As a first generation Canadian, I have sometimes struggled with the identity to a degree. Don't get me wrong, I am happy and blessed to live in one of the best countries in the world. Probably 75% of the people on this planet would trade places with me in a second, and that is something I don't take for granted. But growing up, I never really identified with the history. I consider myself a citizen of Canada living outside of my ancestral homeland.
My wife is completely the opposite. She traces her family back to some of the first settlers from Europe and also has Indigenous heritage. For her, being Canadian is being attached to that history and is approaching the idea of not just nationality, but an ethnicity. I just could never identify like that. To me, it's just a piece of paper, but not part of me identity.
I think a lot of Canadians feel the same way, which is why many Canadians apply a modifier before being Canadian. Probably way off topic though.
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"A pessimist thinks things can't get any worse. An optimist knows they can."
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