In the Classroom
This section links to classroom related resources organized by theme or subject area, sample units, and lesson plans.
National Indigenous Peoples Day – June 21, 2023
Celebrating Excellence
National Indigeous Peoples Day is a day to celebrate the past and present contributions of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples to Canada. It is important, as Canadians, to recognize National Indigenous Peoples Day and to teach about the contributions, histories, and future visions of Indigenous peoples for Canada to build bridges of understanding based on healing and reconciliation.
Poster 2023 (
2 MB)
Web-Based Learning Resources
Islamic History Month
On October 16, 2013 the Manitoba Legislature proclaimed October to be Islamic History Month in the province. Manitoba became the first province in Canada to designate an Islamic History Month. The month of October will now recognize and celebrate the history and heritage of Muslims in Manitoba, Canada, & beyond.
The then Minister of Immigration and Multiculturalism, Christine Melnick stated “In Manitoba, we value and cherish our ethnic diversity, to which the Muslim community contributes so richly, I’m proud the province is supporting this proclamation to highlight the principles of multiculturalism and social harmony.”
The Islamic History Month resource provides information on local events, curriculum connections, print, and web-based resources.
Education and the Prevention of Genocide
Manitobans of many origins know well the tragedies and damage that has resulted from genocide mass atrocities in past and in contemporary history. Many of us or our fore families came to Canada and Manitoba seeking refuge from war, persecution, and various forms of mass atrocities. Many Manitobans or their fore families are or were survivors of specific attempts at genocide or other form of mass atrocities and witnessed the violence, rape, starvation, or deaths in prison camps that resulted. They are survivors of the Holocaust and the Holodomor and more recent mass atrocities in Cambodia, Bosnia, Rwanda, Sudan, Liberia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, just to name a few.
Education and the Prevention of Genocide is a supplementary web-based resource that supports educators and schools in developing strategies and identifying materials for the integration of the study of genocide, the prevention of genocide and other forms of mass atrocities, and human rights. Education and the Prevention of Genocide provides information about:
- The National day of Remembrance and Action on Mass Atrocities that is commemorated on April 23 of each year.
- strategies and resources to support integration of Genocide Prevention Education throughout the curriculum and school
- resources related to the study of specific past or contemporary acts of genocide or of other forms of mass atrocities
- resources related to the prevention of future cases of genocide and mass atrocities
- resources related to supporting the survivors of acts of genocide and mass atrocities
- links to organizations and net works that are working to prevent genocide and mass atrocities
Asian Heritage
Asian Heritage Month is celebrated in May throughout Canada. It provides an opportunity for Canadians of all backgrounds to acknowledge the long and rich history of Asian Canadians, the challenges and successes they faced, and their contributions to Canada and the world in the past, the present, and the future.
The Asian Heritage: Educators’ Resources is a supplementary web-based resource guide to strategies, learning and teaching resources and links to Asian Canadian organizations. The sites that are identified and described provide resources that:
- support schools in planning or participating Asian Heritage Month celebrations and events
- facilitate outreach with Asian Canadian organizations in Manitoba and Canada
- support the implementation of the social studies curriculum and the history of Asian Canadians, their struggle against discrimination and for equal rights, and the cultures and heritages of people of Asian origins throughout the world.
Holocaust Education
The Holocaust is of enduring significance to Canadians and the world as a whole because there are important lessons to be learned from it about human rights and responsibilities, the power of hatred and discrimination, and the challenge of democracy in multi-ethnic and multicultural societies.The Holocaust Education resource list provides information on the Holocaust, Holocaust Awareness Week and an annotated list of web-based Canadian and international resources.
Holodomor Education and Awareness
The Holodomor (Ukrainian Famine) of 1932-33 and other examples of genocide are of enduring significance to Canadians and the world as a whole because there are important lessons to be learned about human rights and responsibilities, oppression, and the challenge of democracy in multiethnic and multicultural societies. The Holodomor Education and Awareness resource list provides background information on the Holodmor, Holodomor Awareness Week, and an annotated list of selected Canadian and international sites related to Holodomor education and awareness, as well a few selected resources focused on teaching about genocide.
Black History and Anti-racism in Canada
This new resource replaces the previous Black History Month support materials. The histories of Indigenous, Black, and Peoples of Colour are an essential, but often previously neglected, aspect of Canadian history. They are important parts of the Canadian “story.” It gives us insights into and an understanding of how Canadian and North American societies were formed and how they “work” today. As Canadians work and struggle to build a better society, knowing and appreciating the histories of Indigenous, Black, and Peoples of Colour is vital.
Black History and Anti-racism in Canada is intended to support educators in exploring and integrating Black history and anti-racism throughout the curriculum and their schools. While at times Black history in Canada was one of exclusion, and marginalization or racism it is equally important because it is a history of resistance, resiliency, and hope even in the face of impossible odds. Black history is about social justice, freedom, and the love of humanity. Black history inspires us even when we are frustrated by what seem to be the slow and painful steps that progress takes.
Sample Units and Lessons
- Internment and Redress: The Story of the Japanese Canadians The Japanese Canadian history website is a companion to resource books developed with a Networks Grant from the BC Ministry of Education on the internment of Japanese Canadians from 1942 to 1949 and the attainment of redress in 1988. Resource guide for teachers of grade 5 and 11 Social Studies are available as well as downloadable sample lessons and other resources.
Resources
- Anti-Racism Resources - Experiences Canada
At Experiences Canada, we’re committed to helping young Canadians open their minds, exploring the diversity of language, culture, and lived experiences within our country. We believe that systemic racism is best addressed at the earliest age, encouraging mutual understanding and respect through direct opportunities to learn from one another. In recent days we’re reminded of why this work is so important, and how we always need to be thinking of how we can do better.
