People across Alberta hold varying views on animals based on their culture, religion, age, life experiences and values. When students explore these diverse relationships, they begin to see how deeply animals are woven into our identities, communities and daily lives. Understanding this range of perspectives helps students appreciate that each persons’ unique connection to animals is shaped by more than personal preference — it reflects history, tradition and lived experience.

Exploring different viewpoints helps foster empathy, critical thinking and respectful dialogue. As students compare and contrast perspectives, they learn to recognize nuance, challenge assumptions and approach differences with open minds. This reflection also strengthens the interpersonal skills needed to build kind and caring communities.

This activity invites students to examine a diverse group of Albertans and their relationships with animals. This group represents different cultures, life experiences and values, providing students the opportunity to compare perspectives to each other, themselves and their peers.

Students will also explore conscious and unconscious bias, reflecting on what shapes their thinking and how these influences affect how we treat others, including animals.