Bring Canadian History to life with this comprehensive grade 8 history unit resource! Aligned with Ontario's history curriculum, this teacher guide covers every aspect of Canada's 19th-century History in 7 captivating chapters. Immerse your students in studying Canada's past with engaging activities, detailed explanations, and a wealth of information. Perfect for educators looking to supplement their classroom instruction and bring History to life. Don't miss out on this essential tool for teaching Canadian History in Ontario!
 
THIS RESOURCE HAS 7 CHAPTERS:
CHAPTER 1: EVERYTHING'S FINE. RIGHT?
CHAPTER 2: RUPERT'S LAND OF IMPORTANCE
CHAPTER 3: IF YOU CAN'T BEAT THEM, JOIN THEM
CHAPTER 4: EXPANSIVE BEHAVIOUR
CHAPTER 5: PROGRESS?
CHAPTER 5.1: REBEL WITH A CAUSE
CHAPTER 6: THE "WILD" NORTH-WEST
CHAPTER 7: A RUSH OF GOLD
 
CHAPTER INFORMATION
 
Chapter 1: Everything's Fine. Right? This chapter sets the stage for the historical context of Western Canada before the significant events and changes began. It provides an overview of Indigenous people's lives, their communities, and their relationships with the land before the arrival of European settlers and the fur trade.
 
Chapter 2: Rupert's Land of Importance This chapter focuses on Rupert's Land, a vast territory in Western Canada granted to the Hudson's Bay Company in 1670. It discusses the importance of the fur trade in this region, the role of the Hudson's Bay Company, and the impact of European involvement on Indigenous peoples and their traditional ways of life.
 
Chapter 3: If You Can't Beat Them, Join Them This chapter explores the alliances and relationships between European settlers and Indigenous peoples, particularly in the fur trade context. It examines the advantages and disadvantages that emerged from these partnerships and how they shaped the development of Western Canada.
 
Chapter 4: Expansive Behaviour This chapter delves into the expansion of European settlements and the growth of Western Canada. It covers the factors contributing to this growth, including economic opportunities, government policies, and infrastructure projects like the Canadian Pacific Railway.
 
Chapter 5: Progress? This chapter questions the notion of "progress" in the context of Western Canadian development. It discusses the social, economic, and environmental consequences of rapid expansion and settlement and how these factors affected the region's Indigenous peoples and other communities.
 
Chapter 5.1: Rebel with a Cause examines the Métis resistance, focusing on key figures like Louis Riel and Gabriel Dumont. It explores the causes and consequences of the Red River Resistance (1869-1870) and the Northwest Resistance (1885), as well as the formation of Manitoba.
 
Chapter 6: The "Wild" North-West This chapter investigates the challenges faced by settlers and immigrants in Western Canada. It discusses the harsh weather conditions, isolation, limited resources, and other difficulties encountered by those who ventured into the region in search of new opportunities.
 
Chapter 7: A Rush of Gold This chapter highlights the role of the gold rush in shaping Western Canadian History. It delves into the discovery of gold in the region, the impact of the influx of prospectors and settlers, and the lasting effects of the gold rush on the development of Western Canada.
 
ADDITIONAL CONTENT
Chapter readings + questions (activities including a timeline, a comic, and research)
Unit test with corrections 
Answer Keys 
Study Questions
Key terms and vocabulary definitions 
Embedded PDF with links to the chapter for your convenience 
 
THE IMPORTANCE OF STUDYING HISTORY
Studying History is essential because it helps us understand our world today. By studying past events, people, and ideas, we can better understand how and why things have come to be as they are. This can help us make more informed decisions and better understand the complexities of our world.
 
Canadian History, in particular, is essential because it helps us understand the development of Canada as a country and the various factors that have shaped its History. This includes events such as the signing of the Constitution Act, the formation of the Canadian Confederation, and the relationship between Canada and Indigenous peoples.
 
INDIGENOUS FOCUS
Indigenous History is also an essential part of Canada's past and present. By studying the History of Indigenous peoples in Canada, we can better understand their unique cultures, traditions, and contributions to Canada's History. It is also essential to study Indigenous History to recognize and address the historical injustices inflicted upon Indigenous peoples in Canada, such as the residential school system and the theft of land.
 
Studying History, particularly Canadian and Indigenous History is vital for understanding our world, our country, and the experiences of Indigenous peoples in Canada. It can also help us recognize and address past injustices and make more informed decisions in the present and future.
 
Enjoy.
 
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