Minds On
Challenges
In the time of 1780-1850, there were many challenges that groups and communities experienced in what is now known as Canada.
Where these groups and communities lived would also have impacted the challenges that they faced.
- What challenges might Indigenous peoples have faced?
- What might the challenges have been for settlers?
Action
Different groups, different challenges
In the Minds On section, we introduced the idea of challenges faced by both Indigenous peoples and settlers in what is now known as Canada.
Let’s consider some challenges that Indigenous peoples and settlers would have faced at this time.
Press ‘Challenges’ to reveal challenges that communities faced in 1780 to 1850.
- isolation for new settlers (Isolation means being alone)
- weather (the weather can make it challenging to survive)
- loss of land for Indigenous communities (settlers moved into their territories)
- lack of access to doctors in the communities
- difficulty finding resources in isolated settler communities
- racism against Indigenous peoples (Racism is when a person is being treated unfairly because of the colour of their skin or their background)
Let’s consider some challenges that Indigenous peoples and settlers would have faced at this time.
Huron-Wendat challenges
The Huron-Wendat lived in territories that included their homes, farms as well as hunting and fishing areas. They thrived in the environment, which was rich with many different resources. Their relationships with the land were strong, as they only took that which they needed for survival, always keeping the needs of the Earth and the next generations in mind. The Earth provided them with what they needed to survive and in return, they gave thanks and cared for the land and the water around them.
They lived in 18 to 25 villages, some with up to 3,500 people living in the village at one time.
What could be some challenges that they would have faced when European settlers first arrived and began to live on their land?
Press “Hint” to reveal a hint about challenges the Huron-Wendat would have faced.
What are two questions that you would like to ask that would help you learn more information about this community and the challenges they faced when the settlers arrived?
Complete the Huron-Wendat Challenges Chart in your notebook or use the following fillable and printable document.
| Question #1: What could be some of the challenges the Huron-Wendat would have faced when European settlers first arrived and began to live on their land? | |
| Question #2: What are two questions that you would like to ask that would help you learn more information about this community and the challenges they faced when the settlers arrived? |
Press the ‘Activity’ button to reveal the Huron-Wendat Challenges Chart.
Settler challenges
European settlers came from all over the continent. Some did not speak English, were leaving their homes for the first time, and travelling very long distances to this new life.
Some people moved into larger towns that included businesses and shops and had to find a new home and work in this town.
What could be some challenges that these settlers would have faced when they first arrived to what is now known as Ontario?
Press “Hint” to access a hint about the challenges settlers would have faced.
What are two questions that you would like to ask to help you learn more information about these communities and the challenges they faced?
Complete the Settlers Challenges Chart in your notebook or use the following fillable and printable document.
| Question #1: What could be some challenges that these settlers would have faced when they first arrived to what is now known as Ontario? | |
| Question #2: What are two questions that you would like to ask to help you learn more information about these communities and the challenges they faced? |
Press the ‘Activity’ button to access Settlers Challenges Chart.
Some settlers were given land by their governments to start their own farms. They were given tools, clothing, and food to start their farms but then were left alone. They had left everyone they knew and were now living in isolation from other people. They were far away from the big towns, which meant that it would have been difficult for them to get medicine, buy items they needed, learn information about this new place, and get government support.
This is an image of a small farmhouse in Manitoba in the mid 1800s. In this image there is a small wooden home, one floor, with a large roof. There is a horse tied to the side of the home and a place to cook over an open fire beside the house. There are a few trees behind the home and then an open, grassy field.
Consolidation
Positive and negative measures
Complete the multiple-choice activity!
There were measures that settlers took to help themselves with the challenges they were facing. Some of these measures were positive and helped themselves and others, but some of these measures were negative and hurt themselves and/or others.
For each of these measures, decide if it was a positive or negative.
Were there any questions that were difficult to answer? Why did you feel this way?
Think about your learning
Answer the following questions using the method of your choice:
Do you think it would have been more difficult to live in a big town or far from the big towns at this time? Why?
Why is it important to think about different communities’ experiences during this time?
How might knowing information about this time help us understand the past and explain how we live today?
Reflection
How do you feel about what you have learned in this activity? Which of the next four sentences best matches how you are feeling about your learning? Press the button that is beside this sentence.
I feel...
Now, record your ideas about your feelings using a voice recorder, speech-to-text, or writing tool.
Press ‘Discover More’ to extend your skills.
Discover More