Social Studies

He was born in the war ravaged African country of Somalia and grew up on the streets of Toronto. Now K'naan is a global singing sensation and his song, Wavin' Flag, is the official song of the 2010 world soccer championship in South Africa. This interview with K'naan explores how his turbulent li...

Canada is a multicultural country where people of many races and backgrounds live in harmony together. Most of us are proud of our diversity, and like to think we live in a country where prejudice is not a problem. This video examines how one racist incident shocks a community. It asks pollsters ...

In January, the Caribbean country of Haiti is devastated by a powerful earthquake. More than 200,000 people are killed and over a million people are left homeless. Canadians react generously to the calls for help by raising millions of dollars for Haiti relief.

In March, opposition members of Parliament table an explosive motion in the House of Commons. They ask the Speaker of the House to rule that the Conservative government is violating parliamentary privilege, for withholding documents on the treatment of Afghan detainees. Could this trigger a const...

This program describes how Canada's government works. Filmed on location in Ottawa, students learn about the members of parliament and the basic structure and functions of the House of Commons. There is an interactive quiz at the end of the program. A teacher's guide is available.

The National produced a documentary based on CBC journalist Karen Levine's book Hana's Suitcase: A True Story. The book depicts a Japanese school teacher, Fumiko Ishioka, who decides to use the Holocaust as an educational tool. Using the suitcase of Hana Brady, a young girl who was sent to Auschw...

In this episode, T-Bear takes advantage of the All Chief's Conference to raise the issue of elder care. T-Bear's father encourages him to run for National Youth Council president. Talon's ideas to assist the elders of Wapos Bay become the core issues of the election campaign. Talon is jealous of ...

In this episode from the Wapos Bay Series, cousin Betty arrives in a wheelchair and the community does its best to adapt to her personal needs. T-Bear avoids Betty when he finds out she is sick. Betty is hurt because she thinks T-Bear no longer likes her. The community of Wapos Bay decides to mak...

The fur trade played a large role in the early history of Canada. It opened up the country, created new communities and led to the further exploration of North America. Archaeologists have retrieved many artifacts from places like old trading posts.

On January 12, a powerful earthquake strikes Haiti. More than 100,000 people are killed, and about a million others are left homeless. This story looks at Haiti's tragedy, and how Canada and other countries help the survivors.

Canada plays host to the world when the Winter Olympics open in Vancouver. During the Games, the spotlight will be on the athletes. But it has taken years of work by thousands of Canadians to prepare for this event.

In November, a Canadian diplomat triggers a political firestorm on Parliament Hill. Richard Colvin tells a committee that Canadian troops have been handing over prisoners to Afghan authorities, even though the government knew they might be tortured. The government denies it, refuses to hand over ...

On Christmas Day 2009, a Nigerian man allegedly tries to blow up an airliner as it prepares to land in Detroit. The man was subdued by other passengers before he could set off explosive material sewn into his underwear. The incident triggered a security scare at airports all over the world.

It's been just over a year since Canada was hit by the effects of a global recession. More than 350,000 people lost their jobs. Now there are some faint signs of recovery, but is the recession really over?

Shortly after assuming office, U.S. President Barack Obama announces plans to reform his country's health care system. The announcement set off a debate with both sides citing Canada's Medicare system to back up their arguments.