History as Identity Project → Shaping Identity Through the Uses & Abuses of Canadian History

FOCUS
# 4 Cause & Consequence AND # 6 Ethical Dimension
TASKS
1. Students identify & choose a CANADIAN IDENTITY MYTH.
2. Students confront that IDENTITY MYTH by investigating its roots in an historical event, action, and/or development.
→ be sure to research the roots, historical forces, and key events, actions or developments that perpetuate the myth.
→ identify the most critical of the 8 forces of identity to the creation and continuation of the myth.
3. Students expose that IDENTITY MYTH by investigating a single historical event, action, and/or development that contradicts
that MYTH.
→ identify the most critical of the 8 forces of identity to exposing and/or dispelling the myth.
4. Students reflect on the ethical dimensions of that IDENTITY MYTH, specifically the reality of the legal or social injustices
hidden behind that MYTH.
→ be sure to reflect on one injustice that needs to be addressed by Canada and/or Canadians to ensure Canada is a
more just society.
FINAL PRODUCT → Students record their findings from tasks 1 to 4 on the concept map reproduced above (students will receive a paper copy in class).
BELOW ARE SOME VISUAL EXAMPLES OF CANADIAN IDENTITY MYTHS

IDENTITY MYTH → Canada is an Environmentally Progressive Country

IDENTITY MYTH → Canada is a Leader in International Peacekeeping & Peacekeeping Standards

IDENTITY MYTH → Canadian Industry Profits from Peacemaking Not War


IDENTITY MYTH → Canada is a Global Leader in Advancing & Protecting Human Rights

IDENTITY MYTH → Canada is a Leader in Public Universal Heath Care