[Marcarc]

That was as propagandistic as any other historical series, and I could barely stay awake through the narration, which was more comatose inflicting than the monotone during "the corporation" (which at least was interesting). I don't think it should be played in schools, but thats just my opinion and I don't really care. I think kids would pay about as much attention to it as we paid to 'film strips' in our old history class. Part of the problem with it is that it is somewhere between being 'too long' and 'too short' which gives viewers the idea that they now 'know canadian history' just because they watched it. You can clearly see the demographic it plays to, and the only part I really enjoyed was RB Bennett sending out twenty dollar cheques to poverty stricken canadians during the depression while calling in the military to deal with the Winnipeg Rail Strike.

[KevinGagnon]

<br /> Doesn't matter your opinion really. Because the series does in fact have real events from history. Nothing wrong with learning about those events.<br /> <br /> Kevin

[whelan costen]

I didn't see it Kevin, but I can relate to what you are both saying, one we need our youth to know where we came from, how our country developed etc; two sometimes when these movies, documentaries etc are shown in schools the teachers use it as a babysitter with no interaction and it becomes boring; <br /> <br /> so I think you are both right and that the answer is to show this type of movie but use it as a tool, one of several and encourage discussion after viewing and then have discussion which leads to further exploration about the historical events. History is not boring, after all it is like the family tree, we are sadly lacking roots in this country and that is why I believe we have apathy , we have no loyalty to those who built this nation, because we know very little about them, or their great triumphs, trials and tribulations. I draw a parallel to the personal family history, if you know where you came from you tend to be loyal to the traditions and people, you honour the good and try to understand the bad. <br /> <br /> My opinion for what it's worth. <img align=absmiddle src='images/smilies/smile.gif' alt='Smile'>

[KevinGagnon]

[QUOTE]History is not boring, after all it is like the family tree, we are sadly lacking roots in this country and that is why I believe we have apathy , we have no loyalty to those who built this nation, because we know very little about them, or their great triumphs, trials and tribulations.[/QUOTE]<br /> <br /> <P>Exactly what I'm trying to say. When I watch these documentary series, it gives me so much determination to be the Canadian many of them were back then, fighting for a Canadian identity. A paticular history event that shows this is the making of the CBC, from radio to TV. Under pressure from the U.S who tried to own the air ways.<br /> <br /> <p>The identity of Canada is disapearing. I don't know where it got lost, or if it was ever taught in schools. As when I was in elementary school, I recall learning more about the U.S, then Canada.<br /> <br /> <p>IMO these documentary series can be used in a classroom in a fun way. <br /> <br /> <p>Kevin<br><br /> <b>P.S...</b> The best episode I found was the <a href="http://history.cbc.ca/histoire/?MIval=/EpisHome.html&episode_id=17&lang=E"><b>Epiloque - An a uncertian world.</b></a> It run chills down my spine at the end.

[whelan costen]

I just purchased the full collection of Alberta's history, which of course includes some Canadian history also, there are twelve in this collection, starting before Alberta was a province. The forward speaks to this idea that Canadians have tried so hard to become something else, and not be flag waving patriotic to the point that we have lost our identity. The writer mentions that without knowing where we came from we will flail in our direction for the future. I couldn't agree more; my school history was limited to the very early years, Chaplain, Cabot, etc., there was nothing about how we became a country, the early 1900's, the 20's, the inventors, the great Canadians, our involvement in the world, etc etc. We need to know, we need to be taught and I don't think it's ever too late. Not if we are serious about the future of our country.

[KevinGagnon]

What intiatives can be done, to present and encourage local schools to teach more Canadian history in schools? Ideas?<br /> <br /> I'm thinking gathering up the data of how important American History is taught in American Schools, may prompt schools here to think about how important it is to teach Canadian history.<br /> <br /> Kevin

[Mr.Can-Euro]

When I was in elementary school many years ago, we were taught mainly Canadian history with some American and British history as well. In secondary school when I was in grade 10,about three years ago, we were taught just Canadian history and my history teacher was very enthusiastic about it. He truly cared about the history and founding of Canada and so do I. If there is other schools that don't enforce a strictly Canadian history program, I believe it is important that they do. We must keep the history of Canada alive through the generations so it is never forgotten.

[KevinGagnon]

<br /> Anyone good at writing proposals? I know I'm not. Any volunteers willing to write up a short (or long) proposal that I can present to the School Board here.<br /> <br /> I think I'm also going to email my MP Charlie Angus. Would love to see the response in Parliament when he brings this up. Considering he is the NDP Heritage Minister. I'm sure he will be happy to bring this up in Parliament.<br /> <br /> Kevin

[Perturbed]

[QUOTE BY= KevinGagnon] I just finished watching "Dominion of the air", the two part series documenting the creation of the CBC, from radio to TV. It was a very well done documentary. Similar to the Canada: A people's history series. <br /> <br /> Which leads me to my next question...<br /> <br /> Anyone know of any initiative to have Canada: A people's history to play in schools across Canada ???? Please let me know if there are any schools doing this.<br /> <br /> I believe this series should be played in every school. The Canadian identity depends on the youth knowing Canada.<br /> <br /> Kevin[/QUOTE]<br /> <br /> <br /> They played it in the two high school I went to in Toronto.<br /> <br /> I think they could be better, but they did interest some people at school. <br /> <br /> I think a series based on David Orchard's "The Fight for Canada" would be a good idea--it would be important for young people in Canada to know how many declarations of annexation were given in the U.S., one of which led to confederation.

