Historica Fair
Andrea Daly
Photos by Koni Macdonald
In a world bombarded with information from and about our neighbours to the south, Historica Fair gives students in Alberta a chance to celebrate people, places and events from our own history.
Heritage Fair participants research and present Canadian heritage using drama, art, and written and oral presentations. Project themes vary from family histories to famous Canadian heroes, to historical events to special landmarks.
Leo Nickerson Elementary School, in St. Albert, has been celebrating Canadian history and heritage for 10 years with Canadian Historica Festivals and has sent hundreds of students to the regional competition and five to the national competition.
I love the pride on the faces of the kids when they share their projects with the judges. Students are excited about what they have learned and want to share that joy with everyone who views their projects.
This great community celebration brings together more than 200 students, parents, staff and 100 community members, who serve as judges. What a great way to celebrate public education and build confidence in our students.
For more information about Historica Fair, visit www.edmontonhistoricafair.com or www.histori.ca.Andrea Daly is the Historica Fair coordinator at Leo Nickerson Elementary School, in St. Albert, where she teaches art and social studies.
Jonah Osborne—The Frank Slide
Jonah: "I chose the Frank Slide because I thought it was a cool part of Canadian history. I liked how there were so many myths about the Frank Slide, such as the myth about the baby being found on a rock. That myth is only partly true, as there really was a baby found, but it was found on a pile of hay."
Teresa McKernan—Klondike Kate
Teresa: "I chose Klondike Kate because she was my great-great-great aunt. She helped women have more rights by wanting to be treated equal to men. She was the first female RCMP officer in Canada. I loved Historica Fair because it was fun to dress up in real costumes."
Cydney Cook—Cirque de Soleil’s Guy Laliberté
Cydney: "I chose Guy Laliberté because he is the creator of the Cirque de Soleil and I have always wondered how it all started. Did you know that as of 2007, Laliberté is the 75th richest person in Canada?"
Braden Moser (left) and Bryan Fetzko—Canadian Graphic Novels
Braden: "I am a history guy. I just love doing research."
Bryan: "Historica Fair teaches kids about the importance of Canadian history. There are some great Canadian historical graphic novels about heroes such as Louis Riel."
Alden Young—Hockey goalie Jacques Plante
Alden: "I chose Jacques Plante as a topic because he reminded me of my uncle, who is a goalie. Plante created the stand-up position of goaltending, which is the stance that my uncle uses. Also, if Plante hadn’t invented the hockey mask, hockey would be a different sport today. I loved Historica Fair because I got to meet so many different judges from the community and see some really great projects."
Claire Daly—Totem Poles
Claire: "I have always been interested in totem poles because they connect art and history together, and I love both. Did you know that at one point the Northwest Coastal Natives were not allowed to have potlatches and totem-raising ceremonies because the European settlers made it against the law? I loved learning something new that I never knew before."
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