Canada:The great White North

Canada
From the world 'Kanata' meaning 'settlement' in Laurentian-Iroquois.
Also known as: The great white north / The True North 

---

Hello/Bonjours!
My name is Mattew Williams / Mon nom est Mathieu William
I am the nation-avatar of the country called Canada / Je suis l'avatar-de-nation du pays appelé le Canada
I have two official languages, french and English / J'ai deux langues officielles. L'anglais et le français

---

1st time the beaver appears:
The beaver as national emblem : Kebeca Liberata Medal issued 1690 for the successful defence of Québec (New-france) from invasion. Prior to that, English companies used it as coat-of-arms for companies (such as the Hudsun's bay) that operated in the area. However the medal, as opposed to the coat-of-arms, depicted the beaver as symbolically representing the territory which was protected.

In 2008, discussion in the senate in replacing the beaver with the Polar bear took place. They wished to strengthen the image of Canada as a northern country with strong character. However, the ingrained presence of the beaver in Canadian culture and history, its importance in the fur-trade and in mapping canada as they searched for it. Its tenaciousness (surviving near-extintion) and as a natural builder of grand structures, possessing strong social and family-oriented behaviours. Prevented it from being replaced by the more generic-bear.

Steps towards Independence:
Many don't understand exactly how or when I actually gained independance. There is no clear answer to it. It depends on what you consider being independent… Is it self-governance both internally/externally or when recognized as a not being just a colony by the world? Its up to you to decide!

1848 first responsible government model in Nova-Scotia and Upper/Lower Province of Canada (The citizens start voting their own government).
Creation of organized (non-colonial) federal government in Canada, Confederation -1867
Largest international recognition of military/influence of economic and strategic power of Canada: The Battle of Vimy ridge 1917 
Complete control over internal and external affairs: 1931 (Statute of Westminster)
Creation of culturally unique identity (The quiet-revolution period 1960s-)
Repatriation of Common law bill - Creation of Canadian charter of rights and liberties: 1982 

My flag:
Union jack (1707-1922) The union jack and the simple red ensign, naval or state was used in Canada until the Commonwealth
Anglo-Irish treaty solidifies the commonwealth notion, adoption of the Commonwealth Red-Ensign of Dominion of Canada in 1922.
Drop of the word British in the common-wealth of nations, creation of the Maple-leaf flag standard 1965.