By Brian Roulston
What connects Hamilton, a revered priest, and the historic Hudson Bay Company? The answer: the humble beaver. The beaver is more than just Canada’s national symbol, this industrious aquatic architect has shaped Indigenous traditions, fueled trade, and even influenced politics. Join me as we uncover the beaver’s remarkable story.
The beaver is a highly intelligent and resourceful rodent (Rodentia)which thrives in lakes, streams, and ponds, where it skillfully constructs dams to shape its environment. Beavers are native to Canada and the United States but can also be found in many other parts of the world like Russia, China, and Mongolia. In Europe, they are at home in countries like Norway, Sweden, Germany, and France. Over time, beavers have made their way to Argentina, Chile, and even Australia.
Long before European settlers arrived in Canada, the beaver played a vital role in the Indigenous peoples survival. Its fur was used to create clothing, while its bones were crafted into tools. The beaver’s nutritious meat provided a valuable food source, and a substance secreted by its glands served as an effective lure for trapping other carnivorous species.
As European demand for beaver pelts surged in the 17th and 18th centuries, the animal became central to Canada’s economy and exploration. The Hudson Bay Company and the North West Company depended on Indigenous peoples and later French explorers to supply pelts prized for their warmth and water resistance. At the time, Europeans had nearly driven their own beaver populations to extinction, fueling high demand for Canadian pelts.
By the mid-19th century, Canada itself had nearly wiped out its beaver population. However, conservation measures were eventually introduced, allowing the species to recover. Today, beavers thrive across the country, their numbers restored thanks to dedicated efforts to protect their habitat.
Beyond the beaver’s economic role, it has left a lasting mark on Canadian culture—featured in cartoons, artwork, and even postage stamps.
On April 23, 1851, Canada introduced the 3-Pence Beaver designed by Sir Sandford Fleming, its first official stamp—also notable for being the world’s first stamp to feature something other than a monarch or statesman.
The beaver was proudly displayed on the regimental insignia of at least 14 regiments of the Canadian Forces. Symbolically, it stood at Vimy Ridge and Passchendaele during World War I, as well as throughout the liberation of Europe in World War II. The beaver also appeared on numerous propaganda materials and Victory Bond posters, reinforcing its significance in Canadian identity and wartime efforts.
Since 1937, the beaver has adorned the Canadian nickel, a design created by G.E. Kruger-Gray, who also designed Canada’s penny and 50-cent piece.
Sean O’Sullivan grew up in Hamilton with his four brothers and a sister. He attended St. John’s Baptist School and later Bishop Ryan High School.
At just 11 years old, in 1963, O’Sullivan worked on Ellen Fairclough’s campaign, which ultimately ended in defeat. However, the loss didn’t deter him; instead, it sparked Sean’s interest in politics. That same year, Sean’s father, the General Manager of what was then the Sheraton-Connaught Hotel, introduced the family to John Diefenbaker, Canada’s 13th Prime Minister (1957–1963). Diefenbaker became a mentor to Sean, solidifying his passion for politics. Sean majored in politics at Brock University, where he earned several scholarships and for a brief period he worked as a reporter for the Hamilton Spectator.
In 1972, at just 20 years old, Sean made history in Canada as a member of the Progressive Conservative Party by becoming the youngest person at the time to be elected as a Member of Parliament to the House of Commons, representing Hamilton-Wentworth. He earned a reputation for his deep understanding of political issues and was re-elected in 1974. Many believed Sean would one day become Canada’s Prime Minister. On January 24, 1975, Sean O’Sullivan introduced Bill C-373, seeking to officially recognize the beaver as a symbol of Canada’s sovereignty and its contributions to Indigenous peoples and early explorers. O’Sullivan received overwhelming support for the bill, which had garnered hundreds of letters and signatures from across the country. The popular CBC Radio program As It Happens, known for its unique blend of interviews, human-interest stories, offbeat and quirky news stories from around the globe played a key role in amplifying public enthusiasm. Hosts at the time Barbara Frum and Alan Maitland received an astonishing 13,000 letters and postcards from Canadians backing O’Sullivan’s efforts.
The bill officially passed final reading on March 24, 1975 and received royal assent from Queen Elizabeth II, cementing the beaver’s place as a national emblem of Canada. Interestingly, Oregon too designated the beaver as its state animal in 1969, while New York followed suit in 1975.
Sean O’Sullivan left politics in 1977 to pursue religious studies. He was ordained a deacon by Gerald Emmett Cardinal Carter, Archbishop of Toronto. Later, O’Sullivan was ordained a priest, earning the title of Father Sean O’Sullivan. Father Sean O’Sullivan was diagnosed with leukemia in 1983 and passed away March 9, 1989 at 37 years of age.
The beaver’s journey from a vital resource for Indigenous peoples to a cherished national symbol reflects Canada’s rich history and evolving identity. Featured on military insignia and wartime propaganda, it symbolized resilience and determination during both World Wars. Today, the beaver stands as a strong symbol of hard work, determination, and Canadian pride.
