CBC Archives

Brainstorm with students what they know about important events, figures, and issues in the cod fishery of Newfoundland and Labrador. Record their ideas. Do they know how fishery first came into existence? What do they know about the Atlantic cod fishery? Are they aware of the current status of the fishery in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador? Ask them why they think these historical developments and individuals are important, and what impact they have had on the fishery.

Divide the class into small groups to explore the topic Fished Out: The Rise and Fall of the Cod Fishery on the CBC Radio and Television Archives Web site. They should view Clips #1, 2 and 3 and note the following:

major historical events and dates, in chronological order

important individuals involved in the fishery

how the fishery affected Canada

how the fishery evolved

Each group will create a “saga of the 1000 year old cod fishery” by plotting information on a timeline that includes illustrations and a written description. Ask students to demonstrate the key events in the development of the cod fishery beginning with early explorations of John Cabot and the Vikings up to and including the 1950s.

Have a reporter from each group share the group’s timeline with the class. Record the key events on the board or chart paper to create a class timeline. Discuss with students the impact of these events on the people of the province and on the development of the fishery. Display the class timeline.

Students can write a paragraph about the development of the cod fishery in Newfoundland and Labrador. Invite students to present their paragraphs orally to the class.