Chapter 11 Introduction

We are a Country

Unit Introduction

This unit is about how historical events and issues helped to produce a sense of identity for Canadians.  These events and issues contributed towards Canada’s growth and development into an independent country.

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Targets

Read the I Can box to see what you need to know in Unit 11.

• Explain how the Statute of Westminster recognized Canada as a country
• Explain how Lester B. Pearson’s initiative within the United Nations contributed to Canada’s identity as a peacekeeping country
• Tell how the adoption of the Canadian flag affected collective identity in Canada
• Explain how the repatriation of the Constitution in 1982 was a step toward nationhood
• Explain how the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms is a symbol of Canada’s emerging identity
• Tell what factors led to the formation of Nunavut

Introduction

What does it mean to be Canadian?  Are you proud to be from Canada?  How do you describe Canadians?
 
Watch slam poet Shane Koyczan describe his understanding of what it means to be Canadian in his poem We are More.  Shane read this poem at the opening ceremonies for the 2010 Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver, and he became quite famous as a result.

Library Books

Check out the library books for this unit.

If you are not able to find these library books, look for others about the Statute of Westminster, Lester B. Pearson’s initiative within the United Nations, adoption of the Canadian flag, the Constitution in 1982, and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. 

Notebook

Throughout this unit, you will keep a Notebook. The PDF downloads are the pages of your Notebook.

1. Create a folder on your computer or in the cloud titled “Unit 11 Notebook ”.
2. Save all of the PDF downloads to this folder.
   

Whenever you see this icon you will be directed to use the “ Unit 11 Notebook ”  folder you created.