- 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.
Canada at a Crossroads Chapter 1: Social Studies
