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Conestoga College *
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Course
1931
Subject
English
Date
Dec 6, 2023
Type
docx
Pages
2
Uploaded by MajorJay2804
1. Academic Response (10 marks)
In a well-organized, well-supported paragraph of at least 200 words, respond to one of Christensen’s
main arguments. Do you agree or disagree? Refer briefly but specifically to the reading to support your
argument.
In “Teaching the Canadian North to Learn about Canada”, Julia Christensen argues that the Canadian
North is often ignored in discussions of Canadian identity, despite its crucial role in the country’s history
and ongoing development. Julia Christensen contends that this neglect has serious consequences for
both Northern and Southern Canadians, as it limits understanding of Canada’s diversity and hinders the
North’s ability to participate fully in decision-making. I agree with Julia Christensen’s argument that the
Canadian North deserves more attention and recognition as an integral part of Canadian identity.
Christensen provides several compelling examples to support her argument. She notes that while the
North comprises over one-third of Canada’s landmass, it is often left out of conversations about issues
such as climate change, resource extraction, and Indigenous rights. This exclusion not only perpetuates
stereotypes about the North as a remote, inhospitable region, but also reinforces the marginalization of
Northern communities and their perspectives. As Julia Christensen observes, “Canadian may pride
themselves on being a multicultural and inclusive nation, but they often overlook the North as a critical
part of this identity.”
Moreover, Julia Christensen argues that engaging with the Canadian North is essential for both Northern
and Southern Canadians to fully understand and appreciate the country’s history, culture, and identity.
She notes that Northern communities have unique knowledge and experiences that can enrich national
discourse, particularly on issues such as environmental stewardship and reconciliation with Indigenous
peoples. At the same time, Southern Canadians can benefit from learning about the North’s diverse
cultures, languages, and traditions, which are integral to Canada’s broader identity.
In conclusion, I agree with Julia Christensen that the Canadian North deserves greater attention and
recognition as a vital part of Canadian identity. By engaging with the North’s perspectives and
experiences, Canadians can deepen their understanding of the country’s diversity and history, and work
towards a more inclusive and equitable future for all.
2. Transfer Response (20 marks)
Choose ONE of the two prompts below and write a response of at least 400 words. Read the prompt
carefully, considering your audience, purpose, and the conventions of your chosen genre.
PROMPTS
A. You are part of a book club at your library. Usually, your group reads novels, but lately the members
have been complaining that they would like to read something significantly shorter and something non-
fiction about history of Indigenous ancestors. You really think that the essay “Teaching the Canadian
North to Learn about Canada” by Julia Christensen that you read in COM would be ideal for your club. In
a blog, provide reasons to your group why you think the article is a good fit. Summarize the essay and
then make a clear case why it is a valuable read.
Summary of the essay:
In her essay, “Teaching the Canadian North to Learn about Canada”, Julia Christensen explores her
experience as a teacher in a remote Northern Canadian community. She discusses the challenges she
faced in teaching a history curriculum that centered on European colonization and ignored the rich
history and contributions of indigenous peoples to Canada. Julia Christensen shares her journey of
learning about the history of the North and the importance of incorporating Indigenous perspectives and
knowledge into the curriculum. She argues that doing so not only benefits Indigenous students but also
helps non-Indigenous students gain a more comprehensive understanding of Canada’s history and
identity.
Why the essay is a good fit:
There are several reasons why I believe that “Teaching the Canadian North to Learn about Canada” by
Julia Christensen would be an excellent fir for our book club. First, it is a short and accessible essay,
which will address the complaints that the members have about wanting something significantly shorter.
This essay is easy to read and understand, and it will not take up much of our time. Second, the essay is
non-fiction, it addresses a topic that our group has expressed interest in, which learning about the
history of Indigenous ancestors. It is essential to acknowledge the contributions and experiences of
indigenous peoples in Canada, and this essay does an excellent job of exploring the challenges of
incorporating this history into the curriculum. Lastly, the essay provides a valuable perspective on the
importance of education and the role that it plays in shaping our understanding of the world around us.
By incorporating indigenous perspectives into the curriculum, we can create a more inclusive and
accurate representation of Canadian history and identity. This essay will spark an engaging and thought-
provoking discussion about the importance of diverse perspectives in education and the benefits of
learning about the history of Indigenous peoples.
Overall, I believe that “teaching the Canadian North to Learn about Canada”, by Julia Christensen would
be an excellent fit for our book club, because it is short, accessible, and thought-provoking essay that
addresses a topic interest to our group. It also provides valuable insights into the importance of
incorporating Indigenous perspectives into the curriculum and the benefits of doing so for all Canadians.
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