Elizabeth Freeman-Shaw and Sarah Murdoch

Recipients of the 2016 Governor General's History Award for Excellence in Teaching

November 28, 2016
Canada's History speaks to Elizabeth Freeman-Shaw and Sarah Murdoch about their classroom project, which culminates in artistic depictions of the “next steps” towards a fairer and more equitable relationship with Canada’s First Peoples.

A. N. Myer Secondary School and Westlane Secondary School, Niagara Falls (Ontario)

Elizabeth Freeman-Shaw and Sarah Murdoch introduce their first unit of Grade 10 history through the lens of Indigenous Issues in conjunction with the introduction and application of each of the six Historical Thinking concepts. There is no lengthy traditional ‘research’ project in Unit 1, but rather a series of smaller demonstrations relating to Historical Thinking Concepts. Students learn to critically approach Canada’s decisions and policies relating to Indigenous peoples. By exploring multiple perspectives of the past, they question the basis of Canadian pride and assess whether Canada is a truly fair and equitable country. Their inquiries culminate in the preparation of a creative representation: Stained Glass Window for the Future. Using the commemorative Residential school window in the Parliament Buildings as a model, students depict the “next steps” towards a fairer and more equitable relationship with Canada’s First Peoples.