đ Hi, Welcome / Bienvenu / Biindigen!
I started this Substack because I believe that through sharing stories about Canadaâs history and its people, we can better understand ourselves and each other.
In an age where much of our media diet is imported, itâs important to reconnect with uniquely Canadian storiesâstories that highlight what we got right, what we can do better, and how we can learn from the past. All the stuff we didnât learn about in school.
This newsletter uncovers the hidden histories and overlooked figures that shape our country. Whether it's a forgotten moment in history, an inspiring Canadian innovator, or a local legend youâve never heard of, each story helps build a richer, more connected sense of what it means to be Canadian today.
What Youâll Get as a Subscriber
Free Subscribers Receive:
Fascinating Canadian Stories & History weekly.
Awesome archived stories to revisit at your leisure.
Premium Subscribers Get Everything Above, Plus:
Exclusive discounts on products and merch.
50% off newsletter sponsorships.
A one-hour private call with me each monthâbring your questions about Canadian history, research methods, or anything else!
Public shoutouts to recognize and celebrate your support.
Why a Substack, and Why Now?
A Substack allows me to deliver these deeply researched, thoroughly engaging Canadian stories straight to your inboxâno doomscrolling, no distractions, no media algorithms deciding whatâs worth reading.
Now more than ever, we need stories that inspire curiosity, entertain, and create a sense of connection. Too often, the richness of Canadian history gets buried under imported media, and I want to reclaim space for stories that matter to us.
Who Should Subscribe?
This newsletter is perfect for readers, writers, teachers, students, community leaders, and anyone who enjoys discovering new ideas and perspectives about Canada and its history.
What Youâll Take Away
Each week, I want you to walk away with a new appreciation for Canadaâs history, its hidden figures, and its cultural depth.
Sometimes, youâll be inspired. Sometimes, youâll be surprised. Sometimes, youâll rethink something you thought you knew.
Above all, youâll feel more connected to Canada, to other Canadians, and to your place in history.
About Me
Iâm a writer, historian-at-heart, and lifelong Canadian story collector. After a 20-year career in developmental services, I transitioned to writing and education, fueled by my passion for uncovering the stories that make Canada what it is today.
When Iâm not researching or writing, Iâm likely spending time with family, teaching, exploring the outdoors, playing music, or reading. I live in Owen Sound, a small rural Ontario town. But my love of Canada extends across all provinces and territories, from coast to coast to coast!
What Readers Say
âItâs my pleasure to support great work, especially the work like you do. I donât support many writers. I donât know how you find the time to write as much as you do with the depth of research and engaging topics. Itâs great!â - Marci Keats Rudolph
âCraig. You write the best stories. Really.â - Julie McCoy
âThank you Craig for making me fall more in love with Canada every day!â - Elizabeth Pizzinato
âI really do enjoy all the little tidbits you post about out of the way places in Canada. Youâve made me remember many places that Iâve passed through over the years.â - Alexis
âI knew right away that I was going to like your Substack...besides reading that we've got similar backgrounds in developmental services and person-centred planning, you seem to have a real spirit for community-building. I suspect you've got much of importance to say for which you're simply not giving yourself enough credit." - Sarah Levis
Join Pinecone Diaries and start discovering Canadaâs best untold stories and hidden history.
I respectfully acknowledge the Territory of the Anishinabek Nation: The People of the Three Fires known as Ojibway, Odawa, and Pottawatomie Nations. I also extend my gratitude to the Chippewas of Saugeen, and the Chippewas of Nawash, known collectively as the Saugeen Ojibway Nation, as the traditional keepers of this land.
I express my deep appreciation to the Indigenous peoples whose territory I live and work on. I commit to learning and acting in ways that honour the knowledge, traditions, and presence of the Aboriginal people who have stewarded this land since time immemorial.
I recognize that I have benefitted from the systems of colonization that have oppressed, displaced, and caused harm to Indigenous peoples. I commit to challenging these systems and supporting efforts towards justice, reconciliation, and Indigenous self-determination.
