Empire 267. Colonising Canada: Kidnapping, Scurvy, & Fool’s Gold (Ep 1)
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Jun 25, 2025 Dive into the tumultuous early history of Canadian colonization, where European explorers grappled with their dreams of riches. Discover how John Cabot was watched by Columbus and why Jacques Cartier resorted to kidnapping Indigenous peoples. The tales are rich with the hardships of scurvy and folly, alongside cultural myths like the significance of Turtle Island. Unravel the complexities of identity shaped by foreign pressures while exploring forgotten histories and the lasting impact of Norse migrations.
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Anishinaabe Creation Myth of Turtle Island
- The Anishinaabe creation myth tells how the world (Turtle Island) was made from earth brought up by a muskrat, on which the land grew on the turtle's back.
- This origin story emphasizes deep Indigenous connection to the land and features themes similar to myths worldwide.
Revised Origins of First Nations
- The accepted theory that First Nations crossed the Bering Land Bridge 13,000 years ago has been challenged.
- New evidence shows humans lived in North America as early as 24,000 years ago.
Leif Erikson's Viking Voyage
- Leif Erikson, son of Eric the Red, was the first European to land in North America around 1000 AD.
- His Viking settlement called Vinland is located in Newfoundland and is now a UNESCO site.