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



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.

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

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Introducing: Recall: How to Start a Revolution



The 1950s & 60s saw a wave of radical movements. Che Guevara and the Cuban Revolution. The Black Panthers. Quebec and Canada had the FLQ — a showdown that dissolved into crisis. By October 1970, there were soldiers in the streets, communities on edge, kidnapping and terror in the headlines. But those frightening weeks were just the crescendo of a wave of terror and violence that was nearly a decade in the making. This series will reveal the stories of that time through immersive storytelling and the people who lived it: the bomb disposal expert on defusing live explosives, the survivors of terror, their families, and the radicals themselves. More episodes are available at http://hyperurl.co/recallcbc

Download Introducing: Recall: How to Start a Revolution

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



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.

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

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Introducing: Ideas



Hosted by award-winning veteran of foreign reporting, Nahlah Ayed, Ideas is a podcast that dives deep into contemporary thought and intellectual history - a meeting ground for anyone itching to understand where we are, and how we got here. There are more single-person households in Canada than ever before, but there remains a lingering stigma that still follows the single woman today. This episode examines how throughout history, single women have been vilified, ostracized and shamed. More episodes are available at http://smarturl.it/cbcideas

Download Introducing: Ideas

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S3: Kanesatake 300 Years Later (Part 2)



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.

Download S3: Kanesatake 300 Years Later (Part 2)

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S3: Crash Course on Superheroes!



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.

Download S3: Crash Course on Superheroes!

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S3: Kanesatake 300 Years Later (Part 1)



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.

Download S3: Kanesatake 300 Years Later (Part 1)

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



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

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

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S3: What's the deal with blackface?



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.)

Download S3: What's the deal with blackface?

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S3: Crash Course on Black Nurses



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.

Download S3: Crash Course on Black Nurses

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S3: Where is Japantown?



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.

Download S3: Where is Japantown?

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S3: Crash Course on "Uncle Tom"



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?

Download S3: Crash Course on "Uncle Tom"

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S3: Sasquatch in the Gift Shop



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?

Download S3: Sasquatch in the Gift Shop

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S3: Crash Course on Friendship Centres



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.)

Download S3: Crash Course on Friendship Centres

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Season 3 is self-isolating



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.

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Introducing: CBC Podcasts in Class



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.

Download Introducing: CBC Podcasts in Class

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S2: The Nanny



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

Download S2: The Nanny

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S2: Shout out to Autumn Peltier



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.

Download S2: Shout out to Autumn Peltier

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S2: Your Letters



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.

Download S2: Your Letters

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S2: Shout out to Atuat Akittirq



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

Download S2: Shout out to Atuat Akittirq

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S2: The Indian Act



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.

Download S2: The Indian Act

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S2: Shout out to Gay Asians of Toronto



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.

Download S2: Shout out to Gay Asians of Toronto

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S2: Chinatown



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.)

Download S2: Chinatown

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S2: Shout Out to Dr. O



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.

Download S2: Shout Out to Dr. O

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S2: The Medicine Line



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?

Download S2: The Medicine Line

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S2: Shout Out to Bernelda Wheeler



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

Download S2: Shout Out to Bernelda Wheeler

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S2: The Golden Boy



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.

Download S2: The Golden Boy

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S2: Shout Out to Your Grandma



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.

Download S2: Shout Out to Your Grandma

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S2: The province of Jamaica



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.

Download S2: The province of Jamaica

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S2: Shout Out to John Ware



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.

Download S2: Shout Out to John Ware

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S2: Water



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.

Download S2: Water

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S2: Shout Out to Madhu Verma



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.

Download S2: Shout Out to Madhu Verma

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S2: Shout Out to Eleanor Collins



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.

Download S2: Shout Out to Eleanor Collins

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



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.

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

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S2: Toronto vs. Everyone (Live!)



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.

Download S2: Toronto vs. Everyone (Live!)

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S2: The Gold Rush



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?

Download S2: The Gold Rush

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S2: Shout Out to Private Buckam Singh



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.

Download S2: Shout Out to Private Buckam Singh

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



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.

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

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S2: Shout Out to C.D. Hoy



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.

Download S2: Shout Out to C.D. Hoy

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S2: Bay Blanket



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

Download S2: Bay Blanket

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Season One Wrap Up



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

Download Season One Wrap Up

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S1: Shout Out to Fred Sasakamoose



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

Download S1: Shout Out to Fred Sasakamoose

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S1: The Secret Life of Statues



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.

Download S1: The Secret Life of Statues

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S1: The Secret Life of Canadian Snacks



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

Download S1: The Secret Life of Canadian Snacks

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S1: Shout Out to Tom Longboat



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.

Download S1: Shout Out to Tom Longboat

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S1: The Secret Life of the North



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.

Download S1: The Secret Life of the North

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S1: Shout Out to Jackie Shane



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

Download S1: Shout Out to Jackie Shane

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S1: Shout Out to Irene Uchida



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.

Download S1: Shout Out to Irene Uchida

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