Activity: Canadian Sovereignty (Teacher Resource)

Grade Level: High School (Grades 9–12)
Time Required: 1–2 class periods (can be extended)
Subjects: Social Studies, Civics, Geography, History, Careers, English, Science, Visual Storytelling

Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will:

1. Understand the concept of sovereignty and its importance to Canada.
2. Explore historical, environmental, technological, and Indigenous perspectives on sovereignty.
3. Practice respectful dialogue and active listening skills in a peer-led discussion.
4. Analyze real-world sovereignty scenarios and propose reasoned, multi-perspective responses.
5. Make connections between sovereignty issues and their own courses of study.

Part One – Class Discussion (30–40 minutes)

Preparation: Arrange chairs in a circle so everyone can see each other.
Teacher Role: Observer only – no directing the conversation.

Instructions for Students:

• After watching the Canadian Sovereignty Nature Labs story, discuss the topic as a class.
• Speak freely without raising hands; build on each other’s ideas before starting new ones.
• Encourage all voices – invite quieter classmates in.
• End by summarizing the main points discussed.

Discussion Starters:

• When you hear the word “sovereignty,” what comes to mind first?
• Why do you think sovereignty is important for Canada today?
• How have Indigenous perspectives expanded our understanding of sovereignty?
• Should the Northwest Passage belong entirely to Canada or be open to all nations? Why?
• Which is more important right now – protecting Canada’s land/water or its digital information?
• Can Canada stay fully sovereign while being part of global organizations like the UN or NATO?
• (See full question bank above for more prompts.)

Teacher Tip: Take notes during the discussion for use in the wrap-up and assessment.

Part Two – Sovereignty Scenarios (40–50 minutes)

Preparation: Post or distribute the list of scenarios.

Instructions for Students:

• Form groups of 4–5.
• Select one scenario.
• Consider law, diplomacy, economy, and environment when deciding how Canada should respond.
• Prepare a short (2–3 min) presentation explaining your reasoning.
• Present to the class and discuss differences in group approaches.

Scenario Options:

1. The Northwest Passage Showdown
2. Arctic Resource Rush
3. Data Servers Abroad
4. The Beaufort Sea Boundary Dispute
5. Northern Military Flyover
6. Indigenous Nation–to–Nation Negotiations
7. Foreign Ownership of Key Resources
8. Climate Refugee Settlement
9. Digital Border Breach
10. Fishing Rights in Disputed Waters

Individual Reflection Prompt:

In your opinion, what is the biggest current threat to Canadian sovereignty? Explain why you think it is more important than other issues discussed in class.

Part Three – Course Connections (20 minutes or as homework)

Instructions:

• Students choose one subject area and respond to the related extension activity.
• Examples:
  • Social Studies: Research a recent Canadian sovereignty dispute and map out the stakeholders involved.
  • Science: Investigate how climate change could shift Canada’s territorial boundaries in the Arctic.
  • English: Write a persuasive editorial arguing for or against a specific sovereignty policy.
  • Careers: Profile a career that plays a role in defending or shaping Canadian sovereignty.
  • Visual Storytelling: Create an infographic or political cartoon illustrating a sovereignty issue.

Assessment Ideas

• Formative: Teacher observation notes during discussion, group reasoning in scenarios.
• Summative:
  • Written reflection on the biggest threat to Canadian sovereignty.
  • Course-specific extension activity (Part Three).

Criteria for Success:

• Demonstrates understanding of sovereignty concepts.
• Uses evidence and multiple perspectives in arguments.
• Participates respectfully and constructively in discussion.
• Connects sovereignty issues to broader world contexts.

Optional Extensions

• Invite a local politician, Indigenous leader, or Arctic researcher for a Q&A session.
• Hold a mock “UN” negotiation on the Northwest Passage or Arctic resources.
• Compare Canada’s sovereignty challenges with those of another nation.

Adaptations by Course

Social Studies

• Take on the roles of MPs, Indigenous leaders, and stakeholders debating a sovereignty issue (e.g., Arctic shipping rights, resource extraction, treaty rights). Pass a motion that balances national interest with international law and Indigenous perspectives.
• Explore how threats to Canadian sovereignty are represented in the political discourse (e.g., political cartoons, social media, news).
• Assign students different political parties and have them research how ideology shapes the various positions being taken in the threat to sovereignty.
• Roleplay Members of Parliament debating whether Canada should significantly increase its military presence in the Arctic. Assign parties and roles (government, opposition, independent MPs, Indigenous leaders as guest speakers). Research their position, deliver speeches, and vote on a motion.
• Act as political advisors drafting a one-page policy brief for the Prime Minister on a sovereignty issue. Choose from topics like: Digital security, Arctic territorial claims, foreign investment, or Indigenous self-governance. Include background, key challenges, stakeholder positions, and recommended actions. Share the briefs and discuss in a simulated cabinet meeting.
• Represent different political and non-political groups negotiating a sovereignty issue. Example: Dispute over a proposed Arctic shipping route. Stakeholders: Federal government, Indigenous Nation, environmental NGO, shipping companies, foreign governments. Reach a multi-party agreement balancing sovereignty, economics, and environment.

Science

• Explore how sovereignty threats could have impacts on biodiversity in Canada.
• Explore how melting ice affects shipping routes, ecosystems, and Canada’s territorial claims. Use climate models or data sets to predict how boundaries might shift in the next 50 years.
• Explore how threats to soveriegnty might impact careers in science, biology, and environmental research.
• Investigate how international trade agreements have impacted conservation efforts, and how the collapse of global free trade might impact the environment.
• Examine the environmental science behind extracting oil, gas, or minerals in disputed areas. Weigh the ecological costs against economic and sovereignty benefits.
• Listen to Kate Moran and Brian Menounos‘ podcasts and determine if the loss of data sharing with different countries will affect major decisions that affect biodiversity in Canada.

Careers

• Research careers that connect to sovereignty (e.g., diplomat, environmental scientist, military officer, Indigenous governance advisor, international lawyer, etc.). Create a profile outlining job responsibilities, education needed, and how the role impacts Canadian sovereignty.
• Imagine a future job title that doesn’t exist today but would be vital to protecting Canada’s sovereignty in 2050. Write a short job posting and explain why the job would be needed.
• Explore how threats to sovereignty influence job demand and career choices.

English

• Write an opinion editorial (op-ed) for a national newspaper arguing for or against a particular sovereignty stance (e.g., more military presence in the Arctic, prioritizing environmental protection over resource development). Emphasize your persuasive writing techniques and clear evidence.
• Imagine Canada 50 years from now and write a short story where sovereignty is either stronger or weaker than today. Weave in environmental, political, and cultural details to show cause and effect.
• Practice persuasive and formal writing skills by responding to a sovereignty issue in the news.
• Develop critical thinking and public speaking skills by debating the possible impacts of threats to sovereignty on Canada.
• Analyze news articles, opinion pieces, and political cartoons about Canadian sovereignty.
• Use creative writing to explore the possible impacts of threats to Canadian sovereignty on individuals, communities, regions, or issues.
• Analyze how politicians use rhetoric to argue for or against specific positions on this issue.
• Use poetry to express the impact of threats to sovereignty on society, business, and individuals.

Visual Storytelling

• Create political cartoons that illustrate the tension between Canada and another country over a sovereignty issue.
• Design a visual guide or infographic explaining a sovereignty issue, using maps, icons, and short text.
• Create a collage that illustrates how threats to sovereignty impacts different groups and issues (consumers, businesses, governments, biodiversity, etc.).
• Design a series of posters for school display or social media posts that inform others of the importance of sovereignty.

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