The Dawn of Canadian History : A Chronicle of Aboriginal Canada

by Stephen Leacock

"The Dawn of Canadian History: A Chronicle of Aboriginal Canada" by Stephen Leacock is a historical account written during the early 20th century. This work explores the rich and complex history of Canada's Aboriginal peoples, beginning with the early geological formation of the continent and the arrival of Aboriginal populations before the advent of European explorers. The opening portion of this narrative delves into the geological history of Canada, illustrating the continent's ancient roots and the gradual evolution of its landscape over millions of years. It sets up a contrast between the geological timeline and the relatively recent arrival of European settlers, emphasizing that while written history in Canada is young, the land itself has been shaped by processes that span vast eons. Leacock intertwines discussions of early human presence with descriptions of the natural environment, aiming to provide a foundation for understanding the lives and cultures of the Indigenous tribes that inhabited Canada before European colonization.