#carcross

A few pictures from a second road trip from the Yukon to Alaska. Spots include Conrad, Skagway and Carcross. (June, 2026)

Canada’s National Indigenous Peoples Day 

Learn about the various cultures and traditions of Canada’s Indigenous People, or join an event or ceremony to see how they have been preserved over time.

The culture, language and social systems of the original inhabitants of our world have had a significant impact on how we live our lives today. Canada’s National Indigenous Peoples Day is all about focusing on the contribution that these groups have made to our societies and helping people to learn about their heritage and culture. By celebrating this day, we can help keep Indigenous languages, traditions and culture alive for future generations.

Learn About Canada’s National Indigenous Peoples Day

The day officially first began in Canada in 1996, to celebrate the contributions and history of the Métis, Inuit and First Nation peoples. Since then, the day has been observed and celebrated internationally. Originally organized on the Summer Solstice (when the different peoples sometimes celebrate their heritage on the longest day of the year), the day’s events often include traditional feasts from each Indigenous People, festivals, dances, and the opportunity for people of all ages to learn about traditions, spiritual beliefs and culture. You might be lucky enough to see a sacred fire extinguishing ceremony or participate in a feast with a traditionally prepared meal.

It’s all about bringing people together from different walks of life to share in the contributions of Indigenous People to our society. You’ll find an eclectic mix of contemporary and traditional music while learning about how Indigenous Peoples helped to develop our agriculture, language and social customs. The day is also about how governments are creating crucial partnerships with Indigenous Peoples to protect their land, heritage and culture in modern times.

You can all get involved as the website has educational material for the whole family. There are also awareness events hosted in schools and local communities. If people want to get more involved they can even submit their ideas to get them registered as part of the event, so there are hundreds of opportunities to get involved. It also forms part of more extensive celebrations over an entire month that includes days like Multiculturalism Day and overall, aims to celebrate people from all walks of life and culture.

History of Canada’s National Indigenous Peoples Day

The day was officially recognized in Canada by the Governor-General of Canada Roméo LeBlanc in 1996. A year earlier in 1995, the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples put forward the idea for the day to be created. The Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples was a Commission put forward to reconcile the relationship between the Métis, Inuits and First Nation peoples and the Canadian Government. In 1996, Aboriginal Day was born, later changed to Canada’s National Indigenous Peoples Day in 2017.

In 1995, it wasn’t just the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples that suggested the day should be celebrated. A team of non-Indigenous and Indigenous peoples gathered and named themselves the Sacred Assembly. Chaired by Elijah Harper (Canadian Politician and Chief of the Red Sucker Lake First Nations) they called for a day for Indigenous Peoples to be celebrated and recognized for their contributions to our society. In 1982, what is now known as the Assembly of First Nations, set the path for the creation of this day, which led to Quebec recognizing the day as early as 1990.

However, there has been chatter about creating this day since 1945, when the day was first termed as ‘Indian Day’ by First Nation Chiefs, led by Jules Sioui. Jules Sioui was part of Huron Wendake First Nation and led two conventions during World War II which started to challenge the rights of Indigenous Peoples. The first meeting was chaired in 1943 in Ottawa and was attended by 53 people. The conference grew remarkably, and in 1944 was attended by four times as many people. Since then calls for a day of recognition have gained increasing traction and popularity.

Meanwhile, in late-1970s America, an International Conference began to suggest that America should host a celebration of its Indigenous peoples on Columbus Day. In 1989, it was first celebrated by South Dakota, and by 2019 was observed by multiple towns and states, including Louisiana, Dallas and Vermont. Brazil has also been celebrating since 1943, by decree of the then President, Getúlio Vargas. The UN also launched International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples in 1994, celebrating worldwide contributions from global Indigenous populations.

The United Nations had issued a Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) in 2007, which aimed to create a global framework for the preservation, dignity and well-being of each Indigenous culture. This process started in 1982, when the UN created the Working Group on Indigenous Populations, to discuss the discrimination that Indigenous Peoples had faced worldwide.

