Earlier this year, our Grade 9 PLP class began to learn about the intriguing history of Canada. We watched movies, played games, and followed the Canadian Pacific Railway down to Calgary (if you want to know about that adventure, click here)! We have gotten to live and breath Canadian culture and history in unique ways that many people don’t get to see, but something was missing. A huge part of Canadian history that although had to do with many countries, was known as the birth of our independence. That’s right, I’m talking about the war to end all wars, World War 1. As we delved into this unit, I began to learn the unseen importance of Canadians in the war effort, and just what it means to be Canadian. Now this was great, but there is only so much you can learn from textbooks and worksheets. Luckily for us, the teachers found us a great program to help us get in touch with history, but it was a little farther then most of our other destinations. We had seen Canada from a Vancouver point of view, Canada from a Calgary point of view, and now it was time to see Canada from an Ottawa point of view!
The Program
During the end of grade eight, the teachers announced to us the two trips we would be taking next year. One of these was Calgary, but the one everyone was looking forward to the big trip in Ottawa. The reason we were going there was because an organization known as Encounters with Canada was holding a Vimy Ridge week for youth across the country. We would get to stay in a building known as the Terry Fox Center and meet new people as we would explore national monuments across Ottawa. This was an opportunity we couldn’t pass up, and because of my past experience with Encounters with Canada (click here to learn more about that), I was excited!
Preparations for Departure
For about a 3 months leading up to the trip, we began to learn about the beginnings of the First World War. It all started off with use looking at a peculiar political comic. It had a line of figures, starting with a small man and ending with a big soldier. Each figure was accusing the last of threatening the one before them and there appears to be no end to the violence. As we looked into it, we saw each character in the chain was a representation of a country that participated in the war effort and who they were in alliance with. This was a great way to kick of the unit for it gave some character to the countries and made it easier to understand their motives. After this, we started looking at the countries from a geographical standpoint and seeing who were the sides and main contenders. Although we weren’t the most accurate when naming the countries on a map, we still found ourselves ready to move on to the event which kickstarted the entire conflict.
A Map of Pre-War Europe
As it is usually told, World War One started with the assassination of archduke Franz Ferdinand, but it really began long before that. A rise in nationalism and militarism along with imperial alliances being formed everywhere was creating tension across Europe causing the assassinating to be the tipping point for conflict to break out. The War was first between Serbia and Austria-Hungary, but soon the alliances of Germany and Russia were fighting too. Later on France and Great Britain joined the war, and because of Canada’s status as a British colony, they joined as well. At this point, Canada was seen as a backup to Britain, a mere extension of their power, but soon this would be proven wrong.
Members of the Canadian Armed Forces
As we worked, we did activities such as making a human timeline of the most important battles, watched videos, and discussed topics. Unfortunately, our unit was interrupted by spring break but to keep up our knowledge we were given the choice of 3 WW1 books to read. The choices were War Horse, Generals Die in Bed, and Private Peaceful, and after reading one I decided that I wanted to read all of them. This was a great way to keep busy during the break and also to get more immersed in the impact the war had on individuals. After the break, we did a novel study on the books, in which I drew a scene from the book Private Peaceful, which is about 2 brothers growing up in war time and their relationship with each other and others. At this point, we were properly educated about WW1, and ready to head off on our trip.
Our Book
Now what would be a vacation without a photo album? For our assignment on this trip, we had to take pictures, videos, and conduct interviews along the way and put them into our digital personalized Ottawa journals. These books gave us complete customization freedom, and had everything for tasks were we had to draw something we learned about, to recording a sound from our accommodations. Yet, the real purpose of this book was to record what we learned about our unit’s driving question, “How did WW1 shape Canadian identity?”. Before we left, I had no idea of what I would put in this book or what I might learn, but as the week went on the pages started to come together to form an incredible story of an incredible week. If you want to read my book, look below:
Travel Log:
Day 1:
So our grandiose trip began with the longest day in PLP history. It started with rising bright and early at 6:00 in the morning for our D.I Provincials Tournament. We then had to quickly make our way to Surrey and complete both of our challenges in a limited time frame and drive off to the airport. Once we were there, we took a departing picture by the Jade Canoe statue and head off to our plane. This was the first time our class had been on a plane together, and things got a little hectic (reminder to all why passports should be carefully watched). Yet, once we were in our seats things settled down and we said our final goodbyes to Vancouver. As the sky grew dark we flew through the sky and awaited the adventures which lay ahead. When we landed, it was 1:00 am Ottawa time and we were quite tired. When we reached our dorms we were half asleep and collapsed into our beds.
