Scottish Independence and Canada... Finding Connections

It seemed strange to students that I started our Canadian history course this week with a discussion on Scottish independence. At first, the class thought that it was due to the not insignificant contributions that the Scottish made to the foundation of Canada. Our first Prime Minister was born in Glasgow, Scotland, just like I was. But, no that wasn't the hook. We started with a current article featuring the leader of the Scottish National Party admonishing his country folk to seize the moment and make history. A map exercise to engage the visual learners was undertaken, and a recent version of the national anthem "Flower of Scotland" was played to stimulate the environment. Even the Simpsons were thrown in for good measure. https://time.com/3372547/the-simpsons-groundskeeper-willie-scottish-independence/

The point of the exercise? To demonstrate that people come together in different ways in order to form nations. Furthermore, that nations come and go, and that concepts such as Time, place, and orientation and related concepts such as Change and Power, are lasting and transferable. This is an approach that teachers of the IB Middle Years Program (MYP) are quite familiar with. They are used to teaching concepts that are applicable across many settings.

It was a moment of real satisfaction when one student clearly made the connection between the topical issue of Scottish independence and the content of Canadian history that deals with the period just prior to the formation of the nation known as Confederation. The formation of nations is both global and timeless. This student recognized that the concepts of change and power are applicable across the globe.

Canadians are particularly interested in how this referendum will be settled given the many historical ties to Scotland and the United Kingdom. As well, Canada grapples with the challenges associated with Quebec separatism which has historically held referenda on its continued union with the country.

How will Scotland vote? That's too close to call for now, especially on the eve of this historic moment. As an educator, though, I am pleased now that my own students have a better understanding of how nations are formed, and sometimes taken apart.