How To Celebrate Canada’s National Indigenous Peoples Day

This is the perfect time to learn about different Indigenous Peoples and their cultures and traditions. For example, in Canada, this day celebrates the First Nations, Inuit and Métis cultures. Why not learn about the Michif language of the Métis, or find out more about the storytelling traditions of the Inuits? Learning about the separate cultures will help us to understand how each independent group contributed to many of the things in society we take for granted today.

Why not get involved in a local event and participate in a traditional feast or watch a sacred ceremony? Dive right in and download some of the online material – why have some fun with family and friends and learn about Indigenous Peoples in the process? If you don’t have an event near you, why not host your own and reach out to the local Indigenous community for some assistance.

Learning about the history of Indigenous Peoples is also part of understanding why a day of celebration is so vital for preserving cultures today. From land disputes to reconciling with Governments across the world, the story for all Indigenous People has not been an easy one.

Luckily now we can preserve and enjoy all Indigenous cultures and appreciate the vast contribution that has been and is still being made today. So get stuck in, participate in a traditional event and learn all you can about different cultures. Help us send a big thank you to the original inhabitants of our planet for making it what it is today.

Cold Waters

National Learn To Swim Day

Teach your kids to swim, or sign up for lessons yourself. It’s good  for your health, and may save your life or the life of another from  drowning someday.

Maybe humans can’t fly like birds (yet!), but that doesn’t mean that  walking is the only we can get around—with just a little patience and a  little work, we can learn to swim like fish, too. Of course, you could  live without ever knowing how to swim, but who would want to?

Swimming offers so many benefits that it’s impossible to say that  your life would be just as good without it—it builds muscle strength and  endurance, improves circulation, helps maintain a healthy weight,  alleviates stress and improves both coordination and flexibility, to  name but a few.

Not to mention that knowing how to swim can easily save your life or allow you a person to save someone’s life! Learn to Swim Day  was created to encourage people all over the world who don’t know how  to swim, regardless of age, to finally acquire this incredibly  beneficial skill or simply improve on their existing skills.

National Learn To Swim Day is observed every year on the third  Saturday of May and is dedicated to educating children and adults about  the importance of learning to swim and general water safety. National  Learn To Swim Day is held before the start of summer, to ensure that  anyone who cannot swim prior to summer is encouraged to learn, making  for a safer summer of water fun.

While swimming is an activity enjoyed by people of all ages  throughout the year, summer is the time when there is the most risk of  drowning, with an increasing number of people taking to lakes, rivers,  and swimming pools to cool off in the heat. Because there are a number  of risks involved in swimming – and accidentally falling into the water  or getting out of your depth – learning to swim from a young age is  vital.

History of Learn to Swim Day

This little holiday was created in 2012 by ‘Swimways’, now known as  ‘Teach Me To Swim’. Its main goal was to provide the opportunity to  raise awareness about the importance of water safety as well as teach  both children and adults how to swim.

At first, it was just a small event, but soon people began to realize  just how important it was to have such a day, especially during the  month when many swimming pools open for the summer all over the U.S.A.

Soon, corporations such as Target and Toys”R”Us joined Swimways in  celebrating this day by offering promotions on swimwear and learn to  swim items, as well as helping to raise awareness about Learn to Swim  Day. Nowadays, it seems that more people take part every year, resulting  in thousands of people finally mastering this extremely useful skill.

Raising awareness about water safety

National Learn To Swim Day is the ideal opportunity to raise  awareness about the crucial importance of being able to swim and being  confident in and around water, particularly for young children. Learning  to swim is an invaluable life skill that could, one day, save a child’s  life, which is why raising awareness about learning to swim is so  vital.

Did you know that drowning is the second leading cause of accidental  death in children from one to 14-years-old? That’s why it is so  important that children of all ages learn to swim, hence the need for  National Learn To Swim Day and the importance of raising awareness  around this crucial health and safety topic.

Learning to swim can be a lot of fun, and can be practiced at any  age. There are classes for swimming designed for children as young as a  few weeks old that teach young babies and toddlers how to turn over into  the water onto their backs, should they accidentally fall into water  and are unable to get out, effectively saving their own lives.

