Mass Hanging after Frog Lake

Home · For Teachers · Mass Hanging after Frog Lake

All Grades

Mass Hanging after Frog Lake

Project type: Web Quest

Related topic:
Death Penalty Debate

Subjects

History
Social Studies

Summary

Using a variety of Web-based resources, students will investigate and create a media work about the events of the mass execution of eight aboriginal Canadians following the massacre at Frog Lake.

Duration

2 to 3 lessons

Purpose

To investigate the use of the death penalty following the massacre at Frog Lake

Before Exploring

During the Rebellion of 1885, a breakaway group of Cree warriors, angry with the federal government, attacked a settlement at Frog Lake and killed 10 people. In response, the Canadian government tried and hanged eight aboriginal Canadians in the largest mass execution in Canadian history.

Outline the Opportunity

Students will create a media work from the point of view of someone connected with the events of the Frog Lake Massacre and the trial and mass execution that followed. Roles might include a family member, one of the people executed, the Prime Minister, someone involved in the trial, and so on. Students can work individually to prepare a written piece that combines words and pictures or they can work in groups to create a drama, role play, mock interview, and so on. Their work should emphasize the role of the death penalty in the events depicted.

Revisit and Reflect

Have students present their media works to the class. Students should be prepared to explain why they found their medium the most effective for expressing their chosen point of view. After the presentations, ask: Why is it important that the Frog Lake Massacre is included in Canadian history studies? Through your research, what did you learn about your country and your government?