The Primary Source: Recent Episodes
Steve Wyer
On the Primary Source we investigate moments and movements in the Canadian Historical narrative. We try to employ multiple perspectives from the historical sources. Each episode features a new guest who completes research on their own. We join together in synergy to create a podcast of informal conversation on the topic
On July 16th 1917 after 6 days of hard searching for Tom Thomson's body, his body was discovered in Canoe Lake, Algonquin Park, by a local resident physician. At this point, he was not yet the famous Canadian painter we now know him. However, his death, and subsequent burial were to be shrouded in mystery and lead to the ongoing speculation and mystery surrounding his death and the emotion of his art. Thomson would become Canada's most recognized artist. But was his death truly an accidental drowning? Or, was Thomson the victim of a more sinister plot? Have a listen and make up your own mind!
As promised we have reconvened with a special guest who was at the take down of the Squamish five in 1983. We ask all of the questions we were wondering about after researching the first episode and we also learn a few new things. Join us for a deeper more personal look into the Squamish 5.
The conversation about what Canada would be like if the CPR was never completed could follow multiple pathways. We consider the railway connecting East to West a great unifier of this country when the border with the US was tenuous and the West up for grabs. We don’t ever really talk about the importance of the Yukon Telegraph in the same way. It's strange. However, after today’s episode, you may just believe, like I do, that the Yukon Telegraph did for connecting the North what the CPR did for connecting the West in the late 19th century.
The year is 1980. A young group of 5 protesters, calling themselves Direct Action, would become the most well-known domestic terrorists since the FLQ crisis. During a three year period, The Squamish 5 went on a tear bombing industry, injuring people, and committing multiple thefts. Were it not for the efforts of a collaborative law enforcement task force, The Squamish 5 may have gone on to blow up Canadian fighter jets, an ice breaker under construction, and rob an armoured car to finance it all.
Alimighty Voice was a Plains Cree man who ended up on the wrong side of the European Colonial law in 1895. His people on the One Arrow reserve were feeling the restrictions and the limitations on their movement, their traditions, and their health as a result of Treaty # 6. This is the story of Almighty Voice's resistance and last stand.
Delve into an exploration behind the inception of the NWMP. In this episode we examine the context creating pressure for law and order in the newly acquired North West Territories. American interests, First Nations resistance, and booze all lead to a group of 300 or so members of the NWMP to head West. As with most of our conversations we finish strong!