Episodes

  • On the Edge of a New Dominion: Confederation and Its Discontents (1860–1867)

    On the Edge of a New Dominion: Confederation and Its Discontents (1860–1867)
    Jan 16 2026
    In Episode 5 (1860–1867), we examine how political deadlock, economic upheaval, and strategic uncertainty pushed British North America toward Confederation.The Crisis: We explore the internal deadlock in the Province of Canada and the external pressures from the American Civil War and British military withdrawal.The Conferences: From Charlottetown to Quebec and London, we track how a federal union gained traction over other options like a Maritime Union.The Deal: We analyze the BNA Act (1867)—who joined (Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick), who stayed out (PEI, Newfoundland), and the balance of federal powers.The Exclusion: Crucially, we discuss the exclusion of Indigenous nations and Métis communities from these talks, marking the beginning of a new era of challenge despite existing treaties.🗺️ VISUAL COMPANION:History happens on a map. Download the custom infographics and artwork for this episode to follow along with the story:Download Infographic: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ef63YgPpCiU1Mds7UPETmKO1Q_QRGRcK/view?usp=sharingDownload Map of Events: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1SER0v8OJvciV9FQcTPCXsPnwKyJk_67J/view?usp=sharingWelcome to Storman Norman PresentsHistory isn't just dates—it's the story of survival, conflict, and the people who forged a nation.Join us for this special 5-part series, Time Immemorial to Confederation, as we uncover the gritty, complex origins of Canada. Series Release Schedule:Mon, Jan 12 | Episode 1: Before CanadaTue, Jan 13 | Episode 2: First Contacts (c. 1497-1763)Wed, Jan 14 | Episode 3: Revolutions & Redrawing the Map (1763-1815)Thu, Jan 15 | Episode 4: Furs, Frontiers & Rebellions (1815-1860)Fri, Jan 16 | Episode 5: On the Edge of a New Dominion (1860-1867)Episode 5 Sources & Recommended Reading:BooksFederalism and the Constitution of Canada by David E. SmithBackground on how the 1867 federal system is structured and interpreted. https://amzn.to/4500DkuRise to Greatness: The History of Canada From the Vikings to the Present by Conrad BlackChapters covering Baldwin, LaFontaine, and the Confederation generation. https://amzn.to/4qDUW42Open Educational Resources (Read Free Online)Canadian History: Pre‑Confederation by John Douglas BelshawSee Chapter 11 (Politics to 1860) and Chapter 14 (The 1860s: Confederation and Its Discontents).Read online: https://opentextbc.ca/preconfederation/Histories of Indigenous Peoples and Canada by John Douglas Belshaw, Sarah Nickel, and Chelsea HortonSee chapters on treaty‑making and 19th‑century resistance.Read online: https://histindigenouspeoples.pressbooks.tru.ca/(As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.)🎙️ Powered by the Magic of AIThis series is a fully AI-generated experience. The research outlines, scripts, host voices, and artwork were all created by artificial intelligence, curated and managed by Storman Norman Presents.Streaming on Spotify, Apple, Amazon and YouTube.Keywords:Canadian History, Confederation, BNA Act, Sir John A. Macdonald, George Brown, Charlottetown Conference, Quebec Conference, Constitution Act 1867, Indigenous History, American Civil War, British North America, Political History, Storman Norman Presents
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    36 mins
  • Furs, Frontiers, and Rebellions: The Making of British North America (1815–1860)

