VOTING FOR CANADA’S YOUNG CITIZENS STARTS JUNE 11

Lethbridge – Four students from southern Alberta were recently selected at the 17th Southern Alberta Regional Heritage Fair at the Galt Museum & Archives to be part of Canada’s History Young Citizens project: they were each given a camera and tasked with creating short documentaries capturing the essence of their research projects. Now it is up to the public to get the vote out and choose their favourite video – voting for the student work runs June 11 to August 7 at canadashistory.ca/Kids/YoungCitizens.aspx.

 Young Citizens is a bilingual initiative to identify youth leaders at each of these regions, recognized for their exceptional creativity, knowledge and passion for history, and their capacity to advocate for their local heritage community. This year 200 students from across Canada were identified. Representing southern Alberta are:

·         Jeremy Collier, Nicholas Sheran School, Lethbridge

Russian Mennonite Immigration to Canada This project tells the story of the Mennonites and their immigration to Canada in the 1920s. It focuses on the story of my great-great Aunt Helena and is based on her childhood memories. This is the story of my family.

·         Connor Deptuck, CAPE School, Medicine Hat

Parks Canada: For 101 years Parks Canada has undergone many changes in an attempt to better themselves and to assure that our national parks will be enjoyed by future generations. They constantly have to overcome obstacles but it is worth it to have these unique places where we can go to appreciate nature and learn about Canadian history.

·         Alex Hansen, Milk River Elementary, Milk River

Frank Slide The Frank Slide was one of the most dangerous rock slides in Canada. It happened April 29, 1903 at 4:10am. It covered half the town of Frank, Alberta with huge boulders.

·         Dylan Taylor, Ecole Agnes Davidson School, Lethbridge

We Stand on Guard for Thee: Canadian Superheroes and National Identity This project is about Canadian superheroes and how they are important to our heritage. I will show how they represent our national identity as a diplomatic, outdoor-loving, and polite country.

 The public is allowed one vote only/email address during the contest. Based on these votes, the top two videos from each province/territory will advance to a finalist round. An additional six participants will be chosen by Canada's History based on the merits of their work. A national panel will then select the final six recipients who will travel to Ottawa to premiere their video at the National History Forum, held in conjunction with the Governor General’s History Awards at Rideau Hall.

 For more information, please contact Belinda Crowson, Chair of the Southern Alberta Regional Heritage Fair at 403.320-4248 or belinda.crowson@galtmuseum.com.