Finding Our Identity [Documentary]

Christina and I figured this would be the easiest project out of the bunch, so we decided to get it completed earlier on. We went to Blockbuster after a failed attempt at any library documentaries, but we wanted to stay clear of any Michael Moore movies (he's great, but it's been done). So we were searching down the aisles and Christina came upon a movie named, Souvenir Of Canada by Douglas Coupland. She said she had read some of his books and that he was a great Canadian author. The movie seemed to be about Canadian identity and pride, and it was different from any documentaries we had previously seen. So we decided to pick it up and watch it that night.

As we watched the movie we couldn't help but be amazed at how proud Coupland was of Canada. He begins by talking about the things that make him feel Canadian. He remembers his mother's cupboards, which would be full of no name brand and Loblaws food. He talks about growing up watching government funded movies in elementary schools, and how difficult it was to draw the Canadian flag when he was young. Canadian games shows didn't have extravagant prizes like cars, it was mostly cheep stuff.

There are many things that are true only to Canadians. All Canadian airport codes begin with a Y, which is a secret insider only handshake in Canadian terms. Legendary hockey games and Terry Fox bring us together. Canada is a huge country with a beautiful landscape, such as the Canadian Shield. These are the images of Canada that those who live in cities don't get the chance to see.

Coupland moves on to question why Canadians don't experience our own culture until the Queen arrives, which is a humorous thought. Christina and I were shocked to hear that there used to be a national mascot and our own way to say hello. Ookpik, native owls made of seal skin, was something only our parents had heard of. Chimo ("chee-mo") was the government's attempt at a native welcome, but that vanished as well.

The most interesting thing Coupland decides to make in the movie is project "Canada House". He wanted to make a house that only Canadians would understand. The house included:
-Buoy Lamps
-Button Blanket ($1000 loonies)
-Canada Geese
-Hydro transmission tower made out of hockey sticks
-Imitation Terry fox Leg
-Canadarm (space station)
-Kraft products
-Beer Cans
-Quilt (Confederation 1967)
-Hockey Table
-Windsor Salt

He also painted the entire house white.

Christina and I definitely thought the house was really interesting. I think that in the present, you could add even more to a Canada House. Possibly movie posters or records from Canadian actors and musicians, as well as inventions that Canadian's have created.

I think sometimes it is easy to get lost in other cultural traditions apart from Canadian ones. Why is it that someone from the United States will say they are American, but someone from Canada will usually say their ethnic background? I think our Canadian identity is just as important as our ethnicities. Being diverse is what makes Canada the great country that it is. I think this movie is important in realizing Canada's unique traditions and values. As a country, we need to work together and be proud of how far Canada has come. I think this documentary was really positive and it put a smile on my face. I think any Canadian should watch this movie, because even if Coupland's experiences are different than theirs, at least they can reflect on what is means to be Canadian on a personal level.

Care to know more? Visit the Souvenir Of Canada Website