As well as basic swimming lessons for children of all ages, there are  also a number of advanced swimming classes that are designed to improve  children’s swimming skills and increase their confidence.

There are also swimming classes designed to teach children and  teenagers vital lifeguarding and lifesaving skills, so should they ever  need to help another swimmer who is in trouble in the water, they are  able to do so in a safe and confident way.

How to celebrate Learn to Swim Day

As you may well have guessed, the best way to celebrate Learn to Swim  day would be to learn to swim. It is estimated that about half of all  Americans can’t swim, so if you happen to be a part of this group, this  day is the perfect time to change your life for the better!

National Learn To Swim Day is all about encouraging people to learn  how to swim and to ensure that from a young age children are encouraged  to learn how to swim. National Learn To Swim Day also encourages parents  to book swimming lessons for their children, to help boost their water  confidence and ensure that they properly understand water safety and how  dangerous water can be.

Many swimming lesson companies offer deals and discounts as part of  the National Learn To Swim Day celebrations, encouraging parents to  enroll their children in classes that could one day save their lives.

Don’t be shy, no matter how old you are, there and millions of other  people your age who can’t swim, either. So get a bathing suit you feel  comfortable in, and make your way down to your nearest pool, and take a  few lessons. Learning the basics of swimming is generally considered  quite easy for most people.

If you don’t want to take a class from an instructor, you could  always ask a friend or relative who swims well to teach you. However, it  is extremely important to exercise caution at all times, and take your  time practicing in shallow, relatively still water for quite some time  before venturing out into less safe territory.

And even when you do learn to swim well enough to feel comfortable in  the water, you should never take unnecessary risks, like swimming in  areas not monitored by lifeguards, disregarding warning signs, swimming  under the influence of alcohol, or diving without first checking the  water is at least 9-10 feet deep. You could also host a pool party or  make a deal with your children that you will find the time to go  swimming together at least once a week.

National Learn To Swim Day FAQs

What is the historical significance of swimming in ancient cultures?

Swimming dates back thousands of years, with evidence from ancient civilizations.

Egyptian tombs from 2000 BC depict swimmers using a form of the front crawl.

The Greeks and Romans also valued swimming, incorporating it into their education and military training. These early practices highlight swimming’s longstanding role in human societies.

How did the breaststroke evolve over time?

The breaststroke has evolved significantly. In 1696, French author Melchisédech Thévenot described a version similar to the modern technique in his book “The Art of Swimming.”

This publication influenced European swimming styles, leading to the development of competitive swimming strokes used today.

Are there any myths or misconceptions about learning to swim?

A common misconception is that swimming immediately after eating causes cramps and increases the risk of drowning.

However, moderate physical activity after a light meal doesn’t pose a significant danger. It’s still advisable to wait 30 minutes after eating before swimming to ensure comfort.

What are some unique swimming traditions from around the world?

In Finland, winter swimming is a popular tradition. Enthusiasts cut holes in frozen lakes to take icy dips, believing it boosts circulation and mood.

This practice, often followed by a sauna, showcases how cultures incorporate swimming into their customs.

How did swimming become part of the modern Olympic Games?

Swimming has been part of the modern Olympics since their inception in 1896.

Initially, only men competed in freestyle and breaststroke events. Women’s swimming was introduced in 1912, expanding the sport’s global prominence and encouraging broader participation.

What are some unusual swimming competitions held globally?

The UK hosts the annual World Bog Snorkelling Championships in Wales.

Participants swim through peat bogs using snorkels and flippers, aiming for the fastest time. This quirky event attracts competitors worldwide, highlighting the fun side of swimming.

How did the front crawl stroke gain popularity in Western swimming?

The front crawl gained prominence after Native American swimmers demonstrated its speed in an 1844 London competition.

British swimmers, initially favoring the breaststroke, soon adopted this faster technique, revolutionizing competitive swimming.

What role did Captain Matthew Webb play in swimming history?

In 1875, Captain Matthew Webb became the first person to swim across the English Channel.

Using the breaststroke, he covered approximately 21 miles in under 22 hours, inspiring future generations of long-distance swimmers.

