August 4, 1833

   Dear people of British North America. We have some sad news to deliver. Our newspaper has been discontinued, due to lack of war and excitement in this great country... We are sad to say goodbye, and goodnight for the very last time, but we very much enjoyed writing this newspaper. We sincerely hope we brought joy into your daily life, and filled you up with lots of important information.

Yours truly,

Mathie & Helen

Grade 7

Toronto

   P.S. Feel free to leave any comments about our blog! It would be appreciated!

September 28, 1832

     Well good evening folks! This just in, the Rideau Canal has just been finished, and is ready to go! If you didn't know, the Rideau Canal was built by Lieutenant-Colonel John By, and the big project started 6 years ago! Holy mack! The Canal is located between the Ottawa River and Lake Ontario. The purpose of this was to connect the two bodies of water to transport supplies and troops. It was placed north of the St. Lawrence so it would be safe from American attackers, and transportation for British troops would be much more efficient. The area where the Canal was built has now taken on the name of Bytown.
     As you know, because of the war, there are not as many crops in this region, which has led to food prices sky rocketing up. But you can still get some pretty good steals at your local market today, so be sure to stock up!
   
     Well, that's all for today! Check back later for more B.N.A. Today!

December 25, 1814

     BREAKING NEWS! The war has finally ended!! The British and Americans have finally signed a treaty, all the way in Ghent, Belgium. Nothing has changed much, neither side has gained or lost anything. But we can only hope that British North America will be at peace, at least for now.

Tune in later for more breaking news, in B.N.A!

September 29, 1814

     Listen one, listen all! We all know that the Americans burned many places in York a while back. Well, the British have been planing pay back. As of yesterday, they marched to the United States of America, and they plan to burn the government building, The White House. As well as many other parts of the city, Washington. Then their next move will be to Baltimore, the plan to bomb Fort McHenry, the cities protection. I have a feeling now that the British are even, we might see this war come to an end. One can only hope!

     Thats all for now folks!

July 16, 1814

     Folks, I am sorry to say. I have news. The Battle of Lundy's Lane, has finished. Both sides, the British and Americans, have both had tremendous losses of over 800. Although I am happy to say, the British have won! This news isn't all sad one might say. We can only hope that this is the last battle. I only say this because this battle has been the biggest one, with the most losses. May I only bring good news next time. That's B.N.A. Today for now. 

November 13, 1813

     FOLKS! FOLKS! I'm reporting this live! About 13,000 Americans are advancing on Montreal! Two days ago 2,000 Americans attacked Crysler's Farm, now today, right now, the British are fighting the Americans army, with only 900 of them! They seem too be holding firm. Oh what's this? The Americans seem to be retreating! With only a minor army, the British and First Nations have defeated the 13,000 Americans folks! 13,000!

Wow was that amazing! I'll be back with more news from B.N.A.!

June 24, 1813

     Laura Secord has brought news to me on the field. She travelled on foot to tell the British General Fitzgibbons. The American troops were caught in a crossfire. Then Fitzgibbon offered to stop fire, if they laid down their arms and surrendered. Which they did well who wouldn't! Bringing another British victory home!

That's all for now folks!

June 6, 1813

     NEW, NEWS, NEWS! The Americans in Upper Canada have been surprised by the British Forces, and although they missed the main camp, many British and Americans are dead. But the good news is, the Americans have gone back to their land.

April 10, 1813

        TUNE IN ALL! I have just received word that the American boats last seen in Lake Ontario, landed in York only a few days later! The American crews then defeated the British, and burned the town. I must get more information on this and then I will check back. 

Tune in later for some more B.N.A. Today.

March 19, 1813

     Breaking news everyone! We have just gotten news that Tecumseh, chief of the Shawnee people, has just been killed by the Americans near the town of Chatham. The Americans have indeed won the battle, but the Brits are not letting their guard down.
We thank Tecumseh for his help in the war against the Americans, and for his much needed support. As you know, he joined forces with the British because of a little conflict back in 1809. The First Nations in Indiana sold the United States 10 000 square feet of land. Tecumseh did not agree to this, and he got even more furious in 1811 when the Americans attacked some Shawnee villages.
The great chief has now passed away, and we should all take a minute to say thanks. R.I.P. Chief Tecumseh.


     We will also take this time to remember Sir Isaac Brock, who also passed away last year. He was a great leader, and we thank him for his dedication to supporting British North America. As you know, he got shot by an American sniper in October of 1812, when he was leading his troops to recapture Queenston Heights.
We will always remember Sir Isaac Brock, a hero to all of us.
R.I.P. Sir Isaac Brock.