[KevinGagnon]

<br /> They could do much better for sure. Like maybe 1% or so of American history and the rest all Canadian history. I don't believe the American kids learn as much about Canada, as we learn about the United States.<br /> <br /> Is the gab of our knowledge of our country. Maybe what lead to pro-americanization, or maybe even lead to the lack of "Made in Canada" economic advantages? So much initiative in Canada has died over time, and this hasn't turned around.<br /> <br /> Kevin

[Marcarc]

I'd like to think my 'opinion' is as valid as yours so that remard was really uncalled for. You may think that your brand of particular patriotism is the only justified one, but it certainly doesn't mean your opinion is worth more than others. <br /> While you may have liked the presentation of the material or the material itself, you shouldn't confuse the 'events it portrayed' with 'the way it made you feel'. After all, Germany was producing tons of propaganda in the thirties to make people 'feel superior'. The events themselves can be taught in a myriad of ways, and individual teachers may feel as I do that the series isn't the best way to illustrate those events. You may be thinking that without the series the information isn't being given at all. Teachers have tons of resources at their disposal, even more if they directly include children with encouragement with research, and I wouldn't be surprised if many teachers do use it at least as an aid. <br /> <br /> There are lots of reasons a school may not use them. Depending on the province or even the particular school board, it may not mesh with current curriculae. Also, the cost may be prohibitive and many school boards are struggling to get by. You will note that a considerable sum of it's production cost came from taxpayers, so I really saw no need to purchase it and downloaded it from edonkey. It can also be signed out at most public libraries so a progressive teacher can mention it for viewing and let the kids find it on their own. <br /> <br /> As far as a proposal goes, what exactly is being proposed? That by graduation all students in such and such a province have viewed it? (I guarantee that won't work in Quebec) That it be included at such and such a school level? Keep in mind that not every province has province wide curricula, and in most cases it is extremely difficult for 'outside sources' to affect the curriculum. A little research will give you a lot of the curriculum in most places, so you may want to find out how many places already use it.<br /> <br /> Personally, I see part of the problem as being one of accessibility. I go to the audio-visual department of my local university and watch documentaries, however, they can't be signed out. There are virtually thousands of documentaries, most I've seen far better than the series in question, but they just aren't accessible. The National Film Board helps finance many excellent documentaries, but also ensures almost nobody sees them. You can go to their website and buy a documentary for $50 but who is going to do that? I mentioned before the "Is the Crown at War with us?" which is one of the best made documentaries I've seen in a long time, I think it was shown on CBC twice, and never advertised (compare that with the number of simpsons commmercials). It is at our local library, but that's still a pretty restrictive audience. I actually had been debating getting one of those connectors to digitize VHS onto my computer and share them on edonkey and kazaa so they'd perhaps get more viewing. All the information given on the series usually has a parrallel documentary out there on the specific event in question, usually with much greater detail. <br /> <br /> I do agree with those comments about history's importance, something I probably wouldn't back when I knew little of it. I'm co-producing some documentary historical 'shorts' but they are quite regionalized. I do think history should first begin locally and then spread out, there is too much focus on 'skipping unpleasant material' and focussing on events from far away. When you look at your local history, even canadian history, you quickly realize you're part of it.

[KevinGagnon]

<br /> <br /> I apologize Marcarc. I deserve any tone from you at this point. I did say what I said. But didn't mean it the way it came forward. No excuse, my apology I hope you can accept. ?<br /> <br /> Kevin<br /> <br />

[KevinGagnon]

[QUOTE]As far as a proposal goes, what exactly is being proposed? That by graduation all students in such and such a province have viewed it?[/QUOTE]<br /> <br /> History is already taught in schools. My concern is the lack of Canadian history, and the amount of American history. I'm not against learning American history. I just find it highly unlikely that the U.S teaches any where near what we learn about the U.S in our schools. I see nothing wrong with adding more Canadian history in our schools. <br /> <br /> Personally I get a good feeling in learning about Canada. Knowing what all came before me. I don't believe that I'm the only one that would feel that way after watching them. <br /> <br /> Again I apologize for what I said. Trust me I didn't mean it that way. I always like reading your opinion.<br /> <br /> Kevin

[Marcarc]

Its worth your time to check out some history curriculae in canada, just do a quick search, there is actually a considerable amount being taught. I suspect our concern is based on our own experiences-meaning, that we may have learned it but don't remember. I partly agree with Aristotle that there's not much point in teaching a man before he's 29! Between the blonde who sat next to me, my guitar, comic books, (other books), television, music, etc., I really don't remember much of the curriculum<img align=absmiddle src='images/smilies/smile.gif' alt='Smile'> I think perhaps we should concentrate on trying to get the adults to RELEARN what they may have already learned!

[KevinGagnon]

<br /> I though maybe it has changed since I went to school. But it couldn't have changed much. My nephew who went to a Private School for 3 years, and now his in a public school. But he is still not getting much Canadian history education.<br /> <br /> I also know for a fact that I was not taught much Canadian history. I remember learning history very clearly. And it was just as much American history as it was Canadian history. I just don't see why that should be. <br /> <br /> Kevin