Our Night of Arrival in Ottawa
Day 2:
We were promptly awoken at 7:00 am the next morning to an alarm and music through the loud speaker. We got up had breakfast, and started to explore the center. This was the day we would be staying at the building and were encouraged to go out and meet new people. This started with a scavenger hunt were the first people to complete it would win a prize, but I still only stayed with my classmates. Later we went to a walk to the local bakery, and I felt left out for I didn’t know anyone there. Yet people started talking about B.C and I chimed in and made some of my first friends in Ottawa. I was amazed at how friendly everyone was and suddenly felt more comfortable. The rest of the day was better because of it.
Inside the Terry Fox Centre
Day 3:
Everyone had finally arrived and we were ready to begin our travels throughout the nation’s capital. Due to the theme of the week being Vimy Ridge, we started off at the Vimy Ridge War Memorial in time for the annual veterans ceremony. People from our group who had military ties in their family got to place wreaths at the foot of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and we watched a powerful presentation with members of the military. Afterwards we got a group photo and learned the history behind the monument. We discovered that the two large pillars are meant to represent the pillars of the Vimy Monument in France, and that the figures in the middle of the structure represent Canada’s Response in the war. The first figures are battle ready and excited to embark on adventure in contrast to the back of the statue where the figures are worn tired, and fear is ever present in their eyes. This was interesting to learn, especially since there were veterans there who had seen much combat in their lives. The rest of the day was spent at the centre and we were put into groups that we would use for buses, chores, and events. In our group, I met a girl named Kabrea and we started talking about were we were from. Later that night we both chose to do a mini golf activity that was offered and quickly became friends. This was definitely a great start to our adventures in Ottawa.
Veterans at the Vimy Monument
Day 4:
Today was the big day, the day we visited the Canadian War Museum. This was what I was looking forwards to most on this trip, and was planning to take a lot of pictures and videos. When we first arrived, we got to visit a room where the headstone from the tomb of the unknown soldier was displayed. The room’s architecture was like nothing I had ever seen before, and we were explained to that it was like this because it only allowed light to shine on the headstone on Remembrance Day at 11:00 sharp. It was amazing that we got to see this because it is usually too busy to even enter the room. After this, we visited the war exhibits, and got to see everything from weapons from the trenches of France to massive artillery guns. These exhibits were cool, and I even filmed a video of myself representing what it would be like to be in World War One trenches, but my favourite exhibit by far was the vehicles room.
An Artillery Gun at the War Museum
This massive section was easily the size of a field and had every sort of war vehicle you could imagine from jeeps to tanks and even massive fighter planes. Everything in here was real and some of the tanks were the last of their kind on the planet. One of the coolest exhibits was a tank which had its back door open so we could see everything inside of it. When we were looking at it, we also got to talk to a tour guide and get an interview about Canadian Identity in the War. It was here were I got my first glimpse of our importance in the war effort.
https://www.blog44.ca/emilyj/files/2018/05/img_1981.movStaring Down the Barrel of a Tank
Day 5:
The next day we got to participate in another activity of choice, and I decided to go to the Canadian Museum of Aviation. I didn’t know anything about it before hand, but this ended up being one of my favourite locations of the trip. Ever since I was little, I have been fascinated by aeronautics and the evolution of human flight. My dad had the dame interest and got his pilot’s license as well. Because of this along with a engaging tour, I was captivated by the reconstructions and real planes in the massive warehouse. We got to see the only reconstruction of the silver dart, the first plane to fly in Canada, a Lancaster bomber painted to look like the famous “Winnie” plane, and even the first rendition of the Canadarm. From the museum I got to buy a poster which mapped out every plane fighting in the war.
The Repainted “Winnie” Lancaster Bomber
Now the museum was cool, but it wasn’t the main attraction of the day. This was the day were we would be visiting the capital of the capital, Parliament Hill. Due to the construction which would be going underway to renovate the main building, we were to be one of the last groups to visit the Center Block for 10 years. Inside, we got to visit the senate room, the massive peace tower, and learn about the art lining the walls. An interesting fact about the architecture is that parliament was rebuilt from stone after it burned down in a fire. When it was rebuilt it was during WW1 when times were grim, which is reflected in the sombre architecture. The only original parts of parliament left are the portraits of the royal monarchs and the magnificent library which was sealed off during the fire. Overall, parliament was astounding and probably the closest we will ever get to the heart of Canada.
