This is the Vrooman line in my family tree. They are the epitome of evil stereotypes of colonial settlers. It is a tough story to tell, but it needs to be told. Cloe Cooley was enslaved by Adam Vrooman in Canada. It is a national story that broke in Canada this year when Cloe was designated a person of national historic significance by the Government of Canada. Cloe is also recognized on a Canadian stamp. Her case of brutal treatment at the hands of my ancestor, Adam Vrooman prompted the first legislation to limit slavery. Notes can be found at maplefamilytreehouse.com.

A story of some of my United Empire Loyalist ancestors who roost in the legend of Sleepy Hollow. Show notes can be found at maplefamilytreehouse.com. You can also follow the show on Facebook and Instagram.

Visit maplefamilytreehouse.com for show notes and sources.

Love and Friendship brought together the families of Roch Manitouebeouich and Olivier LeTardif. Their story offers hope and inspiration. Show notes at Maplefamilytreehouse.com. 

This is the immigration story of my 9th great grandparents, and their daughter, my 8th great grandmother - Catherine Galbrun, who was left alone in the world at the age of 4 years old. Her father shot, her mother hanged. Why tell such a miserable story? To tell a story of resilience and be proud of it. For healing and making peace with past, and change going forward. Show notes at maplefamilytreehouse.com. Follow and likw Maple Family Treehouse on Facebook.

Rene Besnard dit Beaujoli, my 7th great grandfather, was the defendent in the witchcraft trial in New France. Here is the story...

I am related to the Boscombe Bowmen who are to date the most likely candidates for building Stonehenge. One medieval myth about the origins of Stonehenge is that Merlin the magician built Stonehenge. Which story is true? You might might think the obvious choice is to follow the concrete evidence leading to the Boscombe Bowmen. It isn't that simple though. Have a listen. Show notes and sources can be found at maplefamilytreehouse.com Cheers!

I want to tell you the story of my oldest known relative – Cheddar Man, who lived approximately 10,000 years ago in Britain. Of course, I will never be able to place Cheddar Man on a specific branch in my tree, but my mapped genome tells me that I am a distant relative of this stone age man. My genetic connection to Cheddar man raises my curiosity – Who was Cheddar man? What’s his migration story? What was his life like?

Context is everything. Understanding your history and the general forces that influence your everyday actions can help us act a little more consciously, respect one another, and further our efforts at reconciliation here in Canada.