Living in a Global Community · Term 4

Fair Trade and Ethical Consumption

Investigate how consumer choices in Canada affect workers and environments in other parts of the world, focusing on Fair Trade principles.

About This Topic

Reconciliation is an ongoing process of establishing and maintaining mutually respectful relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples in Canada. This topic connects the domestic work of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) with the global framework of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). Students will learn about the legacy of residential schools and the 94 'Calls to Action' aimed at redressing this harm and moving toward a more just future.

The curriculum emphasizes that reconciliation is not just about the past, but about recognizing Indigenous sovereignty and rights today. Students will explore how social justice at home is linked to global human rights movements. This topic is best taught through 'circle' discussions and collaborative investigations into local reconciliation initiatives and the impact of UNDRIP.

Active Learning Ideas

Inquiry Circle: The Calls to Action

Groups are assigned one of the 94 Calls to Action (e.g., in education, health, or justice). They must research what progress has been made on that call and propose one way their school or community could contribute.

⏱ 50 min·Small Groups

Generate mission

Circle Discussion: What is Reconciliation?

Using a talking piece, students share their understanding of what reconciliation means and why it is important for all Canadians. They discuss the role of 'truth' in the reconciliation process.

⏱ 40 min·Whole Class

Generate mission

Think-Pair-Share: UNDRIP and My Community

Students read a simplified version of one article from UNDRIP (e.g., the right to language). They discuss with a partner how this right is being protected or challenged in Canada today.

⏱ 25 min·Pairs

Generate mission

Watch Out for These Misconceptions

Common Misconception

Reconciliation is only for Indigenous people.

What to Teach Instead

Reconciliation is a responsibility for all Canadians. It's about building a better country for everyone. A 'shared future' activity can help students see how they are personally involved in the process.

Common Misconception

The residential school system happened 'a long time ago.'

What to Teach Instead

The last residential school didn't close until 1996, and the effects are still felt by survivors and their families today. A 'living history' timeline can help students see how recent and ongoing this history is.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC)?

The TRC was a commission created to document the history and lasting impact of the Canadian residential school system. It provided a safe space for survivors to share their stories and created 94 Calls to Action for reconciliation.

What is UNDRIP?

UNDRIP stands for the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. It is an international document that describes the individual and collective rights of Indigenous peoples, including their rights to land, language, and self-determination.

How can I contribute to reconciliation?

You can contribute by learning the true history of Indigenous peoples in Canada, listening to the stories of survivors, supporting Indigenous businesses and artists, and speaking up for Indigenous rights and the Calls to Action.

How can active learning help students understand reconciliation?

By using circle discussions and collaborative research, students engage with reconciliation as a living, personal process rather than just a textbook topic. Active learning fosters the empathy and critical thinking needed to understand complex social issues and to see themselves as active participants in building a more just society.

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