Students celebrate history, share  learning at  Provincial Heritage Fair 

More than 180 students from 28 Island schools showcased their learning at the Provincial Heritage Fair today at Confederation Centre of the Arts.

The annual provincial heritage fair is an exhibition of projects created by grades 5 to 9 students who use various media to tell stories about heroes, famous Canadian people and historical milestones. Many choose to research local people and events, including their own family members. 

Students are supported in their work by many individuals and groups, including teachers, librarians, Public Archives, museums, cultural organizations, volunteer judges and community members. More than 45 awards and specialty prizes were donated by local businesses and organizations to recognize outstanding student work. 

There are  15 finalists  invited to participate in the national Young Citizens online video contest.  Videos will be  available for Canadians to view and vote from June 11 to July 11 at Young Citizens. Four students from across Canada will be selected to go to Ottawa in the fall. 

Of the six Canadian students  chosen to travel to Ottawa last year to participate in the Canada’s History Forum, two were from Prince Edward Island, including Basel Al Rashden whose project was entitled As Long as the Sun and Moon Shall Endure I am a Treaty Person, and Oscar Cormier with his project The Spy from PEI.

Heritage fairs encourage students to explore and celebrate their culture and heritage through hands-on learning experiences that are closely linked to the provincial social studies curriculum. By conducting research and presenting their projects to the public, they learn about the past and gain important skills such as critical thinking, creativity and communication. Participation in the heritage fair often sparks a love of history and encourages students to become more engaged citizens.

Media contact:
Jean Doherty
Education, Early Learning and Culture
jmdoherty@gov.pe.ca 902-314-5702

Backgrounder: 2019 Prince Edward Island Heritage Fair Finalists

Sarah Laurin, Grade 5
“Les courtes pointes”, François Buote

Katie Connolly and Ava Clarkn, Grade 5
“The History of Lucy Maud Montgomery”, L.M. Montgomery

Séamus Studer, Grade 5
“Bops”, Athena Consolidated

Nadia Carr, Grade 5
“Myoma’s Move to Canada: Post WWII”, West Kent Elementary

Alivia Johnston, Grade 6
“Les premières femme médecins canadien”, Greenfield Elementary

Paige Thompson, Grade 6
“Honourable George Coles – Not your ordinary politician”, Athena Consolidated

Lauryn Monkley and Avery Curry, Grade 6
“Hayley Wickenheiser”, Greenfield Elementary

Myah Shea, Grade 6
“Save the Bees”, St. Louis Elementary

Rory MacIntyre, Grade 6
“Rocky MacDougall”, West Royalty

Jayden Paul, Grade 7
“St. Mary’s First Nation”, Stonepark Intermediate

Stella Pendergast & Nadia Helmy, Grade 8
“La liste d’interdiction de vol Canadienne”, François Buote

Jae Millar Farley, Grade 9
“Operation Soap”, Englewood