This document summarizes key points from chapters 6 and 7 of the book "National Dreams: Myth, Memory, and Canadian History" by Daniel Francis. Chapter 6 discusses the myth of wilderness and Canadians' identification with the canoe as encapsulated by the Group of Seven paintings. Chapter 7 examines the myth of the North as part of Canada's national narrative, which is represented in literature, art and hockey, though it may conflict with indigenous peoples' view of the North as their homeland. Both chapters analyze how myths can shape national identity but also distort reality.

1. Lawren Harris – Icebergs, Davis Strait -- 1930
http://www.artcountrycanada.com/group-of-seven-harris.htm

2. National Dreams: Myth, Memory, and
Canadian History
Historian Daniel Francis has written or
edited 20 books; he lives in North http://www.amazon.com/National-Dreams-Canadian-History-
ebook/dp/images/B003R7L08E
Vancouver, BC.
http://www.arsenalpulp.com/contributorinfo.php?index=24

3. Chapter 6 -- The Ideology of the Canoe:
The Myth of Wilderness
• Themes:
• Canadians’ identification with
the canoe
– Indigenous mode of travel
http://ierg.net/LUCID/resources/lesson-plans/lessonplanview?unit_planID=42
– The Group of Seven’s influence
– Childhood experiences
• The canoe encapsulates a
“Canadian ideology.”
http://www.freshtrackscanada.com/articles/canada-canoeing

4. Questions to Consider
• What functions do myths fill?
• Can myths do harm by distorting reality?
• Does every people and/or region cling to myths?
• Can you relate to Canada’s “love affair” with the
canoe?
– What does the canoe represent to Canadians?

5. Chapter 7 – The Great White Hope:
The Myth of the North
Thesis: The North is part of Canada’s “master narrative,”
a myth that unites Canadians.
Themes:
• The north = Canada’s destiny, freedom, conquest.
• Literature and art have contributed to the myth.
• Hockey corresponds with being a northern nation
• Myth conflicts with reality; does that matter?

6. Questions to Consider
• How does Canada’s myth of the north compare to
others’ fascination with the north?
• How does the concept of frontier or mythical north
coincide with a Native homeland?
• How does the frontier conflict with a Native
homeland?
• Does idealizing the north lead to bad public policy?

7. Franklin Carmichael: Mirror Lake
http://g7scans.freehostia.com/carmichael_mirror_lake_1929.jpg