Current Canadian Issues Explored through a Historical Lens

Abstract

Lesson 1: (p.1-11) The History of Canadian Hockey and its Reflection of Canadian Nationalism and Identity. (Students will develop an understanding of the relationship between monumental historical hockey events and the greater Nationalistic representation reflected at the time: politics, culture, war, public image, etc. In addition, students will review the consequences for excessive nationalism through hockey and how it reflects a challenge of identity for those who don't connect with hockey. ) Lesson 2: (p.12- 39) The Canadian History of Immigration Policies (Students will develop an understanding of the hardships immigrants have faced in Canadian policy, and still face today. The lesson will guide students in creating connections between past political policies and how they have evolved over time.) Lesson 3: (p.40-47) Canada and the Over-Exploitation of Resources (Students will reflect on the current environmental crisis of the Albertan tar-sands. In addition, students should compare this contemporary issue with the history of excessive resource exploitations of the timber industries and will develop skills in understanding a limited resource industry.) Lesson 4: (p.48- 63The Alberta Pipeline: A Link to Exploring First Nations Treaties and Land Rights- Past and Present. (Students will learn about the proposed Albertan Pipeline and its link to First Nations Peoples. This will provide a point of departure for discussing historic treaties, the Indian Act, and other current comprehensive and specific land claim issues arising in Canada. Students will consider the ethical dimension of appropriation of First Nations land and will explore the consequences of that past in relation to the proposed Albertan pipeline of today.) Lesson 5: (p. 64-91) Exploring the Changing Gender and Parental Roles as Represented in the Media since World War I (Students will gain an understanding of modern day gender/parental roles by exploring the continuity and change as represented in media sources since WWI.) Lesson 6: (p. 92-105) Understanding Canada’s Military Involvement against ISIS through Exploring Canada’s Past Military Roles. (Students will explore Canada’s combat and peacekeeping heritage since WW1 and will examine the current state of the Canadian military and how it has responded to budget cuts over the years. This historical perspective will give students a better understanding of the role Canada is currently able to play in international conflicts and students will engage in a debate over the future direction of Canada’s military.