Canadian Flag History and Identity

Our flag has a long and colourful history. It is a powerful symbol of Canadian heritage, national culture, and our traditional values. Studying our National Flag, the Maple Leaf, allows students countless opportunities to learn about our values, rights, and responsibilities as a Canadian citizen. Flown at school, in the community, across Canada, and during international affairs, it enfolds us all as members of the "Canadian Family".

Unlike many other nations, we do not currently have laws governing the flag is to be flown. The respect with which our flag is treated is a matter of practice, earned rather than legislated. The general principle is that it should be handled the way we would like our reputations, national, and individual, to be handled; with respect, and pride.

In this project, students will participate effectively in an action-oriented project concerning the state of our National Flag on outside flagpoles in and around our community. This activity is designed to promote an understanding of the active role that any citizen can play in effecting change in our public policy issues. Students will learn to understand the importance of National Symbols in Canada, and have the opportunity to initiate, or even effect change in our society. This activity has been developed to provide students with the opportunity, the skills, and the resources to investigate the condition of our Maple Leaf on outside flagpoles in our community.