"Picturing" the Stories of Hardships from the Past Earns Two Students a Starring Role at Governor General's History Awards Français
WINNIPEG, Oct. 21, 2014 /CNW/ - Fourteen-year old Dominyka Taylor never had to survive a devastating famine or flee to another country to escape from a war zone. However, the plight of many European settlers in search of a better life is at the heart of her award-winning project. Dominyka created a vibrant artistic story about a little girl's Irish ancestors who travelled by ship to settle on Partridge Island on the rocky shores of the Bay of Fundy. She submitted her colourful artwork and intriguing story to Canada's History's Kayak Kids' Illustrated History Challenge and is now on her way to Ottawa where she will participate in the Governor General's History Awards on November 3rd.
This year's other recipient is Charles Bilodeau from St-Nicolas, QC. Bilodeau was selected as a winner for his touching story of the heroism of one family's desperate attempt to warn others aboard the sinking RMS Empress of Ireland. Charles' artistic story brilliantly illustrates the tragic event in which over 1,000 people perished on May 29, 1914 when the doomed ocean liner sank to the bottom of the Saint Lawrence River in only 14 minutes.
For their illustrated and literary historic stories, Dominyka Taylor and Charles Bilodeau are the recipients of this year's Canada's History Kayak Kids' Illustrated History Challenge. This annual illustrated story writing contest is aimed at strengthening both literacy skills and Canadian historical knowledge. The contest is open to all Canadian students aged 7-14 and is offered by Kayak: Canada's History Magazine for Kids.
Joel Ralph, Director of Programs at Canada's History Society emphasized, "Students are so creative and inquisitive, and we want to encourage these qualities in the study of history." Ralph added, "The Kayak Kids' Illustrated History Challenge allows students to ask questions about the people, places and events they've studied and to reimagine the past in an engaging way.
Both students will receive a $1,000 RESP, provided by TD Bank Group, and an all expense trip to Ottawa.
"TD is proud to support this challenge, which fosters historical awareness and champions the imagination of Canadian youth," said Frank McKenna, Deputy Chair, TD Bank Group. "By learning more about our culture and our past, young people can better understand our world today and make better decisions tomorrow."
You can read the winning entries at CanadasHistory.ca/Awards.
The Governor General's History Awards bring together students, teachers, historians, museums and community organizations, writers and media producers to celebrate as well as learn from each other. The day prior to the award ceremonies, recipients will participate in a public history forum at the Canadian War Museum. This year's forum is open to the public to attend onsite or online by registering at www.CanadasHistory.ca/HistoryForum.
About Canada's History Society
Canada's History Society is a national charitable organization devoted to popularizing Canadian history. In addition to presenting the Governor General's History Awards, the Society also publishes Canada's History (formerly The Beaver) magazine, and Kayak: Canada's History Magazine for Kids, as well as produces a number of educational and online programs to encourage more discovery, celebration, and understanding about our rich history and culture. More details can be found at www.CanadasHistory.ca.
About TD Community Giving
TD Bank Group invests in communities in order to effect positive change in the places where it operates and where its clients and employees live and work. In 2013, TD donated over $74 million to support community organizations in Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom. In Canada, TD focuses on education and financial literacy, creating opportunities for young people and the environment. For further information, please visit www.td.com/corporateresponsibility.
SOURCE: Canada's History
or to arrange an interview, please contact: Nicole Harris, Maverick Media Solutions, Mobile: (204) 470-4555, [email protected]; Joel Ralph, Director of Programs, Canada's History Society, 1-866-952-3444, ext. 221, [email protected]
Share this article