This story is shared in support of Multicultural Week in Saskatchewan, November 17-25, 2018, and part of the #MulticulturalSuperhero campaign.
Allister Merrifield and Ivy Marty are local students at Rosetown Central High School who showcased their research projects in regional and provincial Heritage Fairs across Saskatchewan this year. With the support of their Social Studies teacher John McPhee, their research uncovered stories of cultural significance to Canadian heritage.
Allister looked at the early fur trade and fur trapping industry and the impact this ancient practice had on First Nations people and non-First Nations people in Canada. Ivy explored her passion for art through the Group of Seven who explored new possibilities for artistic expression and raised Canada’s profile on the world stage as a place for travel and immigration.
Ivy explained the significance of her project and how heritage intersects with multiculturalism in Canada: “Since I’m not from Canada, I learned new things about the culture here… I discovered that the Group of Seven were able to discuss new possibilities for the arts in Canada. The project was a really good way for everyone to embrace their own culture and discover things they haven’t learned about."
Both Allister and Ivy drew connections between their projects and their own heritage. Allister traced her family lineage back to her grandparents who worked in the fur trade to supplement their farming income. Ivy felt a personal connection to the Group of Seven, as it was her mother who inspired her passion for art, and because she could relate to the failure and successes the artists experienced through their craft.
Both Allister and Ivy presented their projects in different heritage fairs where they competed with other students. Allister explained that the fairs were anything but competitive. “Canadian's are seen as people who are embracing and welcoming, and I think the competition brought out the best in everyone.” she said.
So who did they identify as their own Multicultural Superhero? Ivy cited her mom. Allister described one girl at provincials who was there to showcase her project as the only representative for her town.
When asked how their projects supported multiculturalism in Canada, Allister explained, “It’s important because everyone is interconnected and interdependent in Canada. The more ‘together’ we can be, the less hate we’ll have in this world… If we can learn about each other and have a better understanding.”
Allister and Ivy give credit to community events in Rosetown like the Harvest Festival, sports and recreation activities, and informal gatherings as ways that Rosetown residents supports an inclusive community. Allister explained, “since we’re a small town, it’s easy to share a bond with one another, through food or a block party... The Harvest Festival is also somewhere that everyone is welcome and anyone can take part.” Ivy explained, “In sports, we get to play together as a team no matter what your background is. We all get together with respect.”
Respect, Ivy says, is “the best way we share culture here.”
To learn more about their projects and the heritage fairs, read the article in West Central Online.