A young Newfoundland student’s video about the resettlement of his family from Silver Fox Island in Bonavista Bay is one of six videos chosen winners in this year through Canada’s History Young Citizens program.
The winners will attend the Governor General’s History Awards at Rideau Hall in Ottawa on Dec. 10.
Matthew Rogers of St. John’s will also have his video featured at this year’s National History Forum in Ottawa.
In his description of the video, Matthew writes:
“My project on Silver Fox Island explores the resources available and the determination of the people who struggled to survive on a small island in Bonavista Bay, NL. They depended upon the land, sea and the air for the necessities of life. When the opportunity was presented from the government, they uprooted their families and moved to larger communities in hope for a better life. These people are my family!”
To view Matthew's video, CLICK HERE.
Canada’s History Society encouraged students across Canada to film and re-enact historical milestones in their communities and Matthew’s video was selected as one of the six recipients.
A news release notes that every year, more than 110,000 students showcase their history projects at Heritage Fairs across the country. Canada’s History Society along with Great-West Life and the Department of Canadian Heritage through the Take Charge program, encouraged students across Canada to film and re-enact historical milestones that mattered most to them and their community. Through Canada’s History Young Citizens program, 200 students embraced the challenge and brought history in their towns and cities to life through filmmaking.
“We proudly support Canada’s History Society to help recognize and inspire young minds to take a leadership role as we all work to build stronger communities together,” says Jan Belanger, Assistant Vice-President, Community Affairs, for Great-West Life, London Life and Canada Life. “In sponsoring the ‘young citizens’ of this program, we’re pleased to give them the opportunity to think and express themselves creatively while connecting others to the history in their communities.”
Six of the best of these Young Citizens registered the most online votes across Canada and were chosen by a panel of judges to be this year’s recipients.
This year’s recipients of the Young Citizens program are:
Matthew Rogers – St. John’s, NL – Silver Fox Island;
Sierra Friesen – Winnipeg, MB – Emily Murphy;
Frédéric Pelchat – St-Gédéon-de-Beauce, QC – La cartographie;
Kristen Schulz – North Vancouver, BC – The Heritage of My Home;
Kristin Smith – Grande Pointe, MB – Ribbon of Steel: Building of the Canadian Pacific Railway;
Brandon Snyder – Bridgewater, NS – The War of 1812.
To view the entries and contest winners, visit www.YoungCitizens.ca.
