WINNIPEG, Oct. 16, 2014 /CNW/ - Grade 11 student Andrea Lanouette paid tribute to a British Columbia mysterious tragedy and is being recognized nationally for her literary work on the Highway of Tears. Dating back to 1969, dozens of unsolved murders and disappearances of young women have occurred along the 800 kilometre section of Highway 16 between Prince George and Prince Rupert, British Columbia. Lanouette's story called, "Tears," is written through the eyes of a young boy and how his close friend, a young Aboriginal girl named Caroline, is found murdered on Highway 16. Lanouette's literary work has earned her top prize in the Junior Writing category of Historica Canada's Aboriginal Arts & Stories contest.
The recipient in the Senior Art category is Nicole Paul of Prince Albert, Saskatchewan for her vibrant illustration, "Keeper of the Voice" which focuses on the importance of preserving language. Her massive eight-by-eight-foot mixed-medium self-portrait was inspired by her work on the Art & Art History's Chid Taken project which involved interviewing residential school survivors from across Canada. Paul's father is himself a residential school survivor who lost his language at a young age.
Other winners include Aviaq Johnston from Iqaluit, Nunavut in the Senior Writing category for her poignant short story based on the death of one of her childhood friends who committed suicide when she was fourteen years old. Johnston's story titled, "Tarnikuluk" which means little soul, speaks about inadequate mental health services in the North and the rising rates of suicide amongst youth through the story of the spirit of a young Inuk woman who committed suicide and is guided by a raven on her journey to the afterlife.
The recipient in the Junior Art category is Mercedes Sandy from Christian Island, Ontario, for her artistic expression titled, "Queen over Democracy" which raises the question of sovereignty regarding aboriginal identity.
The contest celebrated its tenth year in 2014 and each year recipients receive up to $2,000 in cash prizes. Canada's History provides each recipient with a trip for two to Ottawa to attend the Governor General's History Awards at Rideau Hall on November 3, 2014.
Anthony Wilson-Smith, President of Historica Canada commented, "Every year, young Aboriginal artists and storytellers teach us more about their history and our country's shared heritage through their submissions. In this way, we gain new awareness and insight into the history and cultural identity of Canada's First Nations, Metis and Inuit peoples."
Presented by Enbridge Inc. and co-sponsored by Canada's History Society, the contest encourages Aboriginal youth between the ages of 11-29 to explore an aspect of their heritage through literary and visual arts.
"Enbridge continues to take pride in its partnership with Historica Canada, and we are particularly excited to be celebrating ten years of Aboriginal Arts & Stories," says D'Arcy Levesque, Vice President, Enterprise Communications, Brand and Community Partners, Enbridge Inc. "The cultural energy of the young, talented and promising writers and artists recognized in Aboriginal Arts & Stories illuminate different perspectives, world-views and ways of thinking. Their work makes us see the world in a new way. That's what art does and that's what the winners have achieved with their vision, talent and hard work."
Profiles of all the recipients and their winning submissions are available at www.CanadasHistory.ca/Awards/OurStory.
About Canada's History Society
Canada's History Society is a Winnipeg-based charitable organization devoted to popularizing Canadian history. In addition to publishing Canada's History (formerly The Beaver) magazine, and Kayak: Canada's History Magazine for Kids, the Society also produces a number of awards and programs to encourage more discovery, celebrations and understanding about our rich history and culture. More details can be found at www.CanadasHistory.ca/Awards.
About Historica Canada
Historica Canada is the largest charitable organization dedicated to Canadian history, identity and citizenship. Its mandate is to build active and informed citizens through a greater knowledge and appreciation of the history, heritage and stories of Canada. Visit www.HistoricaCanada.ca
About Enbridge Inc.
Enbridge Inc. is a North American leader in delivering energy and one of the Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations. Enbridge is committed to making the communities where it has operations better places to live, and is proud to invest in programs like the Aboriginal Arts & Writing challenge that help to develop the leaders of tomorrow. For many years, Enbridge has provided funding to Aboriginal and Native American people for education and scholarship initiatives. Enbridge employs approximately 7,000 people, primarily in Canada and the U.S. and is ranked as one of Canada's Greenest Employers and one of Canada's Top 100 Employers for 2013. For more information, visit www.enbridge.com.
SOURCE: Canada's History
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