Are there any superstitions associated with swimming?

Some cultures believe swimming on certain days can bring bad luck. For example, an old Irish superstition warns against swimming on Whit Sunday, suggesting it invites drowning.

While not widely observed today, such beliefs highlight the cultural significance of swimming.

How did early swimming aids influence the teaching of swimming?

In the 16th century, swimming aids like air-filled bladders and reed bundles were used to teach beginners.

These devices provided buoyancy, helping novices gain confidence in the water and paving the way for modern flotation devices.

National Train Day

Go out and take a ride on a train, or watch them go by from a comfortable vantage point, whether fast, sleek commuter trains or large, loud steam engine transporters.

They cross thousands of miles across the countryside all over the world, transporting goods and passengers to places far-flung, and bringing back the same to their point of origin.

Two gleaming lines of silver lay their path as they move through cities and forests, mountains, and plains to bring everything to those who need it, whether it’s cargo or people. Of course, we’re talking about trains, those powerful machines that inspired so much of history, and have done amazing things for economies and industry all over the world.

National Train Day commemorates these beautiful machines and the role they play in our lives.

History of National Train Day

The history of National Train Day is the history of trains, and that history goes back farther than you might suspect. Railroads were actually a progression from wagonways, which were essentially railroads powered by horses, and have a history going back over 2000 years.

The first example of what we might call a “train track” emerged near Corinth in Ancient Greece in around 600 BC. Men and animals would pull boats along grooves in limestone across a five-mile course to their destination in the sea. The Romans did something similar in Roman Egypt.

The reason wagonways (and of course railways) came into existence was one of pure practicality: you could transport larger loads over a greater distance with prepared paths!

The first modern ‘ways’ weren’t even created with metal rails, they were instead created with wooden rails, and in the distance path even cut-stone tracks. By being carefully prepared, you could increase the amount a single horse could haul from one ton to nearly 13 tons! That’s a considerable improvement in cargo capacity and a massive boon to those who have to move a lot of it a good distance.

Of course, with wooden rails, they had to be often replaced, and so it became common practice to cover them with a thin metal plate to help the wood last.

The industrial revolution changed all that, and metal rails became more prominent. Around 1750, industry began producing dramatically more iron than at any point in the past. New techniques made possible by the modern science of metallurgy and engineering created the conditions for an output explosion.

With increased supply, the price of tracks began to fall. It suddenly became feasible to lay more of them, replacing the problem-stricken wooden versions that tended to break often.

There was still a problem, though: some consignments had a nasty habit of veering off the rails – literally! In response, an industrial innovator and colliery manager called John Curr saw that the problem was flat wheels. He realized that you needed some way to keep the wagon on the line. His idea was to create an L-shaped profile to the wheel on the inside that would prevent it from slipping off the track.

Of course, none of this early development mentions steam-powered locomotives – the thing that people think about first when they talk about trains. The actual steam engine only emerged in 1769 following James Watt’s proof-of-concept. But even he didn’t see the potential. He wanted to use steam to power wheels in factories, not necessarily trains.

It took more than thirty years for the first fully functional steam locomotive to appear in 1804 under the direction of Richard Trevithick. Trevithick, however, didn’t manage to commercialize the idea. While he built plenty of demonstrations, he didn’t have the means to put it to good use. Thus, the first commercial train journeys only began in 1812, and on a tiny scale.

But, of course, we all know what happened next: trains took over the world. They gave birth to our modern, productive civilization and transformed the life of the average person forever.

Because trains played a big part in our collective history, it was only a matter of time before someone, somewhere developed the idea of hosting a “train day.” An event like this would be a chance for everyone in the world who has benefited from locomotives to celebrate their valuable role, choo-chooing humanity into the future.

In 2008, Amtrak established National Train Day to help celebrate the history of the locomotive. The idea was to engage the general public more on the subject of trains and their history in the development of the modern world. National Train Day was a homage to the efforts of our ancestors in building out the rail network. It focuses, particularly on the transcontinental railway. During its heyday, National Train Day was a major event. While Amtrak was the clear lead, museums and other institutions related to trains all took part. Even charities got involved, seeing it as an excellent opportunity to fundraise.

