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11-12
The Power of the Lobby
Project type: Assignment
Related topic:
James Bay Project and the Cree
James Bay Project and the Cree
Subjects
Social Studies
Political Science
Political Science
Summary
Students will explore the lobbying tactics of the Cree and develop their own lobbying strategy to address a local issue.
Duration
1 to 2 lessons
Purpose
To understand how to effectively lobby the government
Before Exploring
Brainstorm local issues that have caused controversy, such as land appropriation, road construction, city services funding, taxation, school construction, and so on. List students’ responses on the board or chart paper. Have students form small groups to decide on a position for one of the items.
Outline the Opportunity
Direct students to the topic James Bay Project and the Cree on the CBC Radio and Television Archives Web site. Students will review Clips #6, 7, and 8, and the Additional Clips “Chief Coon Come speaks out” and “Angry Crees stop hydro hearing.”
In the groups formed in Before Exploring, students will list the ways in which the Cree Nation was able to force the Quebec government to stop the Great Whale Project (Phase 2 of the James Bay Project). Groups will consider their issue identified in Before Exploring and, using their knowledge of the lobbying tactics of the Cree, develop a plan of action to lobby their point of view to their local government. Remind them that all lobbying tactics must be legal.
Revisit and Reflect
Have each group present their issue, their perspective on the issue, and their plan of action. Allow opportunities for the class to ask questions and discuss the effectiveness of the lobbying plans.
Extension
Groups can select a local or regional issue and present their position in the form of a radio interview. Interviews should take a question and answer format and be recorded for the class. Encourage the use of appropriate sound effects to enhance the interview.
