Guiding Questions:
• In which ways is Canadian society similar to and different from that of the United States?
(US environmental policy)
( US role in the world)
(The American Culture of Commercialism)
(US immigration policy)
• What are the greatest US influences on our
culture?
• How do our economic ties with the US (e.g.,
foreign investment and trade agreements)
influence our national identity?
• What makes us distinctly Canadian?
• What notable contributions have Canadians
made to the areas such as athletics, the arts,
literature, politics, science and invention,
human rights, and health? (poets) (medicine)
• How have these achievements contributed to
our national identity?
• How has the ethnic composition of our
society contributed to our national identity?
• What efforts has our government made to
promote a distinctive Canadian culture (e.g.,
the CRTC, the CBC, the NFB,
multiculturalism programs and events)? Are
these methods effective?
• Can we define what it means to be a
Canadian? Why or why not?
Suggested Representations:
• As a group, complete research and then present a
panel discussion where the difference between US
and Canadian policies and issues is discussed. In
preparation, research information and statistics on
areas of interest such as crime rates, death penalty,
gun control, health care, education, foreign policy,
military spending and involvement, entertainment,
environmental concerns, and civil and human rights.
• Create a visual representation depicting how several
former Canadian prime ministers and US presidents
have disagreed on specific issues or policies. Include
Mackenzie King, St. Laurent, Diefenbaker, Pearson,
Trudeau, Mulroney, and Chrétien as your Canadian
prime ministers. Consider such areas as military
involvement, trade, and civil and human rights.
• Create a concept web that identifies measures the
Canadian government has taken to promote a distinct
Canadian identity in the broadcasting, visual, and
performing arts. Include organizations such as: CRTC,
CBC, NFB, and the Canada Council. Measure their
success by referring to specific examples.
• Identify several 20th century Canadian personalities
from each of the areas of athletics, the arts, politics,
science and invention, entertainment, human rights,
and health and create a concept web that clearly
identifies the significant achievement each has made
that has contributed to our Canadian identity.
• Incorporating information from research, create an
original "I am Canadian" rant, song, or poem
depicting feelings of what it means to be a Canadian.
Original Molson Ad (Click Best of Show - single)
(CBC archives clips)
RESOURCES:
Lesson: Critical Challenge: Historical Perspectives of National Identity
Culture.ca ; Canada's Cultural Gateway
Dictionary of Canadian Biography (search by name or topic)
Department of Canadian Heritage - responsible for national policies and programs that promote Canadian content, foster cultural participation, active citizenship and participation in Canada's civic life, and strengthen connections among Canadians
Editorial by Murray Dobbin in The Tyee - 'Pro-Canadian' means much more than 'anti-American'
Canadian Attitudes Towards International Trade
Art collection that documents more than four centuries of Canadian history
Images Canada; picturing Canadian Culture (educational resources)
COMMENTS?