In celebration of Canada’s 150^th anniversary, archivists in McMaster University Library’s William Ready Division of Archives and Research Collections have delved into the Library’s holdings to select artifacts that help shine a light on some of Canada’s most beloved figures, our national heritage, and our place in the world.

In the following videos, McMaster archivists Rick Stapleton, Renu Barrett,  Myron Groover and Bridget Whittle help to tell Canada’s story by looking at our past:

Farley Mowat, Canadian literary icon, environmentalist and recipient of the Order of Canada.

Pierre Berton, author, broadcaster and journalist, who received the Governor General’s Award for non-fiction multiple times and was a recipient of the Order of Canada.

Margaret Laurence, one of Canada’s best known literary figures who twice won the Governor General’s Award for Fiction among many other accolades.

World War I and World War II: McMaster archives provide a personal and poignant glimpse into the reality of war through the letters and personal effects of McMaster students who served.

Pauline Johnson, performer, writer, humourist and feminist of Mohawk and English descent who, throughout her distinguished career, travelled across the country 19 times.

Bruce Cockburn, singer-songwriter, environmental activist and recipient of the Order of Canada who was also inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame.

Basil Johnston, Indigenous writer, revered storyteller and preserver of the Anishinaabe language.

Jack McClelland, renowned Canadian publisher.