Dominique Laperle

Pensionnat du Saint-Nom-de-Marie, Montreal, Quebec

Dominique Laperle’s project titled Dollard et Groulx seeks to inform a discussion on the manipulation of historical fact for political ends.

Based on a false report appearing in a Quebec newspaper, announcing the possible toppling of a statue of Dollard des Ormeaux at the entrance to La Fontaine Park in Montreal, Mr. Laperle’s students must reflect on and interpret a social phenomenon described in an editorial-style text on whether or not the statue should be kept.

The students support their arguments with an analysis of primary sources from the New France era and secondary sources by 19^th and 20^th century historians, like those of Lionel Groulx.

Through the Dollard et Groulx project, Dominique Laperle’s students come to understand how ideologies weigh on societal choices—as do myths that are spread, intentionally or not, about certain groups, notably the First Nations.