Commemorate Canada

Commemorate Canada highlights significant Canadian anniversaries and examines them with a sometimes celebratory, sometimes critical, eye. 

From 2020-2023, the Royal Canadian Geographical Society and Canadian Geographic, in partnership with Canadian Heritage, developed and published a series of multimedia stories and educational resources commemorating milestone events in Canadian history, with a goal of raising awareness of and encouraging critical thought about the people, places and events that define our national identity. 

Journalistic storytelling

Print stories
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Throughout the four years of the Commemorate Canada program, Canadian Geographic told tales of Canada’s historic milestones as only it can, through a combination of engaging text, high-quality visuals and original cartography. Dozens of stories were published in the magazine, offering an informed, reflective look at vital moments in this country’s history, from the founding of the Hudson’s Bay Company to the 100th anniversary of the Chinese Immigration Act, and much more. 

Reach: 4,000,000+ readers per issue (print & digital)

Cartography

Map: Chris Brackley/Can Geo
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Many of Canadian Geographic’s Commemorate Canada stories were enhanced by original cartography. Custom maps developed for this program included a pull-out poster map on the journeys of the iconic Bluenose, included in the March/April 2021 issue of the magazine; a breathtaking look at Canada’s role in the Battle of the Atlantic during the Second World War; and a detailed map aimed at helping Canadians understand the history and present-day importance of Treaties 1 and 2.

Reach: 4,000,000+ readers per issue (print & digital)

Educational Resources

Lesson plans
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Inspiring lesson plans aligned with history, geography, social studies, and law curricula provide students with an opportunity to learn, reflect and think critically about relevant topics ranging from the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms to Treaties with First Nations. In addition to lesson plans, associated classroom resources, activities and and maps are available, for free, through Canadian Geographic Education.

Videography & film

GeoMinutes
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Creative, informative and bilingual, our 60-second GeoMinute video vignettes inspire further learning through multi-platform resources hosted by Canadian Geographic. Each bite-sized video commemorates a significant moment, place or figure in Canadian history. More than 40 videos have been released since the program’s inception. 

Reach: 1,621,985+ views on YouTube

Digital engagement

Digital stories
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All Commemorate Canada stories are published bilingually on Canadian Geographic’s website with attractive, responsive layouts and, often, interactive elements woven in. Furthermore, online exclusive stories are routinely published, furthering the reach of these powerful retellings of Canadian history. 

Reach: 130,000 monthly online readers (cangeo.ca)

Social media reach
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Explore and Expand Storytelling with Basecamp

Canadian Geographic Basecamp engages Canadians through powerful journalistic storytelling, impactful cartography, influential documentaries and strong community partnerships from coast to coast to coast.  

For 93 years, Canadian Geographic has been and continues to be Canada’s trusted voice to inspire, educate and engage Canadians and those interested in Canada. Bringing stories of importance into the lives of a highly engaged audience, Canadian Geographic Basecamp develops content alongside partners, through strong collaboration.