Diversity, Identity & The Future · Term 4

Canada in the 21st Century

Reflecting on identity in a globalized, technological world.

About This Topic

As Canada moves through the 21st century, the question of 'what is a Canadian?' continues to evolve. This topic explores the impact of globalization, technology, and increasing diversity on Canadian identity. Students examine whether there is a single, shared Canadian identity or if it is better understood as a collection of many different identities. They investigate the values and ideals that Canadians often cite as defining their country, such as peace, fairness, and respect for diversity.

The curriculum also focuses on the challenges of maintaining a distinct national identity in a world where culture and information are increasingly globalized. Students reflect on their own roles in shaping the future of Canada and what values they think should define the country in the years to come. This topic benefits from collaborative problem-solving and structured discussions about the 'future of identity.' Students grasp the complexity of modern identity faster through peer-led investigations into contemporary cultural trends and by reflecting on their own experiences as young Canadians.

Learning Objectives

• Analyze the primary factors contributing to the perceived fragmentation or unity of Canadian identity in the 21st century.
• Evaluate the influence of digital media and global cultural flows on the expression and evolution of Canadian identity.
• Design a personal or community-based initiative that promotes a specific value intended to shape Canada's future identity.
• Compare and contrast historical notions of Canadian identity with contemporary perspectives shaped by diversity and globalization.

Before You Start

Foundations of Canadian Identity

Why: Students need a baseline understanding of historical factors and traditional narratives that have shaped Canadian identity before analyzing its 21st-century evolution.

Canada's Multiculturalism Policy

Why: Understanding the official policy of multiculturalism is crucial for analyzing the complexities of diversity and identity in contemporary Canada.

Key Vocabulary

Pluralism	A condition where diverse groups within a society maintain their unique cultural identities while coexisting within a common political framework.
Globalization	The increasing interconnectedness of economies, cultures, and populations worldwide, driven by cross-border trade, technology, and flows of investment, people, and information.
Cultural Hybridity	The process by which different cultures merge, creating new cultural forms and expressions that blend elements from their origins.
Digital Citizenship	The responsible and ethical use of technology and online resources, including engagement with digital communities and understanding the impact of online actions.

Active Learning Ideas

Inquiry Circle: The 'Canadian Values' Survey

In small groups, students design and conduct a short survey (within the class or school) on what people think are the most important 'Canadian values.' They analyze the results and discuss whether there is a consensus or a wide range of opinions.

⏱ 45 min·Small Groups

Generate mission

Think-Pair-Share: Identity in a Digital World

Students discuss with a partner how the internet and social media have changed their own sense of identity and their connection to Canada. They consider whether they feel more like 'global citizens' or 'Canadians' in the digital age.

⏱ 25 min·Pairs

Generate mission

Simulation Game: Designing a 'Future Canada' Exhibit

Students work in small groups to propose an exhibit for a national museum that represents Canada in the year 2050. They must decide which stories, symbols, and values should be featured to reflect the country's future identity.

⏱ 50 min·Small Groups

Generate mission

Real-World Connections

Immigration consultants in Toronto help newcomers navigate the process of establishing residency and integrating into Canadian society, directly impacting the nation's multicultural fabric and identity.

Canadian tech startups developing AI solutions for remote work are responding to global trends, influencing how Canadians connect and collaborate, thus shaping future work identities.

Producers at the CBC are tasked with creating content that reflects the diverse experiences of Canadians, balancing national narratives with regional specificities and global influences.

Watch Out for These Misconceptions

Common Misconception

Canadian identity is something that was 'fixed' in the past.

What to Teach Instead

Identity is a dynamic and ongoing process that is constantly being reshaped by new generations and new experiences. Peer discussion about 'identity as a process' helps students see themselves as active participants in defining what it means to be Canadian.

Common Misconception

Everyone in Canada shares the same set of values.

What to Teach Instead

While there are common ideals, there is also significant diversity in how people interpret and prioritize them. Using a 'Values Spectrum' analysis helps students see the different perspectives within Canadian society.

Assessment Ideas

Discussion Prompt

Facilitate a class debate using the prompt: 'Resolved: A singular Canadian identity is an unattainable myth in the 21st century.' Ask students to cite specific examples of cultural trends or societal shifts to support their arguments.

Exit Ticket

On a half-sheet of paper, have students answer: 'Identify one way technology has changed how you perceive Canadian identity, and propose one value you believe is essential for Canada's future.'

Quick Check

Present students with three short contemporary news headlines related to Canadian culture or social issues. Ask them to select one headline and write two sentences explaining how it reflects the evolving nature of Canadian identity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a single Canadian identity?

Many people argue that Canada's identity is actually its 'multiculturalism', the fact that it is a country of many different identities that coexist. Others point to shared values like the Charter of Rights and Freedoms and the healthcare system as the core of a common identity.

How is globalization changing Canadian identity?

Globalization makes it easier for Canadians to connect with the rest of the world, which can broaden their perspectives but also make it harder to maintain a distinct national culture. It also fuels the growth of a more 'global' or 'cosmopolitan' identity among many young people.

What role do young people play in shaping Canadian identity?

Young people are the ones who will define the values and the goals of the country in the future. Their experiences with diversity, technology, and global issues are already reshaping what it means to be Canadian in the 21st century.

How can active learning help students understand Canadian identity in the 21st century?

Active learning strategies, such as investigating values and simulating a 'future' exhibit, help students understand the personal and social dimensions of identity. By engaging with the questions of 'who we are' and 'who we want to be,' students move beyond seeing identity as a dry topic to seeing it as a lived and evolving reality. This hands-on approach fosters a deeper sense of belonging and a commitment to shaping a positive future for Canada.