Unit 1
UNIT 1: Confederation
Colonies and Communities of British North America
Page 7: Colonies before Canadian Confederation- Collections Canada
Take a look at the maps of the various colonies of pre-confederation Canada and see how borders changed over time.
- Canada: A People’s History – Pre-confederation British North America
Read about the pressures British North America faced in the colonies in the early 1860s.
First Nations Peoples at Mid-Century
Page 10: First Nations Societies in the Nineteenth Century- A Walk Through Time: Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation
Read about the way of life for one First Nation and the effects that the drawing of the American--Canadian border had on their culture.
- First Nations – History Since European Contact
What challenges did the First Nations of Canada face after the first European settlements were established?
The Future of African-Canadian Communities
Page 12: History of African-Canadian Communities- York University: African Canadian On-Line
This easily accessible site, designed by York University’s Centre for the Study of Black Cultures, offers profiles of various African-Canadians, discusses African-Canadian culture, and includes an extensive list of external links for further information.
- Historica: Black History Canada
Visit this site to learn more about enslavement, black settlement in early Canada, Caribbean and African immigration, Equity and Human Rights, Identity and Assimilation, Black Contributions, The Arts, and Urban Centres.
- Many Rivers To Cross
Focusing on the migration of Black pioneers, this site also has photographs of various settlements in Canada.
- Black Settlement in British North America
This site includes several links to specific African-Canadian communities in Canada (i.e., Guelph and Nova Scotia).
The Economy in British North America
Page 18: Canada’s Past and Current Trading Partners- Ontario: Canada is a Trading Nation
This site allows you to view charts showing the major countries of Canada’s exports and imports.
- Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada: Regions of the World
This site lists Canada’s major trading partners and provides a brief description on Canada’s trading relationship with each region.
- The Canadian Encyclopedia: Transportation
Read about the development of Vancouver as a major trading port in Canada.
John A. Macdonald
Page 20: John A. Macdonald- The Greatest Canadian
Was John A. Macdonald the greatest Canadian? Read about him and decide for yourself!
- Sir John A. Macdonald: Architect of Modern Canada
Listen to radio clips of various CBC programs talking about Canada’s first Prime Minister.
Fenian Raids
Page 21: The Fenians- Mysteries of Canada: The Fenian Invasions
A short history of the Fenian raids in the colonies.
- Ontario Archives: Ontario During the American Civil War Area
Read about the Fenian raids and look at medals awarded to those who served in the militia.
Railways
Page 24: Early Railway Construction in Canada- Canada in the Making: Building the National Railways
The history of some of the main railway lines of Canada’s past: the Intercolonial railway, the Pacific Railway, and the Grand Trunk Railway.
- Canada Science and Technology Museum: Railways in Canada – A Brief History
This is a photo essay of the history of railways and rail travel in Canada’s history.
Two Colonies Reject the Union
Page 35: Why Individual Colonies Chose to Accept or Reject Confederation- Newfoundland and Labrador Heritage: The Debate – Confederation Rejected
Read both confederate and anti-confederate arguments from Newfoundland’s past, and learn why the province originally resisted the idea of Confederation.
- Canada in the Making: 1867–1931 Becoming a Nation
A short synopsis of the resistance some colonies had to joining Confederation.
Who Had the Vote?
Page 37: Voting Rights in Canada- Civilization.ca: Explore a History of the Vote in Canada
Learn about the history of voting in Canada through the stories of nine historical figures.
- CBC Archives: Voting in Canada – How a Privilege Became a Right
Browse video and radio clips of CBC programs on various groups in Canada and their fight for the right to vote.
- Historica Youth Links: Voices – Getting the Vote
Is voting important? You bet. This site gives a history of democracy in Canada and the struggle for it by different groups in Canada as well as outlooks on why it’s important to vote.
Canada’s Centennial 1967
Page 41: Expo 67- CBC Archives: Expo ’67 – Montreal Welcomes the World
What could you have done at Expo ’67? Check out these TV and radio clips to see the hype around this international fair.
- Library and Archives Canada: Expo 67 – A Virtual Experience
This site provides textual information and a collection of photo artifacts from the various aspects of Expo 67: the history, the pavilions, special guests, news headlines, and more.
Division of Powers
Page 48: Federal and Provincial Roles and Responsibilities- Canada Info: Government in Canada
Look here for an outline of the responsibilities the different levels of government have in Canada.
- Get to Know Canada – Government
This site explains the three levels of government in Canada.
The Indian Act
Page 50: The Indian Act of 1876- Canada in the Making: Aboriginals – Treaties and Relations
Read about the history and conditions set out in the Indian Act.
- The Canadian Encyclopedia: Indian Act
This site gives a background of the Indian Act and notes the reforms and constitutional changes made to the Act up to the present day.
A New Constitution
Page 51: The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms- Department of Justice Canada: Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms
This is the official document from the Government of Canada. It gives the specific rights and freedoms that each Canadian enjoys.
- Canadian Heritage: The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms
Read about the impact the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms has on Canadians.
A Confederation Murder Mystery
Page 53: Thomas D’Arcy McGee- Canadian Confederation: Thomas D’Arcy McGee
Read a biography of Thomas D’Arcy McGee and look at pictures and artifacts circa 1868.
- Canadian Broadcasting Company (Canada, A People’s History): The Assassination of Thomas D’Arcy McGee
Read more about the assassination of Thomas D’Arcy McGee.
- McGee Music
Listen to clips of music composed by two modern musicians in honour of Thomas D’Arcy McGee.
British Columbia Joins Confederation
Page 56: Gold Rush on the Fraser River- Heritage BC: Gold Rush Tour
Take this virtual tour along the Fraser River in search of gold.
- Fort Langley: Fraser River Gold Rush
To learn more scan this detailed history of the gold rush and its impact on the growth of British Columbia.
Discussing the Future
Page 62: Pre-Confederation British Columbia and the Decision to Join Confederation- Library and Archives Canada: Canadian Confederation – British Columbia
This site offers a history of the province of British Columbia entering Confederation.
- Library and Archives Canada: Confederation for Kids
This is an easy to understand explanation of British Columbia’s decision to join Confederation.
Prince Edward Island Joins Confederation
Page 66: Pre-Confederation PEI and the Decision to Join Confederation- Prince Edward Island: PEI History
Read quick points of PEI history in this site created by the Province of PEI.
- Library and Archives Canada: Confederation for Kids
This is an easy to understand explanation of PEI’s decision to join Confederation.
Confederation Update
Page 69: More on the Charter of Rights and Freedoms- Canada in the Making: Constitutional History
What was the Constitution Act of 1982? Find out what it was and how it’s connected to the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
Perspective and History of Quebec Nationalism
Page 70: The Québec Separatist Movement- Canada in the Making: Constitutional History
Read here for a straightforward explanation of Québec’s separatist movement. It includes a timeline of events.
The Canada Page: Regions of Canada
Page 72: The Strengths and Challenges of Regions in Canada- Canada in the Making: Constitutional History
A summary of the main characteristics of the various Canadian regions.
- The Canadian Encyclopedia
Browse for several articles for background information why some regions of Canada fare better economically than others.