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Discuss with students the general concepts of direct democracy and ask them to discuss how that can exist in Canada where representative democracy is the norm. Once they have come up with the idea of a plebiscite, a direct vote on an issue by the citizens of a region, ask them to suggest times when a plebiscite might be appropriate.

Direct students to The Battle for Aboriginal Treaty Rights on the CBC Radio and Television Archives Web site. Have them view Clip #10. On the board, note in 1996 the total population of British Columbia was approximately 3,689,000 and the total Aboriginal population in that province was 139 655, or 3.8%. Ask: Could the small Aboriginal population have had any impact on the final results? Remind the students that many people opposed to the plebiscite did not vote. Discuss the challenge that a democracy faces in trying to balance the interests of the many with the needs and wants of the few.

To illustrate the issues, students create a class plebiscite. As a group, they choose a topic for voting and questions on which they will vote. If they wish, they can impose characteristics on themselves as voters. Students vote secretly and then tally the results. Next, have them repeat the same basic plebiscite, but alter the words of the questions and/or the characteristics of the voters. How, if at all, did the results change? Students can repeat a third time if they wish.

Have the students discuss and compare the results of all their plebiscites. Ask: Is it in the interests of the many to respect the rights, needs, and/or wants of the few? Why or why not?

Students can develop five to eight plebiscite questions designed to address Aboriginal issues. They can use the questions of the 1998 BC plebiscite, using the download sheet Democracy in Action as a guide.