Reflecting the past. Facing the present.
Defining Moments Canada / Moments Déterminants Canada is a Canadian heritage organization dedicated to commemorating “definitional moments” in our shared histories through the stories that have made them significant. Read our mission statement and meet the team.
We would like to respectfully acknowledge that Dufferin County resides within the traditional territory and ancestral lands of the Tionontati (Petun), Attawandaron (Neutral), Haudenosaunee (Six Nations), and Anishinaabe peoples. We also acknowledge that various municipalities within the County of Dufferin reside within the treaty lands named under the Haldimand Deed of 1784 and two of the Williams Treaties of 1818: Treaty 18: the Nottawasaga Purchase, and Treaty 19: The Ajetance Treaty.
These traditional territories, upon which we live and learn, are steeped in rich Indigenous history and traditions. It is with this statement that we declare to honour and respect the past and present connection of Indigenous peoples with this land, its waterways and resources.
Current & Upcoming Projects
Current Project:
NobelCanadian
Learn about ALL of Canada’s remarkable Nobel laureates and how they made their mark in the world of STEM, literature, and peace.
Current Project:
Bryce@100
Explore the work of Dr. Peter Henderson Bryce and his impact in public health, Indigenous welfare, and the legacy of the Canadian Indigenous Reserve and Residential School systems.
Current Project:
All for 9 and 9 for All
Learn about the 1872 Nine Hour Movement and induction of the Trade Unions Act as the start to a long history of Canadian worker activism for labour reform.
Current Project:
Herzberg50
Herzberg50 explores the remarkable life story of Dr. Gerhard Herzberg, and 2021 marks the 50th Anniversary of Herzberg’s Nobel Prize in Chemistry.
Resources for Teachers & Classrooms
“Defining Moments” are those moments of shared national importance to Canadians – teachers develop these in their classes every day. Such “moments” afford the Canadian classroom teacher a remarkably rich opportunity to inspire students to become “active citizens” completing digital tasks that commemorate a defining moment in our shared Canadian heritage.
Curatorial Thinking
Can curatorial thinking make sense of information, create a meaningful story, and build a strong sense of social responsibility? Learn more about our new tools and resources for hybrid classrooms that support students to think curatorially.
Storymapping in the Classroom
Learn how to incorporate storymapping into your classroom with Esri Canada.
Our Partners
Defining Moments Canada is proud to collaborate with many partners across Canada and around the world. Our partners bring enormous value to our projects, with a wealth of knowledge, tools, and research. Explore their contributions below, or learn more about our partners.
Past Projects
Insulin100
Insulin100: Inspiration and Innovation tells the story of the discovery and development of insulin, and the diverse impacts it had on individuals and communities across the country. How will you tell the story of this defining Canadian moment in your classroom?
VEDay75
Through the stories of soldiers, sailors, airmen, and resistance fighters, VEDay75 intends to share ‘Canada’s Finest Hour’ with a 21st century audience.
Juno Stories
On June 6th 1944, known as D-Day, 14,000 Canadians landed on Juno Beach in Normandy as part of one of the largest military operations in history. 90,000 Canadians would eventually take part in the ensuing Battle of Normandy, with countless other Canadians in support roles at home and overseas. How do we remember their sacrifices and their service?
1918 Influenza Pandemic
One hundred years ago, the Spanish flu pandemic killed as many as 100 million people worldwide. The impact on Canada was catastrophic. Delve deeper into this fascinating chapter in Canadian history with our extensive, interdisciplinary resources.