1. 1713-1850 (The years you will study in Grade 7!)
CANADA
(The years you will study in Grade 7!)

2. Recap…
A generally accepted theory called the Beringia theory suggests that people originally got to North America via the “Beringia Strait” (a piece of land that connected Siberia and North America, that was exposed due to the Ice Age).

3. It is believed that people travelled down this land following game animals and seeking new land. These people would become the ancestors of the Native peoples. It is believed this happened 14 to 20 THOUSAND years ago!
Another theory held by many North American First People (Natives) is that they were created here by the Great Spirit, through a creation story.

4. The Native people lived across what we now call Canada
The Native people lived across what we now call Canada. There were Algonquin Nations (for example): Algonquin, Cree, Micmaq, Ojibwa
There were also Iroquoian Nations (for example): Mohwak, Huron, Petun.

5. You may recall from Grades 5 or 6, that Native Peoples in Canada had their own cultures, their own languages and although they did have lots in common, they differed greatly. Generally their concern was for the well-being of each other and a respect for the environment, not material possessions. They were very self sufficient with their own way of living (hunting, houses, clothing).

6. The 1400s….
During the 1400s European countries started to send explorers to search for new water routes to India and China. In 1492 Christopher Columbus of Spain went to find a water route to India (by sailing west) and ended up landing on the islands in what we now call the West Indies. When he was there he explored the Caribbean and South American coast.

7. 1497
In 1497 John Cabot was sent by the English to look for a short route to the Far East. He reached Newfoundland and established England’s claim there.

8. s
During this time European countries wanted to control these ‘new lands’ (even though people already lived on these lands). Controlling the lands meant they could obtain the raw materials and make money selling them.
These kings and queens wanted to colonize (settle and control new lands) these lands. They wanted people to start to live on these new lands. They sent missionaries over to teach their religion to others (Natives) who did not share their religious beliefs.

9. Take a moment to write down on your handout a definition for:
Raw Materials -
Colonization -
Missionaries -
Material before it is processed (ie – wood)
Settling and controlling new lands
Raw Materials – material before it is processed (ie – wood)
Colonization – settling and controlling new lands
Missionaries – bringing one’s religious teachings to others who do not share them
Bringing one’s religious teachings to others who do not share them

10. Explorers would often plant a huge cross or flag of their home country, into the earth, claiming it as their own. Question – What is the problem with this?
ANSWER – There are already people living there!
ANSWER – there are already people living there!

11. In 1534 the King of France sent Jacques Cartier to claim land for France. He was sent to explore the St. Lawrence river. He sailed all the way to Montreal! In 1541 he established a permanent French settlement (in Quebec). After two harsh winters the settlement failed. Why??
Watch a one minute ‘Heritage Minute’ clip:
The inexperience with winter and all the harshness the winter brings.
ANSWER – The inexperience with winter and all the harshness the winter brings.

12. Samuel de Champlain – Map Maker
S de C was called the “Father of New France” because he set up so many permanent settlements in Canada, for France (Port Royal in Nova Scotia, Quebec City). In 1608 the fur trade was growing quickly, but the population wasn’t. If France was going to keep control away from other countries it needed to expand the population! (England had started to settle along the east coast of what is now the USA).

13. Think/Pair/Share Why did people want to explore new lands?
Curiosity -
Commerce -
Christianity -
The opportunity to learn about new land
Wanted a share in the profitable fur trade
Opportunity to spread Christian faith to Aboriginals

14. New France
Leading up to 1713 (where our Grade 7 year begins) the people of New France were focused on growth in population and in economy through the fur trade. Let’s watch a short recap…. While watching the video think of three questions you have regarding life in New France. You can base these questions on the facts presented or on the paintings shown. *** Only watch to 2 mins 14 sec *** May want to watch twice – once to watch, second time thinking about their three questions. ***Share their questions (if time).

15. Homework
Research 10 facts (one to two sentences each) about the fur trade in Canada in the 1600 and 1700s. Why was the fur trade so important to New France?