Every country has its own set of unique symbols. These establish an identity that sets the country apart from other nations in the world. Symbols also tell a story of a nation, its people, environment and history. More important, symbols embody what a nation represents, both to other nations and to its citizens. They represent the values, goals and aspirations that are shared by all its citizens. Our symbols tell us stories about the Inuit who have lived in Canada for a very long time and the French and English who were the first Europeans to establish permanent settlements in Canada and the many different nationalities who have helped settle this vast country.