Hello friends,
Happy February! We’re one month into 2021 and it’s feeling a lot more like a classic Canadian winter out there.
February is Black History Month, a month devoted to celebrating the legacy and contributions of Black Canadians. In honour of this month, we’re paying tribute to Oscar Peterson, one of Canada’s most notable musicians who left a lasting legacy on jazz music in Canada and around the world.
In other news, there has been a lot of movement at Little Canada on the destination build out. Also, Little Canada is on a hiring blitz and looking for some new members to join our team, we have a little gift idea for Valentine’s Day that is sure to leave your loved one in awe, and we were featured in a “best new things to see and do in 2021” round-up by the Globe and Mail! Big things are happening.
Read more on all this news below.
Little World Update
From one destination to another, the team has been putting in massive effort into getting our little world unpacked, touched up and put into place. With work on Little Niagara now complete, the team has moved their focus onto Little Ottawa. Check out these photos for a peek into the amazing progress being made on the destination build. Incredible work, team!
A Little Show of Love
Skip the chocolates this Valentine’s Day and surprise that special someone in your life with a truly unique experience. Gift them the opportunity to get scanned and 3D printed into their very own Little Me. Why not make it a beautiful memory for the both of you by getting Littlized together and then placed into Little Canada. It’s a gift that will last a lifetime.
Check out the special holiday offer here.
The Globe and Mail | Best New Things To See and Do in 2021
Thank you to the Globe and Mail for including us in this year’s round-up of the Best New Things to See and Do in 2021. This year is going to be a big one for Little Canada and it looks like the outside world thinks so too, and we thank you! We’re eagerly waiting for the day we get to welcome you, from a safe distance, into our home to discover the magic yourself.
Read the article here.
Oscar Peterson | Maharaja of the Keyboard
In honour of Black History Month, we want to recognize and celebrate the immense contributions that Black Canadians have made, and are continuing to make, in Canada.
Today, we’re paying tribute to Oscar Peterson, one of Canada’s most honoured musicians and one of the world’s most famous jazz pianists.
Peterson was born in Montréal, Québec, Canada in an area that is now known as Little Burgundy. His mother was from St. Kitts and worked as a housekeeper, and his father moved to Canada from the Virgin Islands and found a job working as a porter for the CP Rail. From as early as 5 years old, Peterson took an interest in music. He played the trumpet and the piano, but due to a bout of tuberculosis, he was no longer able to play trumpet and devoted all of his time to piano.
He played alongside names such as Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holliday and Ray Charles. Louis Armstrong even called him “the man with four hands”.
In addition to playing piano, Peterson was also a renowned composer. One of his most famous pieces, written in 1962, is “Hymn to Freedom”. Harriet Hamilton wrote lyrics to the song and the piece became the unofficial anthem of the Civil Rights movement.
Oscar Peterson is known for his technique, speed and style of swing. In addition to his incredible skill, Peterson was an educator, composer and advocate for racial equality.
When you visit Little Ottawa, make sure to keep an eye out for Oscar Peterson’s statue sitting outside Château Laurier.
Calling all Little Canadians. We’re ramping up our search for new members to join our team to fill a variety of positions. From Visual Arts Specialists to Security Supervisors, there may be something for you at Little Canada! If you’re interested in being a part of our team, click the link below to learn more about the different opportunities we’re hiring for.