     Another important contributor to British North America was Laura Secord. She took life threatening risks to deliver some very important information to Lieutenant James Fitzgibbon. In around June of last year, Laura was spying on the Americans, while they were developing a crucial battle plan at Beaver Dam. She decided it was important to tell the Lieutenant, who was defending the area around the Dam, which was 30 km away. She snuck past the Americans, and in the end it payed off.
Thank you Laura.

October 4, 1812

   Listen one, listen all! We have just received word that the British have pushed the Americans back over onto the other side of the lake. We know that a few days ago British scouts spotted Americans soldiers controlling the high-ground. Brock had rushed to the attack. He knew that his forces were small, but it was enough time for support to come. Brock was then struck by a sniper, word on the field is he practically died instantly. We just received news that in battle over 1000 Americans have been captured. As well as not many of our great great soldiers have not been lost, we lost one great man.

   Although losing General Brock has been the greatest loss of all. He will be regarded as one of B.N.A.'s greatest war hero's ever.  R.I.P. Sir Isaac Brock.

July 18, 1812

     Hey there folks! Today we have a very special guest from the British military. He is going to tell us about the conditions and his life in the military. Here he is, Jack Hammington!

"I am truly honored to be here. Thank you for the opportunity."
"It was my pleasure. So, how's life like in the military?"
"I have to say... it is sacrificing a lot. You're leaving behind your wife, your children, and your home. Any second you could be shot, killed. Most of the soldiers are there by force, but I came here to fight for my people."
"What a kind thing for you to do, Jack. What is so different about life in the military? Do you ever miss your family?"
"Well, to be honest...I do in fact miss my family. A lot. Especially with the conditions we're living under. Not the greatest, and definitely not like home. Most people get sick within a day, and we are often missing many necessities. I probably shouldn't be saying this in public but, most of us are only getting paid 16 cents a day. Not enough to live on."
"That is truly shocking. I think I'm speaking for everyone when I say thank you. To all the soldiers. Thank you."

    Well, that's all for today! See ya later, alligator!

June 31, 1812

     You might want to turn your eyes and ears here! The Americans and British have officially declared war against one another. Yesterday Sir Isaac Brock led troops to attack Fort Michilimackinac, accompanied by his ally Chief Tecumseh. His early start on the unsuspecting Americans, lead them to an easy capture.

We all also know of the victory only a few days ago, know how the great allies capture Fort Detroit. They had their men walk numerous times around the perimeter, making the Americans inside fear there were thousands and thousands. There were actually only 1000 soldiers and First Nations! Then with this, the Americans surrendered without one shot being fired! Swift British North Americans eh? 

February 21, 1812 (CHAPTER 6)

     Good day ladies and gentlemen! We have recently received reports that in France, Britain has tried to block many merchant ships going places all over Europe and America. With this, France and Britain are calling this the Napoleonic wars. The British know of these American French supporters, so they are now requesting all merchant ships to be inspected.

     On another note, we have learned that the American settlers have been moving into the Ohio Valley, which is supposed to be First Nations territory according to the agreement signed by the British and First Nations which what now seems long ago. Let's hear from a First Nations chief living in the area.

"The Americans are not respecting the agreement made with the British long before their time. They are moving into our land, dis-honouring the treaty the had to confide by when they signed on their land with the British, we will not let this slide, we will fight."  Delivered powerfully by the Chief.

     BREAKING NEWS. I'm just receiving news that American peoples think that they need to invade British North America to "protect the United States". I will leave you and bring more breaking news in the next issue of  B.N.A Today.

Later folks!

May 18, 1793

     And we're back! Today we're going to talk about how the Loyalists have influenced Upper Canada. One of the things they brought with them from America was the township system. This is basically where surveyors divide the land into large individual lots, which are drawn in straight rectangular lines. All the intersections are at 90 degree angles, unless the landscape doesn't allow it. The Loyalists also brought the English language, and taught the Brits. All in all, the Loyalists have helped the development of Upper Canada dramatically! I have recently heard that they are getting huge floods of people immigrating from Britain and Europe! Let's all say a big thanks to the Loyalists!

August 15, 1791

     Hey there fellas!

When the Loyalists first arrived in Quebec, they realized a few major changes from their life in America. Here are some of them;

In Quebec, you could only lease land from the Crown, and make a profit from the land, but not from selling it. But in the US, they abided by the freehold system, which is basically the complete opposite of what happened in Quebec. 

