June 10 2026 Wednesday Dunkirk Film - re: Page 288 - Creating Canada

Please remind class - there will be time provided to finish Worksheet 6  - page 305-330 - On Friday June 12 as an FYI.

Today is FILM DAY: To re-enforce learning re: page 

Film - Dunkirk - 1 hr 46. 

> Film Connect - Creating Canada Text Page 288 Creating Canada - The Battle of Dunkirk. 

Post Film Viewing - Group Work Questions:

Identity & Belonging

• The soldiers on the beach come from Britain, France, and other Allied nations. How does a shared crisis create or complicate a sense of collective identity? How might this connect to how Canada defines its national identity?
• Canada sent troops to Dunkirk — why might that fact be largely absent from this British-made film? Whose stories get told, and why does that matter?

Governance & Decision-Making

• Churchill's government had to decide whether to attempt the evacuation or surrender. What factors would have influenced that decision? How do democratic governments balance military strategy with the lives of citizens?
• Civilian boats were called upon to help. What does this tell us about the relationship between government and citizens during a national crisis? Can you think of Canadian examples of civilians mobilizing in an emergency?

Power & Conflict

• The film shows war almost entirely without the enemy being seen. How does that choice affect how we understand conflict? Does removing the "other side" make it easier or harder to think critically about war?
• Canada fought in both World Wars largely because of ties to Britain. Should a country's foreign policy decisions be shaped by historical alliances? How has Canada's relationship with Britain changed since 1940?

Continuity & Change

• The Dunkirk evacuation was spun as a kind of victory despite being a massive retreat. How do governments shape public memory of difficult events? Can you think of examples from Canadian history where a defeat or failure was reframed?
• How has Canada's role in international conflicts changed from WWII to today (peacekeeping, NATO, etc.)?

Media Literacy

• This is a Hollywood-style British film. What perspectives are centred, and what perspectives are missing (Canadian soldiers, French troops, the German side, civilians)?
• How might a Canadian-made film about Dunkirk look different?

If Time - Students time to complete ANY and ALL of the 6 worksheets provided as part of this Unit - 20's, 30's, WW2  - Chapter 7-11 Creating Canada