrywide gift giving in honour of Canada s 150 th anniversary. Their first gift to Canadians is the imagination Handbook. The Handbook is a step-by-step guide to forming a local i150 committee and organizing your community s giftgiving efforts. It s something that everybody can use government, local organizations and citizens of all ages. imagination 150 HANDBOOK A Guide for Planning Canada s 150th Anniversary A Gift to all Canadians from imagination 150 Calgary Une version française de ce document est disponible. Download a copy at: http://www.i150.ca/ 30
Resources Taking the next step As you make your 2017 plans a reality, there are a variety of tools and resources to help you on your way. Click on the links below. www.2017startsnow.ca 2017 Artist in Motion www.canada150blog.com imagination150 Handbook www.i150.com Canada year book 1967 (Statistics Canada) The Centennial year (The Canadian Encyclopedia) Expo 67 Portal (Library and Archives Canada) Expo 67 Heritage Minute Helicopter Ride (NFB-ONF) Impressions of Expo 67 (NFB-ONF) Report of the IPAC Canada!150 Conference (Institute of Public Administration of Canada, Spring 2010) Centennial Voyageur Canoe Pageant: CBC Archives (available in English only) Expo 67 Image Collection (available in English only) The Politics of Participation: Learning from Canada s Centennial Year by Helen Davies (available in English only) The Anniversary Compulsion by Peter Aykroyd (available in English only) 31
2017startsnow.ca 2017debutemaintenant.ca 32