U4L2 Canadian Identity

Introduction

Key Issue
To what extent have attempts to promote national identity been successful?

Myths, institutions and government programs and initiatives have been used to promote a national identity, and how individuals can promote a national identity.

Consider the following questions while working through this lesson:

• Is it important to you that Canada have a distinct identity?
• If it is important to you, what parts of its identity are most significant? If is is not important, why isn't it to you?

Click on the link below for ten facts about Canada.

TERMS responsible government institution

Lesson

RESOURCES

Read and refer to Chapter 14 as your resource for completing this lesson's assignment.

What is the CTRC?

First Nations Politics

LESSON 

Canadian national sentiment developed slowly  after Confederation reflecting the strengths of provincialism and, in English-speaking Canada, the overriding sense of membership in the British Empire. There were glimmers of nationalism in the CANADA FIRST movement of the 1870s, and among writers of the 1890s. 

Canada's participation and sacrifice in the First World War and its success on battlefields such as Vimy Ridge did much to create a sense of distinct nationhood. The aftermath of the war also brought a surge of cultural nationalism, centered in Toronto and reflected in products such as the paintings of the Group of Seven. 

Political nationalism, under the guidance of the Liberal government of Prime Minister Mackenzie King was directed against the fading symbols of colonial ties with Great Britain. This anti-colonial nationalism met no resistance from Great Britain, but it conflicted with the attachment many English-speaking Canadians felt for British symbols.  Governments and citizens often use symbols to portray what they think is important about their country's history, nationhood and the role in the world.

What Makes Us Canadian?
Watch the following video to learn what Canadians had to say about their identity to reporter, Cameron MacIntosh.

https://www.cbc.ca/player/play/2676463245

Watch the following video to learn about the various factors that impact identity.

Canadian Identity

Assignment

Open the following Canadian Aboriginal History assignment and complete the questions as you watch the following videos.  
FOR STUDY PURPOSES ONLY, DO NOT SUBMIT.  

Be sure to write the Unit 4 Lesson 2 open book quiz, as well.

1.  Canadian Aboriginal History: Contact

2.  Canadian Aboriginal History:  Silence

3.  Greatest Country on Earth

Click on the following link to write your U4L2 (Chapter 14) Quiz open book test. 

Evaluation and Conclusion

Evaluation

U4L2 Assignment and Online Quiz - for review and practice purposes only.  This assignment and quiz do NOT count for marks.

Conclusion

Symbols and myths can both help to portray a nation's identity. People turn to symbols and myths as forces that unify and promote national identity. They foster pride and loyalty.