What's your story? Help us define Canada in time for its 150th birthday

If you were asked to tell a story about being Canadian, what would your story be?

That's the question CBC News is asking as we prepare to commemorate Canada's 150th birthday next year.

We want to hear your personal stories about what defines Canada for you.

What's your Canada? Looking ahead to #CBC2017

8 years ago

Duration 4:21

CBC senior producer Brenda Murray wants you to send in your stories for Canada's 150th birthday in 2017

You can email us at CBCNews2017@cbc.ca, send us a picture or make a video.

Then, starting Jan. 1, 2017, we will share these stories.

We've already collected many interesting and entertaining examples, which you can watch now.

Stories range from sports to syrup

For instance, you'll see comedian and Mr. D star Gerry Dee bemoan his lost Wayne Gretzky rookie cards.

What's Your Story: Gerry Dee

8 years ago

Duration 0:34

Canadian actor talks about lost Wayne Gretzky rookie cards

William Shatner still remembers eating maple syrup off the snow.

What's Your Story: William Shatner

8 years ago

Duration 0:33

Canadian actor talks about maple syrup

Ellen Page talks about canoeing with her father.

What's Your Story: Ellen Page

8 years ago

Duration 0:30

Canadian actor talks about canoeing

CBC's Chief Correspondent Peter Mansbridge shows off his numerous passports, and recalls what his trips to cover news around the world taught him about being Canadian.

• What's Your Story: Peter Mansbridge on his passport

What's Your Story: Peter Mansbridge

8 years ago

Duration 1:29

CBC anchor talks about passport

• Check out more stories from well-knownCanadians about what defines Canada for them

Canada's dark chapters will be included

Travel is a common theme. Award-winning author Joseph Boyden reflects on taking the train and what the railroad means for Canada, both the good and the bad.

What's Your Story: Joseph Boyden

8 years ago

Duration 0:49

Canadian author talks about railway

We know not every Canadian story is a happy one, and we want and need to hear those, too.

Senator Murray Sinclair, who chaired the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, has some pointed things to say on Indigenous issues.

What's Your Story: Murray Sinclair

8 years ago

Duration 0:49

Canadian Senator talks about residential schools

Tell us your story

So what is your Canadian story?

Perhaps it centres on an object, a person or a place. Maybe it's an event or a feeling or a moment where you thought, This is Canada.

These don't have to be stories involving classic Canadian icons like the flag or canoe. The story just has to be about something that means a lot to you.

Here's how to share with us

We're not too concerned about length. Some stories could be short, but others may need a bit longer for the telling.

You can email us at CBCNews2017@cbc.ca, or post to your Facebook, Instagram or Twitter account using #CBC2017.

We also welcome letters sent the old-fashioned way after all, the post office will soon celebrate its own 150th anniversary. (And yes, our first stamp featured the beaver.)

Here's our address:

CBC News 2017
Box 500, Station A
Toronto, ON
M5W 1E6