Prince Edward Island · Grade 12
Canadian History 621A
- HIS621A
Prince Edward Island’s Grade 12 social studies course, from Introduction to Independent Study (Inquiry).
- Units
- 7
- Lessons
- 30
- Skills
- 38
- Provincial exam
- None
- Official curriculum
- princeedwardisland.ca
Unit by unit
Every skill in the course, numbered by unit.
Unit 1 · 2 skills
Introduction
Persistent Questions in Canada's History
Continuing and persistent questions
I can identify and describe persistent questions with deep roots in Canada's history.
Skill 1.1
Individuals, Events, and Symbols
Significance of individuals, events, and symbols
I can identify significant individuals, events, and symbols and explain their significance.
Skill 1.2
The official wording · 2 outcomes
- 1.1
- identify and describe continuing/persistent questions that have deep roots in Canada’s history
- 1.2
- identify those individuals, events, and/or symbols that they believe have contributed to the development of Canada and explain their historical
Key ideas
Some questions recur throughout Canada's history.
Individuals, events, and symbols shaped Canada's development.
Persistent questions concern identity, power, land, and belonging.
Historical significance is judged, not automatic.
These questions have deep historical roots.
Watch out for
- Thinking history is only settled facts, not open questions.
- Thinking significance is just fame.
- Thinking today's issues have no historical roots.
Every skill’s key ideas, worked examples and checks are in MapleMind.Practise this unit
Unit 2 · 8 skills
Globalization
The Peopling of the Americas
Theories of the peopling of the Americas
I can investigate and assess migration theories of the peopling of the Americas.
Skill 2.1
Indigenous accounts and emerging theories
I can assess Indigenous accounts and emerging theories of the peopling of the Americas.
Skill 2.2
Contact and Colonization
The effects of Contact
I can analyse the effects of Contact between Indigenous peoples and Europeans.
Skill 2.3
The effects of colonization
I can analyse the effects of colonization on Indigenous peoples and the land.
Skill 2.4
Relationships with France, Britain, and the USA
Evolving relationships shaping Canada
I can explain how Canada's relationships with France, Britain, and the USA shaped its development.
Skill 2.5
World War I and Canadian Identity
WWI and Canada's identity
I can analyse how World War I shaped Canada's identity.
Skill 2.6
World War II and Canadian Identity
WWII and Canada's identity
I can analyse how World War II shaped Canada's identity.
Skill 2.7
Canada's Roles in the Late 20th Century
Canada's evolving late-20th-century roles
I can analyse how Canada's roles evolved in the late twentieth century.
Skill 2.8
The official wording · 8 outcomes
- 2.1
- investigate and assess various traditional and emerging theories regarding the peopling of the Americas
- 2.2
- investigate and assess various traditional and emerging theories regarding the peopling of the Americas
- 2.3
- analyze the effects of Contact and subsequent colonization
- 2.4
- analyze the effects of Contact and subsequent colonization
- 2.5
- demonstrate an understanding that Canada’s development was influenced by evolving relationships with France, Britain, and the USA
- 2.6
- analyze the role played by WWI in shaping Canada’s identity
- 2.7
- analyze the role played by WWII in shaping Canada’s identity
- 2.8
- analyze the evolution of Canada’s roles in the late twentieth century
Key ideas
Several theories explain how people first reached the Americas.
Contact brought exchange of goods, ideas, and technology.
France and Britain were Canada's colonial parent powers.
Canada entered WWI as part of the British Empire.
Canada made major military and industrial contributions in WWII.
Watch out for
- Thinking one theory is proven beyond question.
- Thinking Contact affected all peoples equally.
- Thinking Canada developed in isolation.
Every skill’s key ideas, worked examples and checks are in MapleMind.Practise this unit
Unit 3 · 6 skills
Development
Aboriginal Economic Systems
How Aboriginal economies worked
I can investigate how Aboriginal economic systems were organized.
Skill 3.1
Aboriginal trade and exchange
I can investigate Aboriginal trade and exchange networks.
Skill 3.2
The Staple Trade
The Staple Trade and colonial development
I can analyse the role of the Staple Trade in colonial Canada's development.
Skill 3.3
The National Policy and Industrialization
The National Policy and industrial growth
I can analyse how the National Policy related to Canada's industrialization.
Skill 3.4
The Free Trade Debate
Free trade and Canada's development
I can analyse the role of the free trade debate in Canada's development.
Skill 3.5
Economic Trends and the Future
Trends and policies shaping Canada's future
I can analyse economic trends and policies shaping Canada's future development.
Skill 3.6
The official wording · 6 outcomes
- 3.1
- investigate the economic systems of Aboriginal societies in North America
- 3.2
- investigate the economic systems of Aboriginal societies in North America
- 3.3
- analyze the role played by the Staple Trade in the development of (Colonial) Canada.
- 3.4
- analyze the relationship between the National Policy and the industrialization of Canada
- 3.5
- analyze the role of the free trade debate/issue in Canada’s development
- 3.6
- analyze the economic trends and policies that impact on Canada’s current and future development
Key ideas
Aboriginal economies were adapted to the land and its resources.