In Quebec, Roman Catholics were forced to pay a tenth of their earnings to their local church, and they could be arrested if they didn't. In America, people were not required to pay the church anything.

In Quebec, the council was chosen by the governor, and the people had no say. But in the United States, there were elections in every colony, and people voted for who ran the government. 

But the Loyalists had a very hard time adapting to the changes, so they complained to the British. 

     Just a few months ago, the British agreed to change their government system, which they passed as the Constitutional Act. This is what they changed from the Quebec Act in 1774:

• Quebec is now divided into Upper Canada and Lower Canada.
• There is to be a lieutenant-governor for both Upper and Lower Canada. 
• People who own land in Lower Canada can abide to either the seigneurial or freehold system, but in Upper Canada every person has to hold land under the freehold system. 
• Settlers can not move into existing First Nations land.
• In Lower and Upper Canada Catholics still have to donate to the church. But for all new lands assigned, the Church of England got a seventh of it. 
• There is to be a legislative assembly in each Canada, and men can now vote for representatives to suggest laws. 
• The lieutenant-governor will appoint a legislative council in each Canada to pass laws.

     The Constitutional Act seems to be doing pretty good, and keeping all the groups happy. 

Check back later for more news in B.N.A!

April 6, 1784

     How you doing there? I only kid! Welcome back! Today we are going to be talking about the Loyalists and how they are eager to find places across Rupert's land! The First Nations I'm sure know many hunting grounds, but the British supporters want to find their own! As we have been informed by an anonymous informer, Sir John Butler has formed a Loyalist group, and they have attacked the Patriots, with no goal in mind, other than to upset their ways.

     Butlers colleagues and followers built up the town of Newark, it just happened to be called the capital of Upper Canada, until they realized that it was too close to the American border. So they moved it farther from the Americans. Many of Butlers companions also set up other well run communities. As we all know, the Loyalists came with many different skills, so the communities are normally ideal to live in.  

     Next we shall be talking about how the First Nations claim that their land has not been efficiently provided to the standers of which they were promised. They claim that the land that was promised to them when they helped the British win the war was not fully granted. Hold on, I'm, I'm just getting that the British commander in Quebec, Fredrick Haldimand, feels that the First Nations should be rewarded for their loyalty, for this they will receive 2750 square kilometres. It shall be called the Six Nations Reserve.

We will inform y'all as soon as we get word!

January 3, 1776 (CHAPTER 5)

     Hello there folks! Today we're going to be talking about the Loyalist migration to Nova Scotia. We all know that this boat was one of the first out of the some 30,000 that took the Loyalists out of the 13 colonies because of the Patriots winnings in the ongoing war with Britain. Many of the people that went to Nova Scotia were people in minority religious groups, like the Quakers. People who were opposed to violence, guns and such. Then there was the Huguenots, protestants of France. As well as many black soldiers, who at the end of their service were supposedly were to get free land, but that never happened. The black soldiers were opposed by white loyalists, so they then went and settled nearby a town called Shelburne. Tough life eh?

     A family that is well knwon, is the King Family. Mr. and Mrs. Boston King. Jobs are quite hard to find around Shelburne, and the ones the black Loyalists can find, pay very little, so they took as many jobs as they could find to help provide. The poor white Loyalists are known to take their anger on the black Loyalists, and we all know about the 10 day riot where the white Loyalists would beat/harm any black person they could find, and chased them out of Shelburne. To think this happened only months ago. The black Loyalists ran in hope for a better life. Some are also on their way to Africa about now, if not landing.

     The next segment is going to be about Loyalist immigration into Quebec. Normally Loyalists move into the New England area. They have gone to settle in the regions just east of Montreal, if you look at the names, you will notice how they are all English names. This place is known as the Eastern Townships.

March 2, 1789

     Well hey there! Today we're going to talk about the Loyalists. As you probably know, the war between the Brits and Americans broke out just some years ago, and the Loyalists are people that were opposed to the independence of America, even though they were once part of the thirteen colonies. Half of them have since then moved to British Territory. They were a very diverse group, some being merchants, and others being servants, migrating from America to become free people, and escaping slavery.
 
