Unit Title
Artsakh War
Lesson Titles
Background for Teachers
Coming soon.
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Unit Title
Twelve Ways to Deny a GenocideLesson Titles
Background for Teachers
This unit called “Twelve Ways to Deny a Genocide” helps students understand how and why people and countries have argued that certain genocides never really happened. The unit fits well with focused conversations about particular genocides as well as very general conversations about careful reading, critical thinking, and civic responsibility.
The first lesson, called “Understanding Genocide Denial,” teaches students about denial by looking at various twentieth- and twenty-first-century examples. The second lesson, called “Research Project,” asks students to research a particular genocide and to identity the strategies that have been used to deny it. -
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Unit Title
Justice and the Armenian GenocideLesson Titles
Background for Teachers
This unit, called “Justice and the Armenian Genocide,” is made up of the 6 lessons listed above. Each lesson plan has been designed to stand on its own; so, teachers can use just one or all six or something in between.
The Armenian Genocide took place between 1915 and 1923.* Although the perpetrators and victims are all dead, and although so much time has passed, justice was never done. So, this unit explores questions like What does justice look like? How can justice be done so long after a crime has taken place? and Why should non-victims help victims secure justice? This unit connects well with many ideas about long-term, historical, and systemic problems that are circulating in Canada today, like racism, homophobia, and genocide in our own past and present.
Teachers who would like to use one or more of these lessons to introduce the Armenian Genocide to their students for the first time will likely find “Overview” most useful. Those who have an interest in contemporary social justice might want to start with “Rehabilitation,” while those who prefer a historical perspective should probably start with “Reparations.” For a brief overview of the genocide itself, its legacies, and Canadian connections, we recommend our booklet Canada and the Armenian Genocide (click here). For even more information, we recommend Professor Uğur Üngör’s essay “The Armenian Genocide, 1915” (click here) and the executive summary of the Armenian Genocide Reparations Study Group’s report called Resolution with Justice (click here).
All of the lesson plans include materials for students to read and prompting questions with which teachers can facilitate reflection and discussion. In addition to small classrooms, this unit has also been used during large student conferences, where groups of 20 students have been given one lesson each. After completing their lesson, each group has shared its thoughts with its peers.
* Different dates are sometimes used, depending on the specific events and perpetrators an author has chosen to focus on. “1915,” “1915–1916,” and “1915–1918” are some common alternatives.
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Unit Title
Upstanders during the Armenian GenocideLesson Title
Background for Teachers
This lesson focuses on the concepts of social justice, upstanders, and advocacy. It begins with a contemporary discussion, dips into one man’s historical activism, and ends with students writing advocacy letters about issues that interest them. The historical dimension takes the German soldier and medic Armin T. Wegner (1886–1978) as a case study of advocacy. He was a witness to the persecution of Armenians in the Ottoman Empire and of Jews in Nazi Germany. Wegner voiced his concerns in letters to a US president and to Adolf Hitler. During and after his lifetime, he has been celebrated as a heroic and selfless activist. -
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The following article by Veronique Aynedjian appeared in the August 2024 issue of Torontohye newspaper.
On Saturday, July 13, around 100 community members and political representatives joined at Markham’s Forest of Hope to mark the unveiling of a monument dedicated to Sara Corning and her humanitarian pursuits.
After the playing of the Canadian and Armenian national anthems, master of ceremonies Alique Barsamian explained the extraordinary life of Sara Corning, a nurse from Chegoggin, Nova Scotia, who devoted her life to the humanitarian pursuit of saving Armenian orphans during the Armenian Genocide. Following a prayer from Very Reverend Father Vartan Tashjian, parish priest of St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church, His Worship Markham mayor Frank Scarpitti, Her Worship mayor of the Town of Yarmouth Pam Mood, Armenian Community Centre president Vahan Ajemian and Nishan Atikian from the Armenian National Committee of Toronto unveiled the monument. The monument was designed by artist Garen Bedrossian and funded by the generous contributions of Simon and Maral Hasserjian. The architect who designed the Forest of Hope was Haig Seferian. The monument is inspired by a photograph of Sara Corning with orphans on each side.
Founder of the Sara Corning Centre for Genocide Education, and the event’s keynote speaker, Raffi Sarkissian shared details of Sara Corning’s life. Sarkissian explained that Corning’s one-of-a-kind humanitarian spirit was why the organization was named after the Chegoggin-born nurse. Sarkissian expressed that “Canada needs more Sara Corning,” as her humanitarian spirit must serve as a guide to our moral compasses, especially concerning genocide prevention. By commemorating Corning’s legacy, we “create a future where all rights are respected equally.” Sarkissian also referenced Hitler’s chilling words “Who, after all, remembers the Armenians” to explain that a forgotten genocide allows the precedence of genocides to continue and for new genocides to be committed.