Staples are raw materials exported to a mother country.
The National Policy used tariffs to protect Canadian industry.
Free trade removes barriers between countries' economies.
Globalization and technology drive current economic change.
Watch out for
- Thinking Aboriginal economies were simple or primitive.
- Thinking the colonial economy was self-sufficient.
- Thinking the National Policy benefited all regions equally.
Every skill’s key ideas, worked examples and checks are in MapleMind.Practise this unit
Unit 4 · 7 skills
Governance
First Nations Governance
First Nations governing structures and worldviews
I can explain how First Nations governing structures reflected their societies' values.
Skill 4.1
Treaties and post-Contact governance
I can explain how treaties affected First Nations governance after Contact.
Skill 4.2
Governing Philosophies in BNA
Merging governing philosophies in BNA
I can explain how and why French, British, and American governing philosophies merged in BNA.
Skill 4.3
The Road to Confederation
Political and economic roads to Confederation
I can analyse how political and economic structures led to Confederation.
Skill 4.4
The Evolution of Federalism
Federalism from Confederation to Patriation
I can evaluate how federalism evolved from Confederation to Patriation.
Skill 4.5
From Two Parties to Many
The shift to a multi-party system
I can analyse the shift from a two-party to a multi-party system in Canada.
Skill 4.6
The Canadian Constitution
The purpose of the Constitution
I can explain the purpose of the Canadian Constitution.
Skill 4.7
The official wording · 7 outcomes
- 4.1
- demonstrate an understanding of how pre-Contact and post-Contact First Nations’ governing structures and practices were reflective of their societies
- 4.2
- demonstrate an understanding of how pre-Contact and post-Contact First Nations’ governing structures and practices were reflective of their societies
- 4.3
- demonstrate an understanding of how and why competing French, British, and American governing philosophies merged in BNA
- 4.4
- analyze how emerging political and economic structures led to Confederation
- 4.5
- evaluate the evolution of federalism in Canada from Confederation to Patriation
- 4.6
- analyze the shift from a traditional two-party process to a multi-party process in post-Confederation Canada
- 4.7
- demonstrate an understanding of the purpose of the Canadian constitution
Key ideas
First Nations had their own governing structures before Contact.
British North America inherited French and British traditions.
Political deadlock in the Province of Canada pushed toward union.
Federalism divides powers between federal and provincial governments.
Post-Confederation politics began as a two-party contest.
Watch out for
- Thinking First Nations had no governance before Contact.
- Thinking Canada's government came from one tradition.
- Thinking Confederation had a single cause.
Every skill’s key ideas, worked examples and checks are in MapleMind.Practise this unit
Unit 5 · 6 skills
Sovereignty
Sovereignty Around the World
Global struggles for sovereignty
I can explain how struggles for sovereignty affect countries and peoples globally.
Skill 5.1
Sovereignty, Conflict, and Compromise
Conflict and compromise over sovereignty
I can explain how desires for sovereignty create conflict and compromise.
Skill 5.2
First Nations Sovereignty
Treaties, land claims, and re-establishing sovereignty
I can analyse First Nations' struggles to re-establish sovereignty through treaties and land claims.
Skill 5.3
Self-government and self-determination
I can analyse First Nations' struggles for self-government and self-determination.
Skill 5.4
Quebec Nationalism
The emergence of Quebec nationalism
I can explain the facts that promoted the emergence of Quebec nationalism.
Skill 5.5
External Factors on Canadian Sovereignty
External pressures on Canadian sovereignty
I can analyse the external factors affecting Canada's struggle for sovereignty.
Skill 5.6
The official wording · 6 outcomes
- 5.1
- demonstrate an understanding that struggles for sovereignty affect countries and peoples globally
- 5.2
- demonstrate an understanding of how desires for sovereignty create conflict and compromise
- 5.3
- analyze the struggles of First Nations to re-establish sovereignty
- 5.4
- analyze the struggles of First Nations to re-establish sovereignty
- 5.5
- identify and explain the historical and contemporary facts that promoted the emergence of Quebec nationalism
- 5.6
- analyze the external factors that have impacted on the struggle for Canadian sovereignty
Key ideas
Sovereignty is a people's authority to govern themselves.
Competing desires for sovereignty can cause conflict.
First Nations sovereignty was undermined by colonization and policy.
Quebec has a distinct language and culture.
External powers influence Canada's sovereignty.
Watch out for
- Thinking sovereignty struggles are rare.
- Thinking sovereignty disputes only cause conflict.
- Thinking First Nations sovereignty is only a historical issue.
Every skill’s key ideas, worked examples and checks are in MapleMind.Practise this unit
Unit 6 · 7 skills
Justice
Contributions to Canada's Legal System
First Nations contributions to the legal system
I can analyse First Nations contributions to Canada's legal system.
Skill 6.1
French and British contributions to the legal system
I can analyse the French and British contributions to Canada's legal system.
