Calgary-based artist Lynne Rennie is creating a series called "Drawn to Canada," illustrating 100 symbols of Canadian identity, from iconic (beaver, Tim Hortons) to niche (bagged milk, house hippo). This project reflects a rise in "defensive nationalism" among Canadians, spurred by U.S. President Donald Trump's comments, and aims to differentiate Canadian identity from American. The series highlights cultural touchstones like Degrassi and MuchMusic, emphasizing Canadian values of diversity and inclusion.
Degrassi, MuchMusic and the North American house hippo: Artist draws 100 symbols of Canadiana
MuchmusicTim Hortons Inc.CanadaUnited StatesGeorge StroumboulopoulosLinda SchuylerLynne RennieCultureBeaversMediaInclusion
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TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️Calgary-based artist Lynne Rennie is creating a series called "Drawn to Canada," illustrating 100 symbols of Canadian identity, from iconic (beaver, Tim Hortons) to niche (bagged milk, house hippo). This project reflects a rise in "defensive nationalism" among Canadians, spurred by U.S. President Donald Trump's comments, and aims to differentiate Canadian identity from American. The series highlights cultural touchstones like Degrassi and MuchMusic, emphasizing Canadian values of diversity and inclusion.
Trending- 1 1969-1974: Original "Degrassi" TV show aired.
- 2 1984: MuchMusic first aired.
- 3 March (unspecified year): Mike Myers's "elbows up" gesture on Saturday Night Live.
- 4 Ongoing: Lynne Rennie's "Drawn to Canada" series (planned for 100 days, but will continue beyond).
- 5 June 30, 2025: Article published.
- Increased public discussion and pride in Canadian identity
- Ongoing artistic project promoting Canadian culture
- Reinforcement of Canadian values of diversity and inclusion
What: Calgary-based artist Lynne Rennie is drawing 100 symbols of Canadiana to explore national identity.
When: Daily for 100 days (Rennie's project); March (unspecified year) (Mike Myers's gesture); 1969-1974 (original Degrassi TV show); 1984 (MuchMusic first aired). Article published: 2025-06-30.
Where: Calgary, Canada, United States, Toronto, Nunavut, Baffin Island.
Why: To explore how symbols create a shared sense of identity; spurred by U.S. President Donald Trump's "51st state" comments, leading to "defensive nationalism" and a desire to assert Canadian distinctiveness; to highlight Canadian values like diversity and inclusion.
How: Lynne Rennie draws symbols daily and shares them on social media; experts like Anne MacLennan provide academic context; figures like Linda Schuyler and George Stroumboulopoulos comment on the cultural impact of Degrassi and MuchMusic.