Commemorative Challenge (secondary students)

Students will work collaboratively in small groups and lead themselves on an exploration and evaluation of the fort. Students will look for clues, engage with interpreters, answer questions, and think critically about the historical narrative of Fort Langley and the impact it has on them today. 

At the end of the program, students will decide, through critical and reflective thinking, how Fort Langley should be commemorated as a national historic site while keeping Truth and Reconciliation in mind. 

Learning objectives

• The history of the Hudson’s Bay Company and the Canadian fur trade;
• The impacts of colonialism; and, 
• Indigenous culture and resilience as demonstrated in their traditional practices.

Designed for secondary students, this school program addresses the "Big Ideas" for Social Studies in BC’s course curriculum for grades 8 to 12.

 Teacher information

• Book now!
  • Please do not register with your personal information. You must register using your work email and phone number, along with the school’s address and postal code.
• Fees: View cost on fee page; teachers and parent volunteers are free
• Capacity: Two class maximum per school (up to 60 students)
• Adult chaperones: One adult required per 10 students in attendance
• Offered: September to June, Monday to Friday at 10:00 am and Wednesday at 12:30 pm, each program is 2 hours
• Language: Available in English or French
• Please ensure that all schools have a fair chance to participate in our programs: give us at least two weeks' notice of any cancellations, so that we may offer the time slot to another class.

How the program works

• Your class will be divided into groups, supervised by a parent volunteer or teacher. 
• Each group will visit eight stations throughout the site and where engage with costumed interpreters who will encourage them to think about the overarching connection each station has to the fort as a whole. 

Preparing for your visit

• Divide your student list into groups of ten students. Assign an adult chaperone to each group.
• Programs run rain or shine, dress for the weather. In June, insect repellent may be needed.
• To assist us in delivering the best experience for your students, encourage adult leaders to model active listening, to silence cell phones, and take necessary phone calls or conversations with other parents outside while programs are in progress.

When you arrive

• Check in 15 minutes prior to your scheduled program time.
• Pay for your field trip using credit card or school cheque, written out to the Receiver General for Canada.
• Adult chaperones are required at all times while exploring the fort and visitor centre.

Washrooms and lunch facilities

• Washrooms are located in the Visitor Centre.
• Outdoor picnic areas and shelters are available for lunch.

After your visit

• How was your visit? Fill in a feedback form (PDF - 74 KB) and return it to us by email.