Religion in Canada Flashcards
Who are the most important religious figures in Indigenous cultures?
Shamans—interpreters, healers, predictors, and officiants of ceremonies
What is a common Indigenous creation theme?
The Earth Diver Story – an animal retrieves mud from the bottom of water, which is then made into the Earth.
What is the Algonquian story of Glooscap and Malsum about?
Glooscap created good things; Malsum created snakes and difficulties, explaining good and evil.
What role did religion play in colonization?
Religion, especially Catholicism through Jesuit missions, was central to converting Indigenous people.
What happened to Indigenous religions under the Indian Act of 1885?
Many religious practices, such as the Potlatch, were outlawed.
What institution further enforced Christianity on Indigenous children?
Residential schools, mostly Catholic-run, involved abuse and cultural suppression.
How are Indigenous religions viewed in the New Age movement?
They are often distorted, exploited, and mixed with other worldviews for their ‘exotic’ appeal.
Who were the first large Christian settlers in Canada?
French Catholics in Quebec and Acadians in the Maritimes.
What religious groups settled in Ontario and the Maritimes?
Protestants, especially during the 1776 American Revolution
What religious presence did Western Canada develop?
Eastern Orthodox and Mormon settlers, including Ukrainians fleeing persecution.
How influential was Catholicism in Quebec?
Very—especially under Premier Maurice Duplessis, when church and state were intertwined.
What were “The Duplessis Children”?
Thousands of orphans abused under Catholic institutional care.
What happened to Lord’s Day laws in Canada?
They were struck down in the 1960s.
Is there a legal separation of church and state in Canada?
No, unlike the U.S.—but Canada practices a stronger separation in reality.
How does religious influence differ between Canadian and American politicians?
American politicians often reference religion; Canadian politicians generally avoid doing so.
What legal document guarantees freedom of religion in Canada?
The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
What are some legal challenges related to religious freedom in Canada?
Turbans in RCMP, Sikh daggers in schools, hijabs in court.
What group is increasing the most in Canada?
Those reporting “no religion”
What is now Canada’s second largest religious group?
Muslims
How has immigration changed religious diversity in Canada?
Fewer Christian immigrants; more Muslims, Sikhs, Hindus, Buddhists.
What is Canada’s most Christian and least Christian province?
Most Christian: Newfoundland-Labrador (93%), Least: British Columbia (45%).
Which province has the most religious diversity?
Ontario – highest populations of Muslims, Sikhs, Buddhists, and Hindus.
Where did most Jewish immigrants settle?
Montreal and Toronto
What is unique about Montreal’s Orthodox Jews (Lubavitch)?
They speak Yiddish at home and are highly observant.
