Have you ever thought about what makes Canada, well, Canada? I’ve spent the last few weeks diving into this very question, exploring everything from Canadian peacekeeping in the Balkans to how multiculturalism shapes who we are today. Along the way, I learned a ton about Canadian identity, what it means to be part of this country, and why we really do have something to offer the world. Let’s take a look at what I discovered.
Answering the Driving Question: What Defines Canadian Identity?
Canada’s identity isn’t something set in stone—it’s evolving. Over this project, I learned that our identity is shaped by values like diversity, international cooperation, and a deep sense of responsibility to each other. Whether it’s Canada’s role in global peacekeeping or our commitment to multiculturalism, the country is a mix of different ideas, people, and cultures, all working together. It’s this blend that makes Canada stand out on the world stage.
A big part of the project was our Thinking Thursday Discussions. I got to dive deep into issues like Canada’s place in the world today and how we shape our identity through global interactions. Leading these discussions challenged me to make connections between what we learned in class and what’s happening now in Canada, whether it’s about immigration or environmental policy. It was great practice for thinking critically about real-world issues.
Reading Canadian literature really brought everything together. Writers like Jack Wong helped me see how literature is a mirror of Canada’s diverse cultures and the challenges we face as a nation. My multi-paragraph composition tied these insights back to the idea of Canadian identity, showing how our stories—both written and lived—reflect our complex history and evolving culture.
Finally, creating a podcast episode allowed me to synthesize all my learning. I used everything from peacekeeping in the Balkans to what I learned about Canadian literature to answer the question of why the world needs more Canada. It was a creative way to pull everything together and communicate what I had learned, all while making it engaging for others.
From analyzing current events to connecting ideas across subjects, I got to practice thinking critically and making connections between the past and present.
•Collaboration: Working with classmates on the podcast and participating in group discussions helped me improve my collaboration skills and learn from others.
•Social Responsibility: This project reinforced how important it is to consider Canada’s role in the world and our shared responsibility to promote peace and inclusivity.
At the end of this project, I’ve learned that Canadian identity isn’t static—it’s shaped by the stories we tell, the issues we tackle, and how we engage with the world. The more I reflect on our history, the more I realize that Canada’s values of peace and diversity are what set us apart. It’s this mix of past struggles, current challenges, and future potential that truly makes the world need more Canada.