Amtrak decided to host events every year, but, unfortunately, got into financial trouble. The firm closed its official National Train Day in 2015. That, however, wasn’t the end of the matter. Enthusiasts loved it so much, they carried on celebrating the occasion in the years that followed.

How to celebrate National Train Day

The best way to celebrate National Train Day is to go out and take a ride on a train! It doesn’t matter where it’s going, riding a train can be a fantastic and relaxing experience.

Some towns have steam trains that are part of their history and still in operation, and dinner trains are always a nice experience. Or, if you’re planning on taking a trip, rather than taking a car or plane, take a train for a relaxing ride across the country. National Train Day is a great chance to go out and see the world and experience these amazing vehicles.

Canadian Small Town

National Cherish An Antique Day

Ask the older members of your family about the histories behind the antiques in your home. Clocks, dishware, jewelry and more can hold surprising stories.

Antiques all have historical value. For those who look at antiques and don’t think much of them, then this is the day to ask questions. It’s a great way to learn about the treasured stories behind the antiques.

National Cherish An Antique Day celebrates the history behind the item, the celebration of families and their stories. You can also learn about the collectors that maintain that history through preservation and upkeep.

How to Celebrate National Cherish An Antique Day

Celebrate National Cherish An Antique Day by taking the time to learn the story of the antiques throughout your home.

Ask your mother, grandma, father, or grandpa about why they hold on to the antiques throughout your home. If you have an antique in your home, polish it up, repair it, and maintain its value.

Take a trip to your local antique shop and look around for beautiful furnishing to decorate your home. Spend some time with an antique collector and learn about the appreciation and care that goes into the craftsmanship of antique collecting.

National Cherish An Antique Day Timeline

16th century:  Renaissance Cabinets of Curiosities:  European princes and scholars begin assembling “cabinets of curiosities” that mix natural wonders, artworks, and ancient objects, laying early foundations for the taste for collecting antiques.   

1753:  British Museum Opens to the Public:  The British Museum was founded in London to house the collections of Sir Hans Sloane and others, making classical antiquities and historic artifacts accessible to a wider public and inspiring interest in collecting old objects.   

1830s:  Rise of the Parisian Antique Trade:  Dealers in Paris begin specializing in older furniture and decorative arts, and the term “antiquaire” comes into common use, signaling the emergence of a distinct profession focused on buying and selling antiques.  

1890:  United States Customs “100‑Year Rule” Emerges:  U.S. tariff legislation adopts the practice of defining an “antique” as an item at least 100 years old for duty‑free import, a benchmark that shapes how collectors, dealers, and museums classify historic objects.   

1951:  First Grosvenor House Art & Antiques Fair:  London’s Grosvenor House hosts a major vetted art and antiques fair, helping to professionalize the high‑end antiques market and giving collectors a central venue to find authenticated historic pieces. 

1956:  Debut of the BBC’s Antiques Roadshow Radio Precursor:  The BBC launches “Collectors’ Club” on radio, which discusses old objects and collectibles, and paves the way for the Antiques Roadshow TV format that later brings antique appreciation into millions of homes.   

1979:  First Season of PBS Antiques Roadshow in the United States:  Inspired by the British program, Antiques Roadshow premieres on PBS, turning family heirlooms and flea‑market finds into stories of history and value and greatly boosting popular interest in antiques across.

History of National Cherish An Antique Day

While all forms of history can be preserved, antiques can provide a unique perspective of how people cherish and maintain their antiques in their own homes.

Antiques specifically refer to the preclassical and classical cultures of the ancient world. People began to collect antiques around the 16th century when English and European collectors would flourish with rarities. However, these collectors would exist among the upper-class members of the late Renaissance society. It wasn’t until the 18th century that both public and private members would begin to collect antiques.

This began to happen alongside the development of art and the science of archaeology. During the 18th century, many movements to preserve authentic antiques. These antiques included books, possessions, and mementos left by family members. They became quite popular among people who would become collectors.

