One West, Two Myths: Comparing Canadian & American Perspectives

May 17-18, 2002

The Buffalo Bill Historical Center of Cody, Wyoming, in collaboration with the Glenbow Museum of Calgary, Alberta and the Musée de la Civilisation of Québec, presented One West, Two Myths: Comparing Canadian and American Perspectives, a symposium that explores the similarities and differences in cultures of the western regions of the United States and Canada. The Canadian Consulate General in Minneapolis is pleased to be the honorary co-sponsor of this symposium.

Canada and the United States share a border and many cultural ties. At the same time, these countries have different histories, perspectives, and paths to the future. In both countries, the development of the "West" is a significant part of the national history and mythology.

The historically close relationship between the two countries emphasizes the significance of this exploration. Moreover, recent political developments such as NAFTA and the expansion of American pop culture further blur the national divisions. Yet, the histories of the countries, their expansions toward the Pacific, treatment of First Nations peoples, and economic developments rarely have been compared in a manner that makes the subjects appealing and accessible to the public.

This symposium brought together public policy specialists, business leaders, historians and other scholars to explore the realities and myths of the West in Canada and the United States.

ONE WEST, TWO MYTHS: COMPARING CANADIAN AND AMERICAN PERSPECTIVES

· Challenges to comparative Canadian/American studies:
Do Canadian and American historians perceive of history differently?
· Portrayals of the environment
· Portrayals of First Nations
· Regionality and nationalism
· The role of myth in the creation of the West in Canada and the United States

CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS

· Keynote address, "Catlin and Kane," by Dr. Robert Thacker, editor, The American Review of Canadian Studies.
· Dr. Carole L. Higham, conference coordinator, led a dynamic exchange among participants on the definition of the West.
· A conference reader was included in the registration packet.
· A format that encouraged a dynamic exchange among participants.
· Time allotted for exploring the five museums of the Buffalo Bill Historical Center.

Sponsorship

Supported by the The William H. Donner Foundation, Inc.

IMAGE:
Charles M. Russell (1864-1926).
When Law Dulls the Edge of Chance, 1915.
Oil on canvas, 29.5 x 47.5 inches.
Gift of William E. Weiss. 28.78.