Happy Birthday, America's Hat!

Happy Canada Day from Toronto, Canada! After the total chaos of the G20 at the weekend, Canadians will be stepping around the broken glass to watch fireworks and eat poutine and celebrate having healthcare or something. Actually, since it's my first Canada Day, I thought I'd better find out what really goes on, pronto. So to do that, I interviewed someone who actually knows whatsup: a real, live Canadian—after the jump!

Loni in her red-and-white. Image courtesy Female Sneaker Fiend.

First of all, and I don't mean this in a G20, abuse-of-citizen-rights kind of way, but what is your name and where are you from?
My name is Loni Schick, I was born in a small-ass town called Melville, Saskatchewan. You've never heard of it. Shoutouts to "Saskatchatoon".

What brings you to Toronto?
I can't say the answer! 'Cause it's a Canada Day post! Toronto is my backup plan before I move to the States... Nah, if I'm gonna live anywhere in Canada, this is where it's at. It's my favourite city in this country.

What does being Canadian mean to you?
It means like just being free and safe. Some of the things that we take for granted other countries don't have the luxury of.

Such as?
"Such as maps..."?

Haha. What does one do to celebrate Canada Day?
I go to the lake normally for Canada day, but since I'm not anywhere near my family's cottage right now, I'm gonna go ahead and check out the free shows at Dundas Square, eat some poutine and watch some fireworks.

Yes! My guess was right! How do I know I'm eating some real-ass Canadian poutine and not some cheap imitation?
Them cheese curds better squeak against your teeth when you're chewing them!

How does it feel to be called "America's Hat" all the time? Why are you laughing? It's what we call it in Australia.
I think it's alright. A dope accessory can make the whole outfit.

Quintessentially Canadian things?
Degrassi, ice hockey, health care, maple leaves, gun control and maple syrup.

Who's your favourite Canadian and why?
OK, much respect to Drake but that would be Joni Mitchell. She's from Saskatchewan and she's a painter and musician that sold like, billions. Most people don't know she's Canadian 'cause she's so dope. Oh shit, I did not just say that.

I think you did. Any last words?

9th Wonder publically stated that Toronto is the hiphop capital of the world. Toronto as in Canada. That's dope.

That is dope.

Check out Loni Schick's photography here or follow her on Twitter.