Commemorating Canada’s First Internment Operations
Borys Sydoruk, Ukrainian Canadian Congress, National Internment Committee and Jen Williams at SSENC
The Ukrainian Canadian Congress’s National Internment Committee, along with SSENC, is inviting teachers to bring an often-overlooked chapter of Canadian history into their classrooms: Canada’s first national internment operations (1914–1920).
October 28 marks WWI National Internment Commemoration Day, offering a natural opportunity to engage students in this history. Whether through a single lesson or a deeper inquiry, educators are invited to help students explore this complex past and consider its ongoing relevance to Canadian society. This day also encourages communities across the country to find ways to actively remember our history.
To support this work, a set of free, classroom-ready lesson plans from The Critical Thinking Consortium (TC²) is now available. These resources are designed with busy educators in mind and include primary sources, structured inquiry questions, and ready-to-use activities that help students think critically about historical evidence and perspective. You can access them here!
Teachers and the public are encouraged to explore www.internmentcanada.ca and related digital archives, which offer rich background information and personal stories. These materials help students understand how wartime policies affected thousands of civilians labeled “enemy aliens,” many of whom were of Ukrainian and other Eastern European descent. You may also have a local Ukrainian organization who can help with commemoration activities within your school and community.
This initiative goes beyond content coverage. It supports meaningful classroom conversations about civil liberties, identity, and government decision-making in times of crisis—connections that resonate strongly with contemporary world events. The resources are adaptable across grade levels and include guidance for navigating sensitive discussions with care and respect.
The Ukrainian Canadian Congress’s National Internment Committee and SSENC would love to hear about the initiatives you explore in your classroom and community: contact us at info@ssencressc.ca.