    Furs, Frontiers, and Rebellions: The Making of British North America (1815–1860)
    Jan 15 2026
    In Episode 4 (1815–1860), we explore the violent "Fur Trade Wars" and the political rebellions that forced the colonies toward democracy.War in the West: We recount the deadly rivalry between the Hudson’s Bay Company and the North West Company, culminating in the Pemmican War and the Battle of Seven Oaks.The Métis Nation: The rise of a distinct "New Nation" in the Red River, asserting their rights and identity.Rebellions of 1837-38: Frustration with the "Family Compact" and "Château Clique" boils over into armed revolt in Upper and Lower Canada.Responsible Government: We analyze Lord Durham’s controversial report, the Act of Union (1840), and the hard-won fight for democratic self-rule.Drawing the Line: The Oregon Treaty settles the 49th parallel, defining the western border against American expansion.🗺️ VISUAL COMPANION:History happens on a map. Download the custom infographics and artwork for this episode to follow along with the story:Download Infographic: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1DTd-ddKW-gKCRfW9BPP3kaqwwKE2eKn0/view?usp=sharingDownload Map of Events: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ON5383-irQ-7TBQOz3cCoABmWXKxNNuR/view?usp=sharingWelcome to Storman Norman PresentsHistory isn't just dates—it's the story of survival, conflict, and the people who forged a nation.Join us for this special 5-part series, Time Immemorial to Confederation, as we uncover the gritty, complex origins of Canada.Series Release Schedule:Mon, Jan 12 | Episode 1: Before CanadaTue, Jan 13 | Episode 2: First Contacts (c. 1497-1763)Wed, Jan 14 | Episode 3: Revolutions & Redrawing the Map (1763-1815)Thu, Jan 15 | Episode 4: Furs, Frontiers & Rebellions (1815-1860)Fri, Jan 16 | Episode 5: On the Edge of a New Dominion (1860-1867)Episode 4 Sources & Recommended Reading:BooksThe North-West Is Our Mother by Jean TeilletEssential reading for the rise of the Métis Nation and the Battle of Seven Oaks.https://amzn.to/49JfhPLThe Company: The Rise and Fall of the Hudson’s Bay Empire by Stephen R. BownCovers the NWC/HBC merger and George Simpson's era.https://amzn.to/49J4NjkRise to Greatness by Conrad BlackDetailed coverage of the Rebellions, Lord Durham, and Responsible Government.https://amzn.to/4qDUW42Clearing the Plains by James DaschukInsight into the changing ecological and disease landscape of the West.https://amzn.to/4jvvVprOpen Educational Resources (Read Free Online)Canadian History: Pre‑Confederation (2nd ed.) by John Douglas BelshawSee Chapter 11 (Rebellions and Political Reform) and Chapter 8 (The Fur Trade).Read online: https://opentextbc.ca/preconfederation/Histories of Indigenous Peoples and CanadaSee sections on the Métis Nation and the Red River Resistance.Read online: https://histindigenouspeoples.pressbooks.tru.ca/(As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.)🎙️ Powered by the Magic of AIThis series is a fully AI-generated experience. The research outlines, scripts, host voices, and artwork were all created by artificial intelligence, curated and managed by Storman Norman Presents.Streaming on Spotify, Apple, Amazon and YouTube.Keywords:Rebellions of 1837, Métis Nation, Battle of Seven Oaks, Hudson's Bay Company, North West Company, Lord Durham, Responsible Government, Oregon Treaty, Louis-Joseph Papineau, William Lyon Mackenzie, Storman Norman Presents
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    43 mins
  • Revolutions and Redrawing the Map: From Conquest to the War of 1812 c.1763–1815

