Diversity, Identity & The Future · Term 4

Final Inquiry: Canada's Next Century

A culminating project where students predict and propose solutions for Canada's future.

About This Topic

The final inquiry project is a culmination of the Grade 10 Canadian History course, asking students to use their historical knowledge to predict and propose solutions for Canada's next century. This topic focuses on the greatest challenges and opportunities facing the country, from achieving true reconciliation with Indigenous peoples to navigating the impacts of climate change and technological disruption. Students examine Canada's potential role on the global stage and how it can continue to build a more just and inclusive society.

This project encourages students to use the 'historical thinking' skills they have developed throughout the year, such as analyzing evidence, identifying continuity and change, and considering different perspectives, to address complex, real-world issues. This topic benefits from collaborative problem-solving and peer-led presentations. Students grasp the importance of their own agency faster through this inquiry-based approach, which helps them to see themselves as the future leaders and problem-solvers of Canada.

Learning Objectives

• Critique current Canadian policies and historical precedents related to Indigenous reconciliation.
• Synthesize diverse perspectives on Canada's future global role, considering economic, political, and ethical factors.
• Design a multi-faceted strategy addressing a predicted major challenge for Canada in the next 50 years.
• Evaluate the potential long-term impacts of proposed solutions on Canadian society and identity.

Before You Start

Canada's Post-Confederation Development

Why: Understanding Canada's historical development, including nation-building efforts and challenges, provides context for future predictions and problem-solving.

Indigenous-Settler Relations in Canada

Why: Prior knowledge of the historical and ongoing relationship between Indigenous peoples and the Canadian state is essential for addressing reconciliation.

Canada's Role in World Affairs

Why: Familiarity with Canada's past and present international engagements is necessary to project its future global position.

Key Vocabulary

Reconciliation	The process of establishing or restoring a friendly, harmonious relationship. In Canada, this specifically refers to the relationship between Indigenous peoples and non-Indigenous Canadians, aiming to address historical injustices.
Sovereignty	Supreme power or authority. For Indigenous nations, this refers to their inherent right to self-governance and control over their lands and resources.
Demographic Shift	Significant changes in the population's characteristics, such as age distribution, ethnic composition, or geographic distribution, impacting societal structures and needs.
Global Interdependence	The mutual reliance between countries for economic, political, and social reasons, influencing international relations and Canada's place within them.
Climate Resilience	The capacity of a community or system to withstand, adapt to, and recover from the impacts of climate change, including extreme weather events and environmental degradation.

Active Learning Ideas

Inquiry Circle: The Reconciliation Challenge

In small groups, students research a specific Call to Action from the TRC that has not yet been fulfilled. They propose a concrete plan for how the government and citizens could work together to achieve it in the next decade.

⏱ 60 min·Small Groups

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Simulation Game: Canada's 2050 Global Role

Students act as foreign policy advisors in the year 2050. They must debate what Canada's priorities should be in a world changed by climate change and new global powers, and how it can best use its 'middle power' influence for good.

⏱ 60 min·Whole Class

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Think-Pair-Share: Your Vision for Canada

Students reflect on the most important lesson they have learned in history class this year. They share with a partner how this lesson will influence their own actions and their vision for Canada's next century.

⏱ 25 min·Pairs

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Real-World Connections

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada's Calls to Action provide a framework for understanding the complexities and ongoing efforts required for reconciliation, influencing policy decisions at federal and provincial levels.

Canada's participation in international forums like the United Nations and G7 demonstrates its current global role and provides a basis for students to project future engagement strategies, impacting trade agreements and foreign policy.

Urban planners in rapidly growing cities like Toronto or Vancouver must consider demographic shifts and climate resilience when designing future infrastructure and social services.

Watch Out for These Misconceptions

Common Misconception

History is only about the past and has nothing to do with the future.

What to Teach Instead

Understanding the past is essential for making sense of the present and for making informed decisions about the future. Peer discussion about 'history as a roadmap' helps students see the practical value of their historical knowledge.

Common Misconception

The problems facing Canada are too big for individuals to solve.

What to Teach Instead

History shows that change often starts with small groups of committed people and that every citizen has a role to play in shaping their society. Using a 'Change-Makers' analysis helps students see the power of individual and collective action.

Assessment Ideas

Discussion Prompt

Facilitate a small group discussion using the prompt: 'Which of the three key questions (greatest challenge, reconciliation, global role) do you believe is the most urgent for Canada's future, and why? Provide one piece of evidence from your research to support your claim.'

Peer Assessment

After students present their proposed strategies, have peers use a rubric to assess the feasibility and comprehensiveness of the solutions. The rubric should include criteria such as: evidence-based reasoning, consideration of multiple perspectives, and potential for long-term impact. Peers should provide one specific suggestion for improvement.

Quick Check

Provide students with a short case study outlining a hypothetical future scenario for Canada (e.g., a major climate event, a significant geopolitical shift). Ask them to identify which of the three key questions is most directly addressed by the scenario and briefly explain their reasoning in 2-3 sentences.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most important challenge for Canada in the next 50 years?

There are many, but achieving true reconciliation with Indigenous peoples, addressing the climate crisis, and maintaining social cohesion in an increasingly diverse and digital world are often cited as the most critical.

How can we achieve true reconciliation?

It requires a long-term commitment to fulfilling the TRC's Calls to Action, respecting Indigenous rights and sovereignty, and building a new relationship based on mutual respect and understanding. Education and individual action are key parts of this process.

What role should Canada play on the global stage in the future?

Many believe Canada should continue to be a leader in human rights, peacekeeping, and environmental protection, using its 'middle power' status to promote multilateralism and international cooperation.

How can active learning help students with their final inquiry project?

Active learning strategies, such as collaborative problem-solving and simulations, help students apply their historical knowledge to complex, real-world challenges. By engaging with the 'big questions' of Canada's future, students move beyond being 'students of history' to being 'active citizens.' This hands-on approach fosters a deeper sense of agency, critical thinking, and a commitment to building a better future for themselves and their country.