History
Well before Columbus 'discovered' America in 1492, prehistoric tribes
from Asia had come across the Bering Strait; and around AD 1000,
the Vikings, the first European vistors, had tried to settle in
northern Newfoundland.
By the time subsequent Europeans arrived, Canada's Indian tribes
had already developed a multitude of languages, customs, religious
beliefs, trading patterns, arts and crafts, laws and governments.
Although a number of European countries were interested in establishing
settlements in the Americas, it was French explorer Jacques Cartier
who made the first claim on the area surrounding the St Lawrence
River in 1534.
Culture
Among the foundations of Canada's cultural identity are the traditions
of its native peoples. Arguably the country's most distinctive art
is that of the Inuit of the north, particularly their stone and
bone sculptures and carvings.
Native Indian artists also excel at printmaking, basketry and carving.
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