The seminal Canada at War documentary film series was first broadcast on the CBC on April 3, 1962. Its 13 half-hour episodes were culled from more than 14,000,000 feet of film, mostly shot by Canadian Army cameramen during the Second World War but also including footage shot by German and British film crews. It took a team of editors three years to put the series together under the supervision of documentary filmmaker extraordinaire Donald Britain (who also wrote the commentary). It remains, to this day, one of the most important works on the Second World War.

In this lesson, students will expand their knowledge and dive deeper into lesser-known Indigenous histories in Canada, particularly those of Second World War Cree Code Talkers. Students will then be asked to summarize and compare both histories.

What are Cree Code Talkers? What was their purpose?
During the Second World War, encryption and coded messages were deemed essential to winning the war. Utilizing Cree, the government relied on Indigenous men to use their language to aid the war effort; these men were known as Cree Code Talkers.

Chinese Canadian veterans describe their experiences in the Second World War, fighting the Axis in Europe and the Pacific, and advancing civil rights at home...
7:30

"No Stone Left Alone provides educators and their students with an authentic, impactful and inspiring experience centred on a personal act of remembrance that connects them to their communities, their nation and to the values of our democracy."

Supporting resources include:
*Teaching about remembrance
*symbols of remembrance
*places of remembrance
*acts of remembrance
*why we remember

You can also request free resources - Honour, Educate, Remember Teacher Resource & Student resource.

This documentary introduces us to thousands of Indigenous Canadians who enlisted and fought alongside their countrymen and women during World War II, even though they could not be conscripted. Ironically, while they fought for the freedom of others, they were being denied equality in their own country and returned home to find their land seized.

This video outlines Indigenous involvement in WWI, and teaches us about Indigenous war hero, Francis Pegahmagabow.

Producer Anita Hunter – Indigenous Student. See FNMI additional course and Teacher resources at http://www.oneca.com/teacher-resources.html .

During World War II, Charles “Checker” Tomkins fought the enemy with a different kind of weapon. As a code talker in the Canadian military, he used his knowledge of the native Cree language to help develop a top-secret communication system to defeat the Germans.

This Heritage Minute follows the life of Onondaga long-distance runner Gagwe:gih, whose name means “Everything.” Known around the world as Tom Longboat, he was one of the most celebrated athletes of the early 20th century.

1 min. video
A eulogy is given for Tommy Prince, Canada’s most-decorated Indigenous war veteran.
For more information about Tommy Prince, visit: http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca

This site has resources to help teach about Métis Veterans in an engaging manner.

There are discussion questions, videos, website links, and even an online breakout room activity and answer key.

Cree and English version of the famous poem by John McCrae.
Remembrance Day

"First Nations, Inuit and Métis people in Canada have a long and proud tradition of military service to our country."

This site from the Government of Canada includes:
*videos
*lesson plans (all ages)
*information on different wars and Indigenous contributions
*veteran's stories

This choice board is created for K-9 students. The activities vary in ideas that range from art projects, spoken word, songs, virtual war museum, and primary source stories.

"This module provides resources to deliver engaging discussions, lessons and ceremonies. It can be used in the classroom, at home, or in the community to commemorate the service and sacrifices of Canada’s military personnel."

Browse the collection of objects, videos, activities and historical overviews.

Generously supported by the Royal Canadian Legion Dominion Command and the Friends of the Canadian War Museum.

A lesson to increase youth awareness of Indigenous people who served in the Canadian military and died in service over the years.

Everything is provided.

Indigenous people have a long and proud tradition of military service in Canada. From the earliest days before Canada was even a country of its own, through through the First and Second World Wars, the Korean War, post-war peace support efforts, Afghanistan and on to the present day, thousands of First Nations, Métis, Inuit and other Indigenous men and women have served bravely and well in uniform.

Bravery and sacrifice defines our new nation, as war erupts across Europe. Canada, as a British Dominion, joins in the fight - a young country seeking to find its place on the world stage. It’s not long before nearly half a million Canadians, including thousands of Indigenous soldiers, travel to Europe to serve beside their allies in the First World War.
Francis Pegahmagabow
Soldiers of the Soil