Skill 6.2
Land, Culture, and Displacement
The relationship between land and culture
I can explain the relationship between land and culture for Indigenous peoples.
Skill 6.3
The effects of displacement
I can analyse the effects of displacement on Indigenous peoples.
Skill 6.4
Canada's Immigration Policies
Origins and effects of immigration policy
I can analyse the origins and effects of Canada's immigration policies.
Skill 6.5
Power and Inequity
Inequities of power and responses to them
I can analyse how the lack of power has led to inequities and how people responded.
Skill 6.6
The Struggle for Rights and Freedoms
The evolution of rights and freedoms
I can analyse the evolution of the struggle to achieve rights and freedoms.
Skill 6.7
The official wording · 7 outcomes
- 6.1
- analyze the contributions of First Nations, France, and Britain to Canada’s legal system
- 6.2
- analyze the contributions of First Nations, France, and Britain to Canada’s legal system
- 6.3
- demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between land and culture and analyze the effects of displacement
- 6.4
- demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between land and culture and analyze the effects of displacement
- 6.5
- demonstrate an understanding of Canada’s immigration policies and analyze their origins and effects
- 6.6
- demonstrate an understanding of how the lack of political and economic power has led to inequities and analyze the responses to these inequities
- 6.7
- analyze the evolution of the struggle to achieve rights and freedoms
Key ideas
First Nations had their own legal traditions and justice concepts.
For Indigenous peoples, land is tied to identity and culture.
Immigration policy decides who may come to Canada.
A lack of political and economic power leads to inequity.
Rights and freedoms were achieved through long struggle.
Watch out for
- Thinking Canada's law comes only from Europe.
- Thinking land is just property, not culture.
- Thinking Canada's immigration policy was always open.
Every skill’s key ideas, worked examples and checks are in MapleMind.Practise this unit
Unit 7 · 2 skills
Independent Study (Inquiry)
Independent Historical Research
Researching with the historical method
I can conduct research using the historical method.
Skill 7.1
Communicating research findings
I can communicate the findings of historical research effectively.
Skill 7.2
The official wording · 2 outcomes
- 7.1
- engage in specific research using historical method and communicate the findings of their research effectively
- 7.2
- engage in specific research using historical method and communicate the findings of their research effectively
Key ideas
The historical method starts with a focused research question.
Primary and secondary sources are gathered and evaluated.
Evidence is analysed for reliability and meaning.
Research builds toward a supported historical argument.
Findings are presented as a clear, supported argument.
Watch out for
- Thinking research is just collecting facts.
- Thinking all sources are equally reliable.
- Thinking presentation doesn't matter if the research is good.
Every skill’s key ideas, worked examples and checks are in MapleMind.Practise this unit
Plan the term
Pick your term and the days you study. Each unit gets its share of the weeks and comes back a week later for a review. The last two weeks go over the whole course.
Which course?
Prince Edward Island has 2 social studies courses for Grade 12. Here they are side by side.
- Canadian History 621AThis courseHIS621A7 units · 38 skillsNo provincial examWhat it coversIntroduction · Globalization · Development · Governance · Sovereignty · Justice · Independent Study (Inquiry)
- Prince Edward Island History 621BHIS621B4 units · 20 skillsNo provincial examWhat it coversUnit 1: Land and Resources · Unit 2: People and Culture · Unit 3: Power and Government · Unit 4: Economies and Technologies
What a university, college or program asks for is theirs to say: check its admission page, and your school’s course guide.
The official curriculum
This page follows Prince Edward Island’s own curriculum for Canadian History 621A.
Textbooks
The textbooks PEI Department of Education and Early Years lists for Canadian History 621A:
- Canada’s History – Voices and Visions
From Senior High Program of Studies and Authorized Materials, 2026-2027, read October 27, 2026. princeedwardisland.ca
Study it in MapleMind
MapleMind teaches Canadian History 621A one skill at a time. Each skill gets a short lesson, practice as you go and a check worth up to three stars. It remembers where you stopped.
Course Companion
Your year in one workbook
A fun way to keep Canadian History 621A organized, get to know your child better and see early when they need a hand. Fill it in on a screen, or print it.
- Pages
- 43
- Fillable fields
- 1,714
- Price
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Questions about Canadian History 621A
What is Canadian History 621A?
Prince Edward Island’s Grade 12 social studies course: 7 units and 38 skills, from Introduction to Independent Study (Inquiry).
What units are in Canadian History 621A?
1. Introduction, 2. Globalization, 3. Development, 4. Governance, 5. Sovereignty, 6. Justice and 7. Independent Study (Inquiry).
Is there a provincial exam for Canadian History 621A?
No. Prince Edward Island gives no provincial exam for Canadian History 621A.
What textbook does Canadian History 621A use?
The textbooks PEI Department of Education and Early Years lists for Canadian History 621A: Canada’s History – Voices and Visions.
Can MapleMind help with Canadian History 621A?
Yes. MapleMind teaches every skill of Canadian History 621A, step by step, with practice and checks, and its tutor answers questions about any of them. It’s free with daily limits, on iPhone, Android and the web.
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