    Revolutions and Redrawing the Map: From Conquest to the War of 1812 c.1763–1815
    Jan 14 2026
    In Episode 3 (1763–1815), we explore how revolutions and wars reshaped the political map.Revolutions: We discuss the Royal Proclamation (1763) and the Quebec Act (1774), and investigate why Quebec and Nova Scotia did not join the American Revolution.The Loyalists: Who were the United Empire Loyalists? We trace how their arrival created Upper and Lower Canada via the Constitutional Act of 1791.War of 1812: From Detroit to Queenston Heights, we analyze the war from a borderlands perspective, emphasizing the decisive role of leaders like Brock and Tecumseh.The Aftermath: The solidification of a distinct British North America and the catastrophic dispossession of Indigenous nations who fought to hold the line.🗺️ VISUAL COMPANION:History happens on a map. Download the custom infographics and artwork for this episode to follow along with the story:Download Infographic: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1fBa9RvOsKkzADqgrtCO3FxkX22T-b4WW/view?usp=sharingDownload Map of Events: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1pLjl7eECwno-LfJ-Q5JbprJZ0wERtltE/view?usp=sharingWelcome to Storman Norman PresentsHistory isn't just dates—it's the story of survival, conflict, and the people who forged a nation.Join us for this special 5-part series, Time Immemorial to Confederation, as we uncover the gritty, complex origins of Canada. Series Release Schedule:Mon, Jan 12 | Episode 1: Before CanadaTue, Jan 13 | Episode 2: First Contacts (c. 1497-1763)Wed, Jan 14 | Episode 3: Revolutions & Redrawing the Map (1763-1815)Thu, Jan 15 | Episode 4: Furs, Frontiers & Rebellions (1815-1860)Fri, Jan 16 | Episode 5: On the Edge of a New Dominion (1860-1867)Episode 3 Sources & Recommended Reading:BooksThe Invasion of Canada (1812–1813) by Pierre BertonA classic narrative of the early war years.https://amzn.to/4sxmdabThe Civil War of 1812 by Alan TaylorRecommended for detailed War of 1812 campaigns and borderlands context.https://amzn.to/4ptqM2kRise to Greatness by Conrad BlackSections on the Seven Years’ War, American Revolution, Loyalists, and War of 1812.https://amzn.to/4qDUW42Open Educational Resources (Read Free Online)Canadian History: Pre‑Confederation (2nd ed.) by John Douglas BelshawSee Chapter 7 (“British North America at Peace and at War, 1763–1818”) and Chapter 8.Read online: https://opentextbc.ca/preconfederation/Histories of Indigenous Peoples and Canada by John Douglas Belshaw, Sarah Nickel, and Chelsea HortonSee chapters on “colonial wars in the East” and resistance 1750s–1870s.Read online: https://histindigenouspeoples.pressbooks.tru.ca/(As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.)🎙️ Powered by the Magic of AIThis series is a fully AI-generated experience. The research outlines, scripts, host voices, and artwork were all created by artificial intelligence, curated and managed by Storman Norman Presents.Streaming on Spotify, Apple, Amazon and YouTube.Keywords:War of 1812, United Empire Loyalists, Tecumseh, Brock, Queenston Heights, Quebec Act, Royal Proclamation 1763, American Revolution, Upper Canada, British North America, Indigenous Resistance, Storman Norman Presents
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    26 mins
  • First Contacts: Fish, Furs, Faith, and the Columbian Exchange (c. 1497-1763)

