Historica Canada Education Portal

Sir John A. Macdonald and the Fathers of Confederation are among the most famous — and controversial — Canadians in history. Using an approach developed by the Historical Thinking Project, this learning tool challenges students to think critically about Confederation and draw meaningful conclusions by examining evidence. This tool was developed for junior/intermediate social studies, history and civics classes from grades 5–8 and grade 5 to secondary II within Québec.

The Key Moments in Indigenous History Timeline poster that accompanies the Indigenous Perspectives Education Guide, provides a chronological overview of Indigenous history in what is now Canada from time immemorial to present.

This timeline is designed to accompany Historica Canada’s Indigenous Perspectives Education Guide, which includes lesson plans and classroom activities based on the Historical Thinking Concepts. Download the Guide at...

In 2017, Canada turns 150! In marking Canada’s sesquicentennial, Historica Canada is highlighting 50 events that have helped shape our country since Confederation. At the same time, it is important to note that that the human history of what is now known as Canada began well before 1867. Indigenous peoples lived on this land long before European contact, and have histories that significantly predate modern Canada. We can look back upon many proud moments in our history, but must also examine...

To mark the 175th birthday of Sir Wilfrid Laurier, Historica Canada has created this Education Guide on Canadian history during Laurier’s life and the importance of his legacy.

It invites students to deepen their understanding of Laurier’s role in Canada’s evolution, and how his politics shaped Canada’s future, through primary- and secondary-source research and analysis, engaging discussion questions and group activities. The Guide asks students to look at Canada’s...

The 200th anniversary of the War of 1812 presents an opportunity for Canadians to turn their attention to this significant time in the country’s history. The War of 1812 had a major impact on the future of British North America and, in particular, on the continent’s Aboriginal peoples, many of whom played an important role in protecting the Canadas (Upper and Lower Canada; now Ontario, Québec and Labrador) from American invasion.

This mini unit for intermediate/senior-level classes helps students to understand and analyze the key ideas and challenges that preceded Saskatchewan’s entry into Confederation. The first section deals with the debates in the provincial and/or federal legislatures, while the second section addresses more specifically founding treaty negotiations with the First Nations. Each section can be taught independently.

The activities and attached materials will help students understand the diversity...

This mini-unit for intermediate/senior-level classes helps students to understand and analyze the key ideas and challenges that preceded the creation of Alberta and Saskatchewan. The first section deals with the debates in the provincial and/or federal legislatures, while the second section addresses more specifically founding treaty negotiations with the First Nations. Each section can be taught independently.

The activities and attached materials will help students understand the diversity...

This mini-unit for senior-level classes helps students to understand and analyze the key ideas and challenges that preceded Prince Edward Island’s entry into Confederation. The first section deals with the debates in the provincial and/or federal legislatures, while the second section addresses more specifically founding treaty negotiations with the First Nations. Each section can be taught independently.

The activities and attached materials will help students understand the diversity of...

This mini-unit for intermediate/senior-level classes helps students to understand and analyze the key ideas and challenges that preceded Ontario’s entry into Confederation. The first section deals with the debates in the provincial and/or federal legislatures, while the second section addresses more specifically founding treaty negotiations with the First Nations. Each section can be taught independently.

The activities and attached materials will help students understand the diversity of...

This mini-unit for senior-level classes helps students to understand and analyze the key ideas and challenges that preceded Nova Scotia’s entry into Confederation. The first section deals with the debates in the provincial and/or federal legislatures, while the second section addresses more specifically founding treaty negotiations with the First Nations. Each section can be taught independently.

The activities and attached materials will help students understand the diversity of ideas,...

This mini-unit for senior-level classes helps students to understand and analyze the key ideas and challenges that preceded Newfoundland and Labrador’s entry into Confederation. The first section deals with the debates in the provincial and/or federal legislatures, while the second section addresses more specifically founding treaty negotiations with the First Nations. Each section can be taught independently.

The activities and attached materials will help students understand the diversity...

This mini-unit for intermediate/senior-level classes helps students to understand and analyze the key ideas and challenges that preceded Newfoundland and Labrador’s entry into Confederation. The first section deals with the debates in the provincial and/or federal legislatures, while the second section addresses more specifically founding treaty negotiations with the First Nations. Each section can be taught independently.

The activities and attached materials will help students understand...

This mini-unit for senior-level classes helps students to understand and analyze the key ideas and challenges that preceded New Brunswick’s entry into Confederation. The first section deals with the debates in the provincial and/or federal legislatures, while the second section addresses more specifically founding treaty negotiations with Indigenous Peoples. Each section can be taught independently.
The activities and attached materials will help students understand the diversity of ideas,...

This mini-unit for senior-level classes helps students to understand and analyze the key ideas and challenges that preceded Manitoba’s entry into Confederation. The first section deals with the debates in the provincial and/or federal legislatures, while the second section addresses more specifically founding treaty negotiations with the First Nations. Each section can be taught independently.

The activities and attached materials will help students understand the diversity of ideas,...

This mini-unit for intermediate/senior-level classes helps students to understand and analyze the key ideas and challenges that preceded the creation of Manitoba. The first section deals with the debates in the provincial and/or federal legislatures, while the second section addresses more specifically founding treaty negotiations with the First Nations. Each section can be taught independently.

The activities and attached materials will help students understand the diversity of ideas,...