Digital Collections

I decided to write this unit on Cultural Diversity because I feel it is an important component of the Canadian Geography course. Issues involving Native Peoples are often left out of this unit when this unit is taught because of the lack of information available. This unit addresses that lack by pointing to online resources. This unit can be incorporated into the unit in the Grade 9/10 course on Human Diversity, or it can be incorporated into the Canada and the World unit or it can be taught on its own.

The SchoolNet Digital Collections have several sites that contain material discussing different cultures in Canada and several that have been compiled by Native Groups or Museums. The information on Native People located in the Digital Collections has been put together by Native Groups, allowing a different view to be presented to students than found in textbooks. Similarly, the information on the various cultural groups has been compiled by members of the cultural group. It therefore provides students with the opportunity to critique the information provided to them by the textbook and by the Digital Collections.

As people continue to immigrate to Canada, increasing cultural diversity, it is important for students to become more aware of the contributions these groups provide to Canada. It is becoming increasingly important for students to value the different cultural groups around them. It is not acceptable for a person to be racist and students will be more open to different cultures the more they are exposed to various cultures and learn about their heritage and background.

Not only is it important for students to gain an appreciation of how the mosaic of people in Canada is changing but it is also important for students to be aware of what Canada was like in the past and how the culture has change to its present status.

This unit will allow students to explore the different cultural groups in Canada, both the new people coming to Canada and the original people of Canada. Students will be provided with the opportunity to gain an appreciation for all people living in Canada.

Another important aspect of this unit will be helping students identify with what it means to be Canadian. Often when Canadians are asked to define Canadians or Canada, they reply with a statement to the fact that they are not American. I believe that students need to gain a greater appreciation of Canada and Canadians.