Introduction to Canadian Knighthood

What is a Knight?

We think of them as the brave superheroes that wear shining armour instead of capes. And historically, that was rather true. Knights were brave warriors who swore to protect others and follow a code of honour. They were important in medieval times, riding horses and fighting in battles, as the original protectors of the land! You can see what it means to be a knight here.

Today, being a knight isn't about fighting dragons or galloping into battle. It's more about receiving a special honour for doing amazing things. They're a big deal, equivalent to winning an Olympic gold medal, but for showing exceptional service or bravery.

History of Knights in Canada

Canada has a fascinating connection to knighthood, even though it's different from how knights were in the past. Early Canada, as part of the British Empire, followed British traditions. This meant Canadians could receive knighthood just like people in the UK. Imagine a Canadian explorer getting knighted for discovering a new territory, or maybe a scientist receiving the honor for a groundbreaking invention! This document shows the different knights and titles bestowed to important individuals.

But things changed! Around the beginning of the 20th century, Canada started to become more independent. As a result, the tradition of Canadians accepting hereditary titles, including knighthoods, started to fade, as discussed here. This was a shift towards establishing Canada's own distinct identity. Although Canadians can no longer officially be granted the title of 'Sir' or 'Dame', as explained in this article, the legacy and symbolic aspect of knighthood remain.

You can even purchasing a symbolic knighthood title through Canadian Titles. It's a fun way to connect with Canada's history and show your Canadian pride. There's a great article about canada knighthoods that you should check out for even more information. You can even find some cool Canadian knights from the past!

Section 2: What Changed 

What is the Nickel Resolution?

Before 1919, Canadians who showed amazing courage or did something super special often received awards from the British monarchy, including receiving a nighthood. But the Nickel Resolution changed all that. It made Canada responsible for creating its own special awards for Canadians.

The Nickel Resolution, officially adopted in 1919, was all about Canadian independence in recognizing outstanding achievements and bravery. It ended the practice of relying solely on British awards for Canadian military and civilian accomplishments.

Why the Nickel Resolution Was Passed

After World War I, Canada felt strongly about its identity. Many Canadians fought bravely, and they deserved to be recognized for their service with awards from their own country. The war showed Canada that it was time to stand on its own two feet, even when it came to handing out awards and recognizing its heroes! The previous reliance on British honours and awards wasn't considered appropriate anymore; Canadians wanted a system that reflected their own national pride and values. Think of it like a teenager wanting to decorate their own bedroom instead of always having their parents decide.

The resolution aimed to:

• Promote Canadian identity: By creating its own awards, Canada could better celebrate its citizens' achievements.
• Establish national recognition: The creation of distinctly Canadian honours offered a means of celebrating Canadian courage and service.
• Increase independence from Britain: It was a step towards self-governance and establishing a unique Canadian identity separate from the British system.

The Nickel Resolution marks a significant milestone in the development of Canadian honours and awards. It's a great example of how Canada has developed its own unique culture and traditions, and it is still felt today. Today, we have a wide variety of Canadian awards, showing the world the incredible contributions of Canadian citizens. You can even Become a Knight in Canada through organizations that celebrate this rich history! While you can't technically receive knighthood in the same way as in the UK, the spirit of recognition lives on!

Future of Knighthood and Titles in Canada

Potential Changes and Modernization

In Canada, the idea of knighthood has a fascinating history, connected to our past as part of the British Empire. Even today, there's a lot of discussion around how Canada might change its approach to titles and honours.

While Canada doesn't currently offer the title of "Sir" or "Dame" like the United Kingdom sir dame, there's a growing conversation about modernizing the way we recognize exceptional Canadians. Some people believe Canada should create its own unique system of titles and honours, reflecting our distinct identity and values. This could involve new titles or a reimagining of existing awards. Perhaps instead of "Sir," we might have something entirely Canadian, like "Guardian of the North!"

Others might prefer to focus more on community service awards, to show someone's dedication to their province or city.

Become a Knight Now

Despite not being officially recognized in Canada anymore, there are still ways to become a knight -- by purchasing a novelty knighthood through Canadian Titles. Canadian Titles offers Sir, Ser, and Dame titles for each province and territory. They also offer Lord Titles, Lady Titles, and Couple Lord/Lady Titles. Even though it's not as official as the past, you can still live a noble life!