Social 20-1

Alex Colville: Church & Horse, 1964

Dale Auger: As though they were one, 2005

Perspectives about what it means to belong to a nation, as well as our understandings of nation, have:

Evolved over time Continue to evolve

Unit 1 will explore a people’s relationship to the land and cultural and linguistic understandings of Nationalism.

Alwyn Morris, a Kahnawake Mohawk, held up and eagle feather while receiving his medal at the 1984 Olympic games. Of that moment Morris said:

I raised the feather to share that experience and identify the fact that I was a Mohawk person, and I was very proud of that aspect; of being able to share that experience of being an Aboriginal person, share the aspect of my grandfather and honour that I wanted to bestow on him. And certainly from Canada’s perspective I was representing the country.

Alwyn Morris: Gold 1000 m Kayak, 1984

If you were to hold up a symbol or make a gesture during an awards ceremony, what would it be?

Draw a picture of the symbol or describe the gesture, and write a short explanation of why it is meaningful to you.◦ Share your response with others in the class◦ What symbols and gestures did other students

share?

We each have our own answers to this question.

We most likely define it as it relates to the people or citizens of a country.◦ Although this is true, there are many other

definitions as well. A group of people who feel connections to one another

in some way. ~ a body of people that feel that they are a nation. Often intangible

◦ Therefore, nation can be viewed as something found in the feelings and minds of people, an internal connection to others.

One way to explore the main understandings of nation is by looking at what creates connections between individual members of a nation; for example, their shared experiences related to

Ethnic background and ancestry Cultural values and beliefs History Language(s) and communication Religious or spiritual beliefs Geography Politics and citizenship

Summarize how the following four people describe the term “Nation”:

• Ernest Renan• Antonine Maillet• N.S. Rajaram• Douglas Coupland

In addition, answer the questions that follow each quotation

Geography is a key component of how many Canadians identify themselves as a nation

Geography is a key component of how many Canadians identify themselves as a nation

What is the difference?◦ Nation relates to the feelings and minds of people

(internalization), …◦ The concept of nation-state, is more concrete,

external concept.

◦ A Nation-State is a territory with internationally recognized boundaries and a politically organized body of people under a sovereign government You are considered sovereign when recognized by

other states as having the right to govern themselves independently.

Nations-states may or may not depend on people’s linguistic, ethnic or cultural connections. Citizens of a nation-state live in a politically defined territory that operates with common legal and moral beliefs. For example, Canada

A belief in democratic government The protection of rights and freedoms described in the

Charter of Rights and Freedoms A belief in the principles of a mixed economy

Belonging to a nation-state can provide a sense of security as those who belong to the nation-state must abide by a common set of laws.

Is a way of expressing one’s sense of belonging to a nation or a nation state.◦ It can take many forms:

Patriotism: expressing love for one’s country Ultra-nationalism Supra-nationalism

How have you expressed patriotism for your country?

Nation Nation-State Sovereign Nationalism Patriotism

Know the eight ways in which people identify themselves as a nation