There were a number of major federal Centennial initiatives undertaken to unite the country around the 1967 celebration. These ranged from the song “CA-NA-DA”, written by Edmontonian, and former Happy Gang cast member, Bobby Gimby, to the creation of millions of pins and other ephemera bearing the official Centennial symbol.

The Symbol

The official symbol for Canada’s Centennial was a stylized version of a maple leaf, designed by 24-year-old Stuart Ash. A manual was created to guide people on how to use it, and a limited number of variations were allowed.

A poster of a maple leaf constructed of various coloured triangles, and text that reads "1867-1967 Canada-Confederation".
The Symbol
The official Centennial symbol [EA-23-6 detail]
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The symbol was put in the public domain and could be used free of charge. The symbol served as a unifying element of the celebration, and was used extensively throughout the country, greatly increasing awareness of the Centennial.

A black and white photograph of several children waving small flags with the official Centennial symbol.
Celebration [EA-20-536]
This photo shows youngsters at an Edmonton preschool waving a few of the 100,000 Centennial table flags distributed by the federal government.
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Centennial Voyageurs Canoe Pageant

The Centennial Voyageurs Canoe Pageant saw 90 paddlers from across Canada travel from Rocky Mountain House to Montreal. In this photo, Alberta’s team share a laugh with Mayor Dantzer. [EA-408-18]

A black and white photograph of five men standing in a semicircle while talking and laughing.
[EA-408-18]
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Crown Corporations

The Canadian Armed Forces Tattoo, a military pageant combining music and history travelled all across Canada. It was held at the Edmonton Gardens from May 11-13, 1967. It was one of several Centennial projects undertaken by Canada’s military.

The front and back of a gold coloured medallion. One side features the Canadian Coat of arms, and the inverse features the Centennial maple leaf symbol.
Centennial Medallion [MS-692]
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Military Tattoo

The Canadian Armed Forces Tattoo, a military pageant combining music and history travelled all across Canada. It was held at the Edmonton Gardens from May 11-13, 1967. It was one of several Centennial projects undertaken by Canada’s military.

A poster with bold writing and a white drum on a red background.

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The Confederation Train

One of the most anticipated Centennial events was the Confederation Train. The Train toured the country, and each car told a different part of Canada’s story. The Train stopped in Edmonton at the CNR station downtown and the Edmonton Exhibition Grounds. For those who couldn’t make it to a large city, Confederation Caravans served a similar role at smaller population centres across Canada.

A preview of a brochure, with "Canada" written in bold letters.
Confederation Train Brochure

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City of Edmonton Archives

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