Home · For Teachers · The Growing Pains of Nunavut
9-10
The Growing Pains of Nunavut
Project type: Assignment
Related topic:
Creation of Nunavut
Creation of Nunavut
Subjects
Social Studies
Geography
Political Science
Geography
Political Science
Summary
Students identify a challenging issue in the formation of Nunavut and write a position paper to share their view on the issue.
Duration
1 to 2 lessons
Purpose
To identify and support an opinion through a written position paper
PDF
Before Exploring
Brainstorm with the class a list of the things in their life that they expect to have (food, clean water, shelter, medical care, transportation, jobs, and so on). Ask: Do you think you have the right to each of these things? What would life be like without one of them? Many of them? All of them? How would your life change? Who would be responsible for returning these rights? What could you do to change the situation?
Outline the Opportunity
Have students explore the Nunavut topic on the CBC Radio and Television Archives Web site to gather information about the challenges facing the new territory of Nunavut. They should identify between three and five issues and list the solutions stated, then evaluate the solutions and decide if any should have been resolved differently.
Students should select one contentious issue and choose a position, then write a position paper describing their views on the issue and comparing their position to the one selected by the people of the territory.
Revisit and Reflect
Have students share their position paper with the class. They should be prepared to debate an issue with a peer who holds a different perspective.
Extension
Have students view Clip 6, about the shape of the Nunavut licence plate, then design a new plate that would reflect the culture of the Inuit.
