When students look at the Canadian red maple leaf flag today, they often have no idea about the controversy attached to its creation and the many voices that advocated for the inclusion of different symbols.
In 1945, the Red Ensign was designated the official national flag of Canada, but after the events of the Suez Canal Crisis, when Canadians were often misidentified by Egyptians as British soldiers, Lester Pearson felt that a change was necessary. Pearson, seeing the separatist movement gaining steam in Canada, broached the topic of a new flag. Canadians were divided on the issue. Some, like John Diefenbaker, felt a kinship to the Union Jack and Canada’s British heritage. An all-party committee was called and suggestions were put forth.
In this activity, in small groups, students will look at the various perspectives of stakeholders, make note of the details and reflect upon the intended and unintended consequences.
The grade 10 History curriculum expectations, D3.1 asks students to be able to describe ways in which some individuals, symbols, and/or events during this period contributed to the development of identities, citizenship, and/or heritage in Canada. Through this activity, students will be presented with the various perspectives that people had at the time and will discuss among themselves what were the intended and unintended consequences of the creation of the Canadian flag.
To better prepare, I gave each student group a copy of the perspectives cut up into cards and stored in envelopes. Before they investigate, I review what a consequence is, and what is meant by intended and unintended. From there, I have them look through the points of view and make note of details in the cards and reflect upon what the speaker believed Canada should be.
The students should notice that different people valued different symbols and some expressed extreme displeasure over what was being proposed. It’s a fun way to get students to connect these perspectives to the broader ideas of citizenship and heritage.
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Christina Iorio is a teacher with the York Catholic District School Board and is a regular contributor to social media platforms regarding all things history and social science. Follow her on Instagram @therealmsiorio
