Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Focus on Perspectives

Yesterday we began our case study on Colonialism in Canada - today you will continue with the questions that we began yesterday. You were asked to complete questions 1-4 for homework. Now, using the reading "Becoming a Minority" from Canadian Issues you will complete the remainder of the questions.

In the case study of Canada, it becomes clear that historical globalization did threaten the survival of Aboriginal cultures - disease, loss of land, and assimilation were among the pressures facing the aboriginal peoples.

Once you have completed the questions, I would like you to consider and write a detailed response (using support and evidence from the Canadian Issues reading) on the following:

How would you react if you were forbidden to speak your language and practise your cultural traditions?

Your response should focus on:
- what your cultural traditions are, what they mean to you and how they influence your identity.
- How important you think traditions and language are to the survival of a culture.
- How aboriginal peoples were treated under British imperialism (this will 'set the stage' to help you explain your reaction)
- How you would react if you were forbidden to practise traditions and speak your language.

Be sure to have an introduction, a body and a conclusion.

Start on this and we will continue with this writing assignment next class. Questions will be due on Thursday, November 19th!