Grades: 5-12

Courses
  • British Columbia History
  • Canadian History
  • British North American Colonial History
  • Aboriginal History in British Columbia
Key Topics
  • James Douglas “Father of British Columbia”
  • Important events in the historical development of British Columbia
  • Analysis of primary and secondary sources

Credits
Author: Lindsay Gibson
Editors: Roland Case, John Lutz and Jenny Clayton
Historical Researcher: Jenny Clayton, PhD, Department of History, University of Victoria
Developed by: The Critical Thinking Consortium (TC2)
www.tc2.ca

Did Governor James Douglas Deserve to be Knighted?

Step 8: Make an overall recommendation

After students have recorded the ratings and evidence from the presentations, invite them to assume the fictional role of a “Knighthood Reviewer” for the British Government. This person has come to the Colonies of Vancouver Island and British Columbia to investigate claims that several of Douglas’ actions during his time as governor were not worthy of the appointment as a Knight Commander of The Most Honourable Order of the Bath (KCB).

Direct students to prepare a one- or two-page report to the British government indicating whether the three incidents are grounds for having reservations about recommending Douglas for knighthood and to support their conclusion with evidence from the case studies.

Before embarking on the activity, review with students the rubric, #14 Assessing the Report, to indicate the need to offer a plausible recommendation, provide accurate and important information about the three incidents and communicate clearly. If desired, after completing the activity, arrange for students to assess their own or each others’ ratings and justifications.

horizontal divider

Suggested Activities