    First Contacts: Fish, Furs, Faith, and the Columbian Exchange (c. 1497-1763)
    Jan 13 2026
    In Episode 2 (c. 1490s–1763), we trace how early European encounters evolved into permanent colonies and reshaped the continent.First Contacts: We look beyond Columbus to the Norse at L'Anse aux Meadows and the seasonal Basque whalers.New France & Acadia: The founding of Quebec, the role of the Catholic Church, and the unique history of the Acadians and their Mi'kmaq neighbours.The Exchange: We examine the economic engine of the fur trade (coureurs de bois) and the devastating "Columbian Exchange" of pathogens that decimated Indigenous populations.Imperial Wars: The narrative concludes with the fierce rivalries between the Haudenosaunee, Wendat, British, and French, leading to the Seven Years' War and the Royal Proclamation of 1763.🗺️ VISUAL COMPANION:History happens on a map. Download the custom infographics and artwork for this episode to follow along with the story:Download Infographic: https://drive.google.com/file/d/13FG8Z56h91yHksKbRhG1QUu3cxI6nLa8/view?usp=sharingDownload Map of Events: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1kiMf_wCCVWVF0yTnZ2ew2pQ1FuJhmz0e/view?usp=sharingWelcome to Storman Norman PresentsHistory isn't just dates—it's the story of survival, conflict, and the people who forged a nation.Join us for this special 5-part series, Time Immemorial to Confederation, as we uncover the gritty, complex origins of Canada. Series Release Schedule:Mon, Jan 12 | Episode 1: Before CanadaTue, Jan 13 | Episode 2: First Contacts (c. 1497-1763)Wed, Jan 14 | Episode 3: Revolutions & Redrawing the Map (1763-1815)Thu, Jan 15 | Episode 4: Furs, Frontiers & Rebellions (1815-1860)Fri, Jan 16 | Episode 5: On the Edge of a New Dominion (1860-1867)Episode 2 Sources & Recommended Reading:BooksThe Company: The Rise and Fall of the Hudson’s Bay Empire by Stephen R. BownRecommended for early chapters on exploration and chartering of the HBC.https://amzn.to/3TUN5hGRise to Greatness: The History of Canada From the Vikings to the Present by Conrad BlackRecommended for early chapters on Champlain and the rise of New France.https://amzn.to/47i1Wc2Open Educational Resources (Read Free Online)Canadian History: Pre‑Confederation (2nd ed.) by John Douglas BelshawSee Chapters 3–6 (“Transatlantic Age,” “New France,” “Indigenous Canada in the Era of Contact,” “Intercolonial Rivalries… and the Conquest”).Read online: https://opentextbc.ca/preconfederation/Histories of Indigenous Peoples and Canada by John Douglas Belshaw, Sarah Nickel, and Chelsea HortonSee sections on Atlantic and Great Lakes commerce and diplomacy.Read online: https://histindigenouspeoples.pressbooks.tru.ca/(As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.)🎙️ Powered by the Magic of AIThis series is a fully AI-generated experience. The research outlines, scripts, host voices, and artwork were all created by artificial intelligence, curated and managed by Storman Norman Presents.Streaming on Spotify, Apple, Amazon and YouTube.Keywords:New France, Fur Trade, Champlain, Acadia, Columbian Exchange, Royal Proclamation 1763, Seven Years War, Indigenous History, Haudenosaunee, Wendat, Smallpox, Colonial History, Storman Norman Presents
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    41 mins
  • Before Canada: Indigenous Worlds Since Time Immemorial

    Before Canada: Indigenous Worlds Since Time Immemorial
    Jan 12 2026

    In Episode 1, we explore the deep histories of the northern half of North America long before the name "Canada" existed.

    • Origin Stories: We contrast scholarly theories of migration (like the Bering Land Bridge) with Indigenous origin narratives rooted in the land.

    • Diverse Worlds: We survey complex regional societies, from the salmon-based potlatch systems of the Pacific Northwest and the bison-hunting peoples of the Plains to the agricultural Haudenosaunee League and the sophisticated adaptations of the Inuit.

    • A Populous Continent: We examine trade networks and diplomacy to show that Europeans arrived in a fully inhabited world, rather than "discovering" an empty land.

    🗺️ VISUAL COMPANION:History happens on a map. Download the custom infographics and artwork for this episode to follow along with the story:

    • Download Visual Guide 1: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1W5i0_LiYht5wqXVCHlsZtWIPjU8UzZmc/view?usp=drive_link

    • Download Visual Guide 2: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hU9H2qRzHtE9c62gAveg2PSJT278sBN5/view?usp=sharing

    Welcome to Storman Norman Presents—where curiosity meets cutting-edge tech. We explore personal interests, timely topics, and fascinating deep dives.

    🌟 DEBUT SERIES: From Time Immemorial to Confederation (Jan 12) A 5-part special uncovering the gritty, 14,000-year reality of how Canada was forged—from Indigenous worlds and fur trade wars to the political deadlock of 1867.

    Series Release Schedule:

    • Mon, Jan 12 | Episode 1: Before Canada

    • Tue, Jan 13 | Episode 2: First Contacts (c. 1497-1763)

    • Wed, Jan 14 | Episode 3: Revolutions & Redrawing the Map (1763-1815)

    • Thu, Jan 15 | Episode 4: Furs, Frontiers & Rebellions (1815-1860)

    • Fri, Jan 16 | Episode 5: On the Edge of a New Dominion (1860-1867)

    Episode 1 Sources & Recommended Reading:

    Open Educational Resources (Read Free Online)

    • Canadian History: Pre‑Confederation (2nd ed.) by John Douglas Belshaw

      See Chapter 1 (“When Was Canada?”) and Chapter 2 (“Indigenous Canada before Contact”).

