The Cold War: Origins & Early Years
Students explore the ideological clash between the US and USSR, the division of Europe, and the early crises of the Cold War.
Key Questions
- Analyze the ideological and geopolitical origins of the Cold War.
- Explain the concept of the 'Iron Curtain' and its impact on Europe.
- Evaluate the significance of early Cold War crises like the Berlin Blockade and the Korean War.
Ontario Curriculum Expectations
About This Topic
This topic explores the global movement for Indigenous rights, culminating in the development and adoption of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). Students compare the struggles for land rights, cultural preservation, and self-determination across different continents, including the experiences of Indigenous peoples in Canada, Australia, and Latin America. The curriculum emphasizes the significance of UNDRIP as a framework for international law and reconciliation.
Grade 12 students analyze Canada's record on Indigenous rights in comparison to other settler-colonial states. They investigate the challenges of implementing UNDRIP at the national level and the role of international bodies in holding states accountable. This topic comes alive when students can participate in a 'Global Indigenous Forum,' where they represent different Indigenous nations and share their strategies for legal and political advocacy.
Active Learning Ideas
Simulation Game: Global Indigenous Forum
Students represent Indigenous groups from different parts of the world (e.g., the Sami in Scandinavia, the Maori in New Zealand, and the Haida in Canada). They must identify common challenges and draft a joint statement to the UN on a specific issue like climate change or land rights.
Inquiry Circle: UNDRIP in Action
Small groups choose a specific article from UNDRIP and research how it is being implemented (or ignored) in a particular country. They present their findings as a 'Human Rights Report Card.'
Think-Pair-Share: Settler-Colonialism, A Global Pattern?
Students read about the 'Stolen Generations' in Australia and compare it to the residential school system in Canada. They discuss with a partner the similarities in the goals and methods of these colonial policies and the shared path toward healing.
Watch Out for These Misconceptions
Common MisconceptionUNDRIP is a legally binding treaty that all countries must follow.
What to Teach Instead
UNDRIP is a 'declaration,' which means it is a set of standards that countries aspire to, rather than a binding treaty. However, many countries (including Canada) are passing national laws to bring their legal systems into alignment with UNDRIP.
Common MisconceptionIndigenous rights are 'special' rights that give some people more power than others.
What to Teach Instead
Indigenous rights are 'inherent' rights that recognize the unique historical and cultural status of Indigenous peoples as the original inhabitants of the land. They are about ensuring equality and self-determination, not 'extra' privileges.
Suggested Methodologies
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main purpose of UNDRIP?
Why did Canada initially vote against UNDRIP in 2007?
What is the 'Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues'?
How can active learning help students understand global Indigenous rights?
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