History Guide - Grade 8 Canada

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Grade 8 History & Geography 🍁

Ontario Curriculum · TDSB · Curated Video Lessons

Grade 8 History in Ontario focuses on Canada from 1850 to 1914 — from Confederation to the eve of World War I. The course examines political, social, and economic developments, the experiences of Indigenous peoples, and Canada's growing national identity. This guide covers the key history units with curriculum-aligned video lessons.

History – Creating Canada 1850–1890

🏛️ Life in Canada Before Confederation

Before Canada became a country, its regions had distinct economies, cultures, and political tensions. This lesson explores life in British North America between 1850 and 1890, examining the social, economic, and political conditions — including economic pressures, the Fenian raids, and the desire for a railway — that set the stage for Confederation in 1867.

  • British North America
  • Pre-Confederation
  • Social Conditions
  • Colonial Life

Source: Grade 8 Canadian History Series

History – Creating Canada 1850–1890

🇨🇦 Confederation & the Dominion of Canada

On July 1, 1867, Canada became a nation. This Grade 8-specific lesson explains why Confederation happened, who was involved (the Fathers of Confederation), and what the British North America Act created — the birth of the Dominion of Canada. It also covers how provinces like Manitoba, BC, and PEI joined the new country in the years that followed.

  • Confederation 1867
  • BNA Act
  • Fathers of Confederation
  • Dominion of Canada

Source: Grade 8 Canadian History Series

History – Indigenous Peoples

🪶 Indigenous Peoples: Political & Legal Changes

Grade 8 History gives special attention to the impact of government policies on First Nations, Métis, and Inuit communities between 1850 and 1890. This lesson examines the Numbered Treaties, the Indian Act (1876), and how colonialism — including the displacement of Indigenous peoples onto reserves — fundamentally reshaped Indigenous ways of life and self-governance.

  • Indian Act
  • Numbered Treaties
  • First Nations Rights
  • Métis & Inuit Peoples

Source: Canadian History Education

History – Residential Schools

📜 The Residential School System

One of the most significant and painful chapters of Canadian history is the residential school system. This lesson explains how the government used residential schools to forcibly assimilate Indigenous children — separating them from their families, languages, and cultures. Understanding this history is essential for reconciliation and for honouring the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action.

  • Residential Schools
  • Forced Assimilation
  • Reconciliation
  • Truth & Reconciliation Commission

Source: Canadian History Education

Built for TDSB students · Ontario Curriculum · Grade 8 History & Geography

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