Who We Are
A plain-language guide to Canadian identity, diversity, languages, and the people who shaped the country.
Canada is a country shaped by Indigenous peoples, French and British traditions, and immigration from around the world. The official guide explains that Canadian identity is both historical and modern: it comes from the past, but it is still evolving.
Indigenous foundations
Long before European settlement, First Nations, Inuit, and Metis peoples lived across the land that became Canada. They had their own languages, governments, trade networks, and ways of life.
This is the foundation of Canadian history. Any honest study of Canada begins with the people who were here first.
French and British influences
Early colonization brought French and British institutions, language, law, and religion into the story of Canada. These two traditions influenced the development of the country's political and cultural life.
- English and French are Canada's official languages.
- Bilingualism is part of the country's public identity.
- Legal and political institutions reflect both traditions.
Immigration and multiculturalism
Canada has welcomed people from many countries and many backgrounds. Immigration changed the population and helped build towns, farms, cities, and industries across the country.
Multiculturalism means that many cultural communities can keep their identity while sharing one country. For citizenship students, this is an important idea because it explains why Canada values diversity.
Shared values
Even with different languages and backgrounds, Canadians share civic values: democracy, respect for rights, equality, and the rule of law. These values help hold the country together.
Canada's identity is not one single culture. It is a shared civic life built from many histories and many communities.
Two official languages
English and French are part of Canada's public life, government services, and cultural identity. Knowing that Canada is officially bilingual helps explain why language appears so often in the citizenship guide. It is not just a communication issue. It is part of how the country organizes national life.
For many newcomers, bilingualism also shows that Canada recognizes more than one major historical tradition. That recognition influences signs, institutions, and public expectations, especially in federal settings.
Immigration and the Canadian story
Immigration has shaped the population, economy, and cities of Canada for generations. People arrived for land, safety, work, family reunification, and new opportunities. Over time, those arrivals helped build communities across the country and made Canada more diverse.
The citizenship guide treats immigration as a major part of the national story because it shows how Canada changes while still keeping its civic foundations. New citizens are part of that continuing story.
Shared civic identity
Canada is not defined by one language, one ancestry, or one culture. What holds the country together is a shared civic identity based on law, democracy, respect, and inclusion. That means people can bring different traditions into Canadian life while also participating in common institutions.
- Respect for Indigenous peoples and their place in the country
- Recognition of English and French in public life
- Acceptance of diversity through multiculturalism
- Commitment to democracy and the rule of law
Why this chapter matters
Test questions about identity may seem straightforward, but they often check whether you understand how Canada sees itself. The key is to connect history, language, immigration, and values into one picture. If you can explain how those ideas work together, you are studying the chapter the right way.
How to study this section
- Start with Indigenous peoples.
- Then remember the French and British legacy.
- Learn why immigration matters.
- Connect multiculturalism to Canadian values.
Quick review
Canada is shaped by Indigenous foundations, French and British traditions, immigration from many countries, and shared civic values.