“I am Canadian”

Think about the following questions:

• How are Canadians perceived by people around the world?
• What have you noticed about how people perceive Canadians or Canada?

Press ‘Example’ to access an example of how people might perceive Canada or Canadians.

Example

Share your ideas using the How People Perceive Canadians and/or Canada mind map in your notebook or use the following fillable and printable document. You can also choose a method of your choice.

There are various features, including built, physical, and social features of communities, that can contribute to identities and the perception others have of a country or its people.

Consider the following question and record your idea using a method of your choice:

• What are some factors that may have contributed to the development of the Canadian identity?

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Acknowledgements(Opens in a new window)

Task 1: Fundamentals of a Canadian identity

In the Minds On section, you considered some factors that may have shaped the identity of Canada.

• What are the various elements of the Canadian identity?

Canada has a diverse history, and the following is a list of some fundamental aspects of Canada’s identity and what it means to be a Canadian.

Now that you've explored the list, can you match the fundamentals of a Canadian identity to their descriptions in this matching activity?

For each description, select the corresponding fundamental of Canadian identity.

In this activity, you were introduced to the term inclusiveness. What does it mean to be inclusive?

Press ‘Definition’ to access what inclusiveness means.

Definition

Task 2: Rights and responsibilities of Canadians

Consider the following question:

What rights and responsibilities do you think Canadian citizens and residents have and why?

Record your ideas using a method of your choice.

Now, let’s check out two videos from TVO to learn more about rights and responsibilities. Make sure to note any ideas you missed that are mentioned in the videos. Press the tabs to access the two videos.

Task 3: Treaty rights and responsibilities

All Canadians have treaty rights and responsibilities. Without treaties, Canada would not exist as we know it.

In the Constitution Act, section 35 recognizes Indigenous rights that had already existed but are now on this legal document. These rights include:

• recognizing existing treaty rights that already exist
• recognizing that First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples all have these rights
• recognizing land claim agreements that have already been made or are yet to be made
• recognizing that Indigenous male and female community members are included in these rights

You have explored a lot of information about rights and responsibilities. Use this learning to complete this true/false activity. If an answer is false, think about changes that would make it true.

Select the correct answer.

Time to think about what we have learned

The Constitution, The Charter of Rights and Freedoms, and Treaty Rights and Responsibilities all outline that we all have rights and freedoms here in Canada.

• Why do you think it is so important that these policies exist?
• What is one question you have about these policies?

Consider what rights they offer and what they are providing for citizens. Does everyone feel protected under these rights?

Share your ideas using a method of your choice.

Inclusion policies research activity

In this learning activity, you have become familiar with some key government policy documents created to ensure Canada is an inclusive society.

Many of these policies help to further guarantee the fundamental values of the Canadian identity.

Select one of the following government inclusion policies to research. You can also choose a Canadian policy that is not on this list.

Search websites that will give you factual information about these policies, such as Canadian museum websites, Canadian encyclopedias, and government websites.

Government inclusion policies

• The Policy of Multiculturalism
• The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms
• Ontario Human Rights Code
• Treaty Rights and Responsibilities (Section 35 of the Constitution)
• Ontarians with Disabilities Act
• Freedom of Religion
• The UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People

Guiding questions

Use these guiding questions to gather your information:

• Who created the policy?
• What is the purpose of the policy?
• What is an example of how this policy is used in Canada?

As you find the answer to each question, check it off in this interactive checklist:

Record your ideas using a method of your choice.

Think about your learning

Now let's reflect on the policy you've just learned about with the following questions:

• What do you think of this policy?
• Is this policy inclusive? Why or why not?

Reflection

As you read through these descriptions, which sentence best describes how you are feeling about your understanding of this learning activity? Press the button that is beside this sentence.

Now, record your ideas using a voice recorder, speech-to-text, or writing tool.