     Many of the Loyalists left behind their old way of life to move to British North America. Most of them suffered from extreme loneliness, since they left behind everything they had. But the Crown later helped them to resettle, and they help BNA remain loyal to the Crown. Just a few days ago, the governor of Quebec, Sir Guy Carleton, honored the Loyalists by passing this order;

"Those Loyalists who have adhered to the Unity of the Empire, and joined the Royal Standard before the Treaty of Separation in the year 1783, and all their Children and their Descendants by either sex, are to be distinguished by the following Capitals, affixed to their names: U.E. Alluding to their great principle The Unity of the Empire."

September 3, 1783

     BREAKING NEWS EVERYBODY! The British and the Americans have finally signed a treaty, which is known as the second Treaty of Paris! After almost a year of arguments and negotiating, the Brits and Thirteen Colonies have found a way to live in peace with one another, now as separate countries. Benjamin Franklin was a hard negotiator, but this is what he eventually got out of the British:

• Britain recognizes America as an independent country.
• The United States claimed the Ohio Valley.
• The Americans are allowed to fish in Quebec waters.
• All troops from Britain has to leave American territory.
• Loyalists can not be prosecuted, and the Congress says that the property of the Loyalists should be returned. 

     Well, seems like the United States finally got what they wanted, and after 8 years of war, everyone can now live in peace. 

Tune in later for more breaking news, later everybody!

July 4, 1776

     THIS JUST IN, the leaders of the Thirteen Colonies have signed the American Declaration of Independence in Philadelphia. This shows that the American colonies are now an independent nation. As we know, last year a war broke out among the Americans and British. But, who will the Quebecois side with? We have been informed by the American troops, that they have sent the Quebecois presents to help them decide. Oh, oh never mind, I'm just getting that the Americans did indeed send troops to attack the City of Quebec and Montreal. They were non-successful missions, and we now know that the Americans will not have the support of the Quebecois.

June 12, 1774

     As most of you reading this probably already know, the Quebec Act was passed just a few days ago. But we are here to tell those of you who don't know what this whole commotion is about. The British replaced the Royal Proclamation of 1763, with the Quebec Act, which basically gives the French a few more rights. This is basically what it does:

• It expands the territory of Quebec all the way to Labrador, the Ohio Valley, and some islands in the St. Lawrence River.
• The governor can now appoint members to the newly formed Council of Representatives to pass laws.
• It allows the Roman Catholics to be a part in the government.
• The seigneurial system is now legal again.

     Now, as you can probably imagine, the Quebecois greatly appreciate this. But everything about these new laws, the British North Americans hate. The First Nations do not mind it much, but I think they would much rather stick with the Royal Proclamation. 

     Check back later for more B.N.A. Today!

January 31, 1774

     Well everyone, good day to you all! We have all heard about the 7 Years War, but have you heard the cost? A whopping 82 Million Pounds! Now, the British have decided to make the Thirteen Colonies pay. A few years ago we know they introduced the Sugar Act, making people pay taxes on certain imported goods such as sugar, cloth, wine and coffee. Then only one year later, they introduced the Stamp Act, which required everyone to buy government stamps for all legal documents and articles such as newspapers. Then this year, they introduced the Declaratory Act, and all this means, folks, is that all the colonies are under the control of the British Government. Geez Louis! There are still more to come! In 1767, the folks from Britain declared that the Townshend Act, putting more taxes on imported goods such as glass, paper, lead, paint and tea, was to be put in order!
     After 4 years of new taxes, I thought that that was going to be it as well, but no! Then early this year, they made the Coercive Acts. This meant that the port of Boston was to be closed down, and it restricted the talk of taxes in meetings with the public. But it seems that not all colonists on Boston agreed, so they started to  resist, who wouldn't!
    So then last year, we all know it, The Boston Tea Party! The rebels dressed up as First Nations, then boarded the rebel ship, and dumped all the tea aboard into the harbour! That's one party I wouldn't want to miss.

Tune back in for more later folks!

December 3, 1763

     Sooo, we're back! Today we want to talk to you guys about the Thirteen Colonies, which runs from Georgia to Maine. For those of you who don't know, Maine is right next to Acadia. Towards the north of the colonies, there are large forests and winters are harsh. The colonies near the middle are known for their agriculture, such as grains and vegetables. And the southern colonies grow crops with cotton and rice. 

     Throughout the different colonies, there are many differences in religion. In Virginia, many people follow the Church or England, but in Maryland there are lots of believers in the Roman Catholic religion. But Maine on the other hand, is a Protestant group, the Pilgrims. 