The Library of Parliament
Day 6:
Out of all the wake ups on the trip, this day was definitely the hardest. First of all, we were woken up at 6:00 a.m and had only an hour to get ready, eat breakfast, and get on the bus. We then went on a 45 Minute bus ride where we tried to sleep some more, and when we awoke we were in the middle of nowhere. This was at least what it looked like from the bus, but when we got off we realized we were standing above a massive bunker, known as Diefenbunker. Named after prime minster Diefenbaker, this bunker was the fallout shelter for the government in case the threats of the Cold War ever became reality. We were given the opportunity to explore the inside of the bunker, but had limited access to what we could document. It was a a mixed experience for me; on one hand it was cool to see such an amazing historical building, but on the other it was scary to know this was the last resort of the government and probably wouldn’t have kept them properly protected.
Inside Diefenbunker
After we returned to the Center we had lunch and then began something known as the peace module. This was said to be a highlight of the week, for it was a time when we could talk to actual veterans and visit the Beachwood cemetery; resting place of the fallen soldiers. Yet for me, this module was more than just a presentation, for I was presenting in it. On the first day of the trip, I was asked to play the last post at the ceremony on trumpet. At first, I wasn’t sure if I could do it, but after some practice I decided I would give it go no matter the outcome. So, as the rain fell over Beachwood cemetery, I stood there trumpet in hand and played for everyone who had fought bravely for our country. This was truly an incredible moment I will never forget.
Beachwood Cemetery
Later that night, we got yet another choice of optional activities and I chose to watch a play known as Sal Capone; The Lamentable Tragedy Of. Summarized, it was about a group of Hip Hop artists who had their DJ killed by the police most likely because of his race. It then follows them in their quest for vengeance as it shines light on issues such as homophobia. I felt it was very well done and dealt with the subjects in an appropriate manner. I also enjoyed the musical aspect of it and left me thinking long after it finished.
Day 7:
I was quite excited for this day since the beginning of the week, because not only was it shopping day, but it was also the day when there would be the encounters talent show. We started off being dropped off in the middle of Ottawa, and were given a few hours to go where we please and explore the city. Some of the highlights of this shopping trip was stocking up on art supplies at the dollar store, exploring the highly overpriced land of Nordstroms, and getting subway. Later that day, we had free time where I played frisbee and discovered some other ultimate players from B.C. We then had dinner and did something known as the talking stick circle. This was when every member of encounters would sit in a circle (without the adults) and share things about the week that they found good, bad, or momentous. This was a amazing and emotional time for many people and I feel we connected more on this night than any other. After this, we got to have some pizza and enjoy the rest of the night and Friday night dance.
A Totem Pole in Downtown Ottawa
Day 8:
The end of the trip seemed to come all too soon and many sad goodbyes were said. Yet although we were going home, there was still a chance for us to visit one last place in Ottawa, and we chose that to be the Canadian History Museum. This was a perfect end for our trip as it was a great recap of everything we had learned. It talked about our history, our culture, and even had a section on the war, and showed our progression from Europeans to Canadians. It felt like the entire country had come together in the one place to create a great exhibit of what it means to be a Canadian, which made it an amazing experience. When we finally boarded the plane to go back home, I said my farewells to Ottawa and hope I will return again one day.
The First Nations Exhibit in the Canadian History Museum
So What Have I Learned?
I feel that on this trip I have learned about Canadian Identity in two ways. One is through our history, which although I have not lived through in person, I see the affects of today. I now understand why we are still a bilingual country, why our government functions the way it does, and how women became empowered through the war effort. I have also come to see that Canadian identity was forged not through wealth nor through territory but though hard work and pride. It was the soldiers who pressed on through the treacherous fields of war, it was the women who stepped up to do hard labour day after day, and the government who created its systems from the bottom up.
The other way I have learned about Canadian Identity is by actually meeting other Canadians from across the country. I have met people who live only a few hours away, and people who live on the other coast, yet no matter where we are from we are similar in many ways. Every person I met there was kind, unique, and proud of their country. I also learned the ways different provinces function to do their part in sustaining such a massive nation. This shows the unity that all Canadians share that is stronger than many other places on earth. I feel that my week at encounters was like nothing I have ever experienced before, and will keep these great memories of this trip with me forever.