Canada at a Crossroads – Lessons from Nature

View the story “Canada at a Crossroads: Chapter 1

  1. View the images of a marten, a glacier, and a forest ecosystem. What do these things have in common?
  2. Listen to/read the summary of the story ‘Canada at a Crossroads: Chapter 1’ and discuss what the marten, glaciers and the relationship between ecosystems and society represents.
  3. Get into small groups and answer the following questions
    • How does the marten metaphor relate to Canada’s reliance on old advantages?
    • What happens when the “glacial buffers” in society melt away?
    • How are biodiversity loss and democratic decline connected?
    • Which of these metaphors do you think best explains Canada’s current challenges? Why?
  4. Share the highlights from your discussion with the rest of the class and add any further observations. What does ‘at a crossroads’ mean in the context of this story?
  5. Choose one option:
    • Create a quick sketch/poster showing Canada’s current situation using a natural metaphor.
    • Write a short reflection on how the stories connect and what lessons they teach about Canada’s future.
    • Take sides on the question: “Is Canada prepared for the crossroads ahead?”

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