      Read online: https://opentextbc.ca/preconfederation/

    • Histories of Indigenous Peoples and Canada by John Douglas Belshaw, Sarah Nickel, and Chelsea Horton

      See Introduction and early chapters on the deep past.

      Read online: https://histindigenouspeoples.pressbooks.tru.ca/

    🎙️ Powered by the Magic of AI

    This series is a fully AI-generated experience. The research outlines, scripts, host voices, and artwork were all created by artificial intelligence, curated and managed by Storman Norman Presents.

    Streaming on Spotify, Apple, Amazon and YouTube.

    Keywords:Canadian History, Indigenous History, Pre-Contact, Turtle Island, Haudenosaunee, First Nations, Inuit, Oral History, Archaeology, Pacific Northwest, Storman Norman Presents
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    38 mins
  • Canada: Time Immemorial to Confederation

    Canada: Time Immemorial to Confederation
    Jan 9 2026
    Welcome to Storman Norman Presents—where curiosity meets cutting-edge tech. We explore personal interests, timely topics, and fascinating deep dives.🌟 DEBUT SERIES: From Time Immemorial to Confederation (Jan 12) A 5-part special uncovering the gritty, 14,000-year reality of how Canada was forged—from Indigenous worlds and fur trade wars to the political deadlock of 1867.🗺️ VISUAL COMPANION:History happens on a map. Download the custom infographics and artwork for this episode to follow along with the story:Download Visual Guide 1: https://drive.google.com/file/d/14ldmxGhjW7CDmimOtkVwuOdFuK58j5Bw/view?usp=sharingDownload Visual Guide 2: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1YAZJfT63e8aRkEvO8hMAQHDREall4tmA/view?usp=sharingSeries Release Schedule:Mon, Jan 12 | Episode 1: Before CanadaWe begin 14,000 years ago, exploring the complex Indigenous worlds that thrived here long before European contact.Tue, Jan 13 | Episode 2: First Contacts (c. 1497-1763)A look at how furs, faith, and the Columbian Exchange transformed the continent and led to the fall of New France.Wed, Jan 14 | Episode 3: Revolutions & Redrawing the Map (1763-1815)The American Revolution and War of 1812 reshape the borders, testing the survival of British North America.Thu, Jan 15 | Episode 4: Furs, Frontiers & Rebellions (1815-1860)The rise of the Métis Nation, the fur trade wars, and the rebellions that forced the colonies toward democracy.Fri, Jan 16 | Episode 5: On the Edge of a New Dominion (1860-1867)Political deadlock and American threats push rival colonies to stitch together a new country: Canada.Complete Series Bibliography & Recommended Reading:BooksThe Company: The Rise and Fall of the Hudson’s Bay Empire by Stephen R. Bown https://amzn.to/49J4NjkThe North-West Is Our Mother by Jean Teillet https://amzn.to/49JfhPLThe Invasion of Canada (1812–1813) by Pierre Berton https://amzn.to/4sxmdabThe Civil War of 1812 by Alan Taylor https://amzn.to/4ptqM2kRise to Greatness: The History of Canada From the Vikings to the Present by Conrad Black https://amzn.to/4qDUW42Clearing the Plains by James Daschuk https://amzn.to/4jvvVprFederalism and the Constitution of Canada by David E. Smith https://amzn.to/4500DkuOpen Educational Resources (Read Free Online)Canadian History: Pre‑Confederation (2nd ed.) by John Douglas Belshaw https://opentextbc.ca/preconfederation/Histories of Indigenous Peoples and Canada by John Douglas Belshaw, Sarah Nickel, and Chelsea Horton https://histindigenouspeoples.pressbooks.tru.ca/(As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.)🎙️ Powered by the Magic of AIThis series is a fully AI-generated experience. The research outlines, scripts, host voices, and artwork were all created by artificial intelligence, curated and managed by Storman Norman Presents.Streaming on Spotify, Apple, Amazon and YouTubeKeywords:Canadian History, Confederation, Indigenous History, War of 1812, Metis Nation, Sir John A. Macdonald, Fur Trade, British North America, Historical Series, Storman Norman Presents
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    2 mins