From there, antiques not only became valued for their history but also their connection to families. National Cherish An Antique Day acknowledges people who collect antiques from all over the world.

It gives people the chance to explore the world of antiques through museums and antique shops. It also allows those with antiques to look into the history of their families and appreciate the stories behind their lives.

It’s also a day to thank those who aim at repairing antiques and bringing life back into them. So take the time to clean your antiques, ask your relatives what they are, and appreciate the antiques of your home on this day.

Fascinating Facts About Antiques and Their Cultural Value

Antiques are more than old objects. They carry stories about history, craftsmanship, and the way people once lived.

From legal definitions based on age to the traditions of collecting and trading valuable pieces, antiques reveal how societies have preserved and appreciated items from the past.

The following facts highlight some interesting aspects of how antiques are defined, collected, and valued across different cultures and time periods.

Antiques in Law Are Often Defined by a 100-Year Rule: In many legal and regulatory contexts, an “antique” is defined by its age rather than its style or rarity. For example, U.S. Customs and Border Protection generally treats items more than 100 years old as antiques that qualify for duty-free import, and the United Kingdom’s HM Revenue & Customs applies a similar 100‑year threshold when determining whether an item is an antique for value-added tax and other purposes. This age-based definition influences how antiques are traded, insured, and taxed across borders. 

The Grand Tour Helped Spark Europe’s Early Antique Mania: In the 17th and 18th centuries, wealthy young Europeans, especially from Britain, often undertook a “Grand Tour” of continental Europe, visiting Italy and Greece to see ancient ruins and classical art. These travelers brought home sculptures, coins, vases, and other antiquities, helping to fuel demand for classical antiques and shaping early collecting habits. Many major museum collections, including parts of the British Museum, have roots in objects acquired during Grand Tours. 

Auction Houses Professionalized the Antique Trade in the 18th Century: The modern antique market grew alongside the rise of public auction houses that specialized in art and antiquities. Firms such as Sotheby’s, founded in London in 1744, and Christie’s, founded in 1766, brought greater structure to pricing, cataloging, and authenticating antiques. Their sales created a more transparent marketplace in which collectors, dealers, and museums could compete for historic objects, and their archives remain key resources for tracing the provenance of antiques. 

Stable Indoor Conditions Matter More Than “Feeding” Old Wood: Many people try to preserve antique furniture by applying heavy oils or polishes, but conservation research shows that stable temperature and humidity are usually more important than frequent treatments. The Smithsonian advises keeping wooden antiques away from heat sources and direct sunlight and maintaining relative humidity around 40–60 percent to reduce cracking, warping, and veneer failure.Over-oiling or waxing, by contrast, can attract dust and staining and may be difficult to reverse. 

Improper Cleaning Can Permanently Damage Antique Metals: Household cleaning shortcuts can greatly reduce the value of antique metal objects. The Victoria and Albert Museum warns that abrasive polishes, steel wool, and aggressive chemical cleaners can strip original surfaces, remove historic patina, and blur makers’ marks on silver, brass, and copper alloys. Conservators typically recommend using the gentlest methods possible, such as soft cloths and nonabrasive microcrystalline waxes, and polishing only when necessary rather than routinely. 

Provenance Records Can Be as Valuable as the Object Itself: In the world of antiques, documented ownership history, or provenance, can dramatically influence an item’s cultural and monetary value. Museums and major collectors often investigate bills of sale, letters, photographs, and exhibition catalogs to establish a chain of custody, which helps confirm authenticity and guard against looted or forged objects. Institutions such as the J. Paul Getty Museum maintain dedicated provenance research departments to trace the histories of artworks and antiques. 

Many Countries Restrict the Export of Cultural Antiques: Antiques are not just collectibles; they are often treated as part of a nation’s cultural heritage. Italy, Greece, Egypt, and many other countries have strict export controls on archaeological and historically important objects, requiring permits or banning export altogether. International agreements such as the 1970 UNESCO Convention encourage countries to prevent the illicit trade of cultural property and to return illegally exported antiquities, which shapes how museums and private collectors acquire antiques today.