November 18, 1763

     Just a few hours ago, the First Nations and British have finally come to an agreement. The British realized that they needed to keep their territory secure, so they issued 'The Royal Proclamation of 1763', which was directed towards all of Britain's colonies in North America. The following things are what they have agreed on;

• All of France's territory is now controlled by Britain, including New France and Acadia.
• Quebec's boundary is now along the St. Lawrence river.
• The seigneurial system is now exterminated, to be replaced by English civil law.
• The remains of New France (including the Ohio Valley) are given to the First Nations.
• All Canadiens living in the territory of First Nations are demanded to leave.
• Only the Crown is able to buy and in the First Nations territory. 
• Whoever is involved in fur trade on First Nations territory has to get a licence from the Crown.

     Well, because of this, it seems like the First Nations will be more than satisfied. We will check back with you guys if anything else happens, later!

October 21, 1763

     Breaking news. The Brits have weakened the First Nations dramatically by using a cruel method. From various sources, we have heard that British soldiers had cut up a small-pox infected blanket. Then apparently they told the First Nations the blanket held great powers, and they should give it to everyone in their village. After this we heard from a source about these conditions, the one and only son of an Ottawa chief, Andrew Blackbird:

   "Pretty soon burst out a terrible sickness among them. The great Indian doctors themselves were taken sick and died. The tradition says it was indeed awful and terrible. Everyone taken with it was sure to die. Lodge after lodge was totally vacated  - nothing but the dead bodies lying here and there in their lodges."
     Later reports from the an unknown source says that this blanket had, indeed been infected with small-pox. Well ain't that a first! That's all for now folks, be sure to read our next addition of  B.N.A. Today.

________________________________________________

May 13, 1763

     Hello folks, we are back, only 3 months later!
Well, while the British were busy defeating the French, they still have yet to take make peace with the First Nations. This is what chief Minweweh himself said about the issue.

"Although you have conquered the French you have not yet conquered us! We are not your slaves. These lakes, these woods, and mountains were left us by our ancestors. They are our inheritance; and we will part with them to none... Our Father; the king of France, employed our young men to make war upon your nation. In his warfare, many of them have been killed; and it is our custom to retaliate until such time as the spirits of the slain are satisfied.... Your king has not sent us any presents, nor entered into any treaty with us, therefore...we are still at war."

     Pontiac, an Ottawa chief, heard of this as well, and his plan was to attack the fort from within, but somehow the British opponents found out so he never gave the signal. Interesting. Then just after Pontiac came back, instead of attack, they have seized the fort. They have managed to block all the ports heading into the fort, using their 65 war canoes. They continue to use this method, just like James Wolfe many years ago. As we speak the First Nations are outside this British controlled fort. We will give an update later about other events that may occur.

 

February 7, 1763 (CHAPTER 4)

     This just in, the Treaty of Paris has been signed! The British and the French have come to some understanding about what to do with New France, now renamed Quebec by Britain. The British now want to know how to please everyone, so they must decide who to side with in order to not be overthrown. 

     - The Canadiens, with their 70,000, want to keep their French and Roman Catholic lifestyle, and keep the Coureurs des Bois. Now let's here from one of their own.
"Well, I think I speak for all of us when I say that we are determined to bring back our French and Roman Catholic religion. We also would like to continue the Coureurs des Bois because they have been a lifeline in maintaining New France/Quebec." Says an anonymous source.
     - The English merchants and farmers, with a number of only about 500 people, are asking for quite a bit. They intend to take over the entire fur trade business and change life in Quebec from French to English. Let's see what they have to say about this matter.
"They Merchants of the British colony have a great matter of showing what they want, considering they provide the colonies food supply. We also think that going deeper into the interior through free land would help because we would be able to provide more crops and food for the colonies." Said a farmer named William Charmings.
     - The First Nations Peoples want to continue their traditional ways of life, and want some involvement in the fur trade. Now let's hear from a chief from among the 59,000 First Nations.
"In addition to all of that, we demand that no more settlers can be able to enter into our territory. We would also like to expand our land and take control of the Ohio Valley." Chief Minweweh states in a demanding tone.
     - The thirteen American parties, themselves and their 2.5 million occupants, are requesting that they expand control of the fur trade, and and to expand there settlements! Now let's hear from one of their sources!
"We are requesting that the British let us expand our settlements into the the Ohio Valley, father north along the Atlantic coast and along the borders of Quebec. We are also requesting that we get greater control of the fur trade." Says an unknown source.  

     Now, we know that the British cannot fulfil all of their wishes and requests, but we will update you when we get some more information.
     Tune in later for some more breaking news, in B.N.A.