Canada’s History

The importance of understanding ourselves by examining our history has been an anchoring belief of Canada’s History Society. We bring relevance and awareness to our nation’s diverse past, illuminating the people, places, and events that unite us as Canadians.

As a partner for Every Child Matters they have provided the following educational resources:

Elementary School Level

James Bay Treaty

Kirsten’s video is notable for her creative use of stop-motion lego to tell a difficult, complicated history of the James Bay Treaty (Treaty Number 9). Kirsten produces a thoughtful video that considers the historical context of the Treaty and its long-term effects on the communities living on the land. Kirsten ends her video with an important call to action for Canadians work together to improve conditions in First Nations communities.

https://www.canadashistory.ca/youth/young-citizens/profiles/2015/kirsten-r

Canada’s History – Kirsten, Ajax, Ontario

Middle School Level

Internment of Japanese Canadians

Dorie’s video is about Japanese-Canadian internment, and focuses on her great-grandma’s experience. Dorie interviews her great-grandmother as part of her video and it’s very touching to see this intergenerational exchange of knowledge and history.

https://www.canadashistory.ca/youth/young-citizens/profiles/2019/dorie-t

Canada’s History – Dorie, London, Ontario

We Stand on Guard for Thee: Canadian Superheroes and National Identity

Dylan’s video features Canadian-created superheroes, such as Captain Canuck, and explores their connections to Canadian culture and nationalism. With a high-quality production value and a touch of humour, Dylan’s video is an engaging video to watch.

https://www.canadashistory.ca/youth/young-citizens/profiles/2012/dylan-t

Canada’s History – Dylan, Lethbridge, AB

The Chinese Head Tax

Dylan’s video traces the story of his ancestors’ immigration to Vancouver. Dylan incorporated primary source documents, telling a complicated history, and making connections between his family’s experience and that of other Chinese Canadians. There is also an obvious element of oral history.

https://www.canadashistory.ca/youth/young-citizens/profiles/2014/dylan-l

Canada’s History – Dylan, Vancouver, BC

Fred Sasakamoose

Eli explains “I wanted to create a project of one of my Indigenous heroes that have made a difference in not only Canadian/First Nations communities but also people living with disabilities.”

https://www.canadashistory.ca/youth/young-citizens/profiles/2019/eli-p

Canada’s History – Eli P, Oromocto First Nation, New Brunswick

Kingston Art History Tours

Evan’s video is about three artists who come from Kingston. He interviews a number of people, including his MP, and recreates some of the art he discusses in his video. This video shows that students can find their way into Heritage Fairs (and history) by starting with their personal interests and pastimes.

https://www.canadashistory.ca/youth/young-citizens/profiles/2015/evan-s

Canada’s History – Evan, Kingston, Ontario

A Nation Moving Forward – Truth And Reconciliation

Jakob’s video entitled A Nation Moving Forward -Truth And Reconciliation provides an overview of the history of Canada’s residential schools and the development of The Truth and Reconciliation Commission. He discusses ‘how we as Canadians can help ensure the history of our Aboriginal communities isn’t forgotten but respected as we move forward as a Nation working together to correct the wrong that was done’.

https://www.canadashistory.ca/youth/young-citizens/profiles/2017/jakob-d

Canada’s History – Jakob, Napanee, ON

High School Level

Kitchen Court

Diana took her inspiration from her street name – Kitchen Court, which is named after Gordon Henry Earl Kitchen, a young private who lost his life in the Second World War.

Diana speaks with community members, a local history librarian, and one of Kitchen’s descendants who shared a story of how one of Kitchen’s artifacts found its way from Holland to Canada decades after the war. 

https://www.canadashistory.ca/youth/young-citizens/profiles/2012/diana-l

Canada’s History – Diana, Oshawa, ON

Indigenous People in WW1

Jonathan’s project looks at the contributions of Indigenous warriors in World War I. The project was inspired by his great grandfather Manson (Kayʌtahkehluˀ) who was an engineer in World War II. “I was curious to learn about my families participation in World War I. I did not find any family connections but learned about many soldiers from my home community, Oneida Nation of the Thames. I expanded my research to include soldiers with significant contributions from other First Nations in Ontario.”

https://www.canadashistory.ca/youth/young-citizens/profiles/2019/jonathan-l

Canada’s History – Jonathan L, Oneida Nation of the Thames, ON

The Gwich’in Comprehensive Land Claim Agreement

Julienne’s video is on the Gwich’in Comprehensive Land Claim in the Northwest Territories. The land claim is a modern treaty based on Treaty 11 which is a numbered treaty.

https://www.canadashistory.ca/youth/young-citizens/profiles/2013/julienne-c

Canada’s History – Julienne C, Inuvik, NWT

Action Needed – Before it’s too Late

Kaylea explains that “many Indigenous languages are slowing disappearing and with it the culture of our people. Today almost all of the Indigenous languages have disappeared across Canada. Mohawk is one of those endangered. Today in Tyendinaga we have only have a very few Mohawk speakers. If our language disappears we will lose many of the things important to our culture along with it – our ceremonies, our legends, all of the things that make our culture unique. We at Quinte Mohawk are the future of our community and we are the ones that must take action if our language is to survive. We must bring our words back.”

https://www.canadashistory.ca/youth/young-citizens/profiles/2017/kaylea-b

Canada’s History – Kaylea, Tyendinaga, ON

Doóli Laws

Madison’s project is about traditional Laws in Pelly Crossing, Yukon Territory. “These are the laws we hope for our younger generation to follow, respect and carry on.”

https://www.canadashistory.ca/youth/young-citizens/profiles/2017/madison-g

Canada’s History – Madison, Pelly Crossing, Yukon Territory

Silver Fox Island

Matthew was one of the recipients during the first year of the program in 2012. His video stands out for taking his viewers along as he explores his family’s history and the demonstrates traditional knowledge related to crab fishing.

https://www.canadashistory.ca/youth/young-citizens/profiles/2012/matthew-r

Canada’s History – Matthew, St. John’s, NL

As Long as the Sun and Moon Shall Endure I Am a Treaty Person

Basel tells us that “In 8 months I will become a proud citizen of this
country. At my citizenship ceremony I will swear “to faithfully observe the
laws of Canada including treaties with Indigenous Peoples”. I live on the
traditional and unceded territory of the Abegweit First Nation. I want Canada
to be the best country it can be. To achieve this we must all practice respect
for the agreements between indigenous and non-indigenous Canadians.”

https://www.canadashistory.ca/youth/young-citizens/profiles/2018/basel-a

Canada’s History – Basel A, Charlottetown, PEI