Markham’s mayor Frank Scarpitti spoke about how despite many moments of humankind being blighted by conflict, it is through the actions of people like Corning that we are able to find hope and light in the darkness. Scarpitti went on to explain the importance of the statue in honouring Sara Corning’s legacy and lifelong dedication to her humanitarian work.
Yarmouth’s mayor Pam Mood also spoke about how the monument embodies Sara Corning’s legacy, which is defined by spreading kindness and the goodness of humanity.
Sixteen political representatives from Markham in York Region attended the event, as well as Jennifer and David, two members of Sara Corning’s family.
After the event, many families took the opportunity to take a picture with the newly erected monument. This event was truly memorable as it not only was a historical moment for genocide remembrance but also strengthened the bonds between the Canadian and Armenian communities. Let us all follow Corning’s example and continue the noble pursuit of saving humanity with grace and the kindness of our own hearts.
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The following article was published in the July 2024 issue of Torontohye newspaper.
Born in Nova Scotia in 1872, Sara Corning’s life was marked by extraordinary acts of bravery and humanitarianism. From her efforts in aiding the victims of the Halifax Explosion to rescuing Armenian and Greek orphans in the aftermath of World War I, Corning’s story is one of unwavering dedication to serving others in their most desperate times of need. Now, 55 years after the Canadian humanitarian’s death, a monument celebrating her life’s work and selfless accomplishments will be unveiled in Markham.
On Saturday, July 13, 2024, the City of Markham, in collaboration with the Armenian National Committee of Toronto (ANCT), the Armenian Community centre of Toronto, and the Sara Corning Centre for Genocide Education, will unveil a monument in her honour at the Forest of Hope in Ashton Meadows Park. The ceremony, starting at 3 p.m., will celebrate Corning’s remarkable life and the enduring bond between the Armenian and Canadian communities. It will highlight the shared values of compassion, resilience, and mutual respect.
Sara Corning’s courage and compassion were most prominently displayed during the Armenian Genocide, where she played a crucial role in rescuing and caring for thousands of Armenian and Greek orphans. Her tireless efforts earned her international recognition, including the Silver Cross Medal of the Order of the Saviour, awarded by King George Il of Greece in 1923. The new monument in Markham will stand as a lasting tribute to her invaluable contributions and the importance of humanitarian action in times of adversity.
The ongoing struggles faced by Armenians today highlight the relevance of Sara Corning’s legacy. The 2020 war in Artsakh and continued humanitarian challenges have underscored the resilience and strength or the Armentan community. Families have been torn apart, homes destroyed, and lives upended by conflict and violence. Yet, despite these trials, the spirit of compassion within the Armenian community remains unbroken.
Sara Corning’s legacy inspires action with empathy and solidarity in addressing modern challenges. Her life demonstrates that, even in the darkest times, individuals possess the power to make a difference. The monument symbolizes a commitment to fostering a world where compassion and understanding triumph over indifference and division.
“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Mayor Frank Scarpitti, the Markham City Council, the Armenian Community Centre of Toronto, and all those who have worked tirelessly to bring this monument to fruition. We would also like to thank the artist and sculptor, Mr. Garen Bedrossian. Your efforts ensure that Sara Corning’s legacy will continue to inspire future generations, the ANCT, Armenian Community Centre of Toronto, and the Sara Corning Centre for Genocide Education, an organization named in her honour, said in a statement.
In 2016, the City of Markham designated a section of Ashton Meadows Park as the Forest or Hope in honour of the centenary or the Armenian Genocide. 1 his area symbolizes remembrance, resilience and the enduring spirit of those affected by historical injustices. designed by architect Mr. Haig Seferian, the Forest of Hope is a place of reflection and commemoration. Commemorating Sara Corning’s life and legacy calls for building upon her spirit of service and empathy, continuing her commitment to a more compassionate and just world Community members are invited to join the celebration of Sara Corning’s lite and legacy. The event will take place on Saturday, July 13, 2024, beginning at 3 p.m. at the Forest of Hope in Ashton Meadows Park, located at 200 Calvert Drive in Markham. This gathering will honour Sara Corning’s remarkable contributions and reflect on her enduring impact. Standing together in solidarity honours her memory and carries forward her spirit of service in all aspects of life.