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In the half-century since his death, Dr. Norman Bethune’s memory has been carefully preserved in China, and his grave in the Cemetery of Martyrs remains an important site for many Chinese. They honour him for his selflessness and his contributions to their struggle for liberation from the Japanese invaders. But Bethune only received recognition in his own country during the past few decades, and he remains a figure of some controversy to this day. While his achievements in medical care are widely acknowledged, his radical political views and some aspects of his personal character remain problematic for many of his fellow Canadians.

Bethune’s birthplace in Gravenhurst, Ontario was turned into a memorial site in the 1970s and attracts many visitors, especially delegations of Chinese officials who want to see where the man who means so much to them was born and spent the early years of his life.

A balanced and even-handed evaluation of Bethune and his significance for Canadians would take both his positive achievements and his personal failings and political allegiances into account.

Using print, visual, and online resources, students will work in groups to research the life, times, achievements, character, and legacy of Dr. Norman Bethune and prepare and present a round-table discussion that reflects critically on the man and his lasting significance for Canadians.

Ask students if they have changed their views about Bethune as a result of the information and the critical evaluations they have heard. Ask students to define, in their own words, what they would consider to be the qualities of a “hero” or a “Canadian of national historical importance.” Does Bethune, in their opinion, meet that definition? Have students write a critical response to these questions, stating their opinions of Bethune and his importance to them.