Facebook, the latest iPod and Justin Bieber’s haircut are just a few of the distractions for kids in the 21st century. But when Vernon School District students were recently asked to explore Canadian history, they jumped at the chance.
At the fourth annual Vernon and District Heritage Fair hosted by the Greater Vernon Museum and Archives, students in Grades 4 to 10 prepared projects that celebrate Canadian history and heritage.
BX Grade 5 students Faith Jackson and Emily Venton presented their project, History of the Gitxsan, at the fair in April, and were selected to attend the regional fair in Kelowna last month.
“I chose this topic because it is part of my heritage,” said Faith. “And I really wanted to learn more about it.”
Her good friend, Emily, is not of First Nations heritage, but has had a life-long interest in the subject.
“I wanted to learn their language and their culture, I just really wanted to learn more,” she said. “I learned how to say hello and I learned that a traditional village can hold up to 100 families, with each house holding one clan.
“Our project was hard work, but it was worth it.”
The girls’ project included miniature buildings and people to demonstrate a traditional Gitxsan village, with a totem pole at its centre. As well, historical photos from Faith’s family were used to illustrate the project.
“I went on the Internet and I talked to my dad and my grandma, who is head of the clan,” said Faith. “And I found the UBC Museum of Anthropology website really helpful as well. I learned more about how they hunted and the foods they used, how they fished.”
The girls’ project was selected to be presented at the regional fair in Kelowna and from there, to attend the Heritage Showcase at the University of Victoria in July. Unfortunately, only one student per project can attend, and Faith will be representing the project and bringing home a souvenir for Emily.
“We’ve had a number of our students in our class win awards at the heritage fair and two were selected to go to Kelowna,” said Tanya Kaempf, a Grade 5/6 teacher at BX. “I chose to do it as a whole class project. For ideas, we went on the museum’s heritage fair website, but it was quite open and could be anything such as immigration of an aunt, or a project about an inventor; it was very broad, but it had to be Canadian.
“My kids rose to the challenge — part of it was they had to do an oral presentation to the class on their project, and teach others and then by going to the fair, they get exposed to Canadian culture and history. It’s one of the best educational experiences around.”
Students use the medium of their choice to share stories about Canadian heroes, legends, milestones, and achievements, and present the results of their research first at school and then, for a selected few, at the regional fair.
Wearing traditional dress, Grade 5 BX student Kiera Hutchinson presented her project, First Nations of Canada, that also detailed a traditional village, complete with tiny fish cooking over a fire.
“I have always wanted to learn more about the culture,” said Kiera, 11. “And by doing this, I learned their language and how they lived. I have lots of friends who are First Nations and I’ve had lots of support from my parents on my project.”
Kiera’s project was also selected for the regional fair and she will join Faith for the all-expenses-paid trip to the Victoria showcase next month.
The fourth annual Vernon and District Heritage Fair April 15 brought 154 students with 124 projects.
“Students from eight schools in Vernon, plus home-schooling, selected projects on a variety of Canadian topics, researched and created amazing displays,” said Pat Simmons, education coordinator for the museum. “The variety and quality of exhibits was incredible, which is a tribute to the teachers of these students. And we had 15 students nominated to go to Kelowna, with seven returning with awards.
“Many thanks go to the students, parents and teachers of School District 22, to our many sponsors and supporters and our 155 volunteers. Without them, our fair would not have been such a success.”
As for next year’s fair, Faith, Emily and Kiera have all made the decision to participate and are already considering their topics.
“I think I’d like to do something on Canadian languages next year,” said Emily. “This was such a great experience.”
