Citizenship Week Event Engages Youth

Photo courtesy of Ryan Parent

How much do you know about Canada?

Historica Canada has celebrated Citizenship Week by engaging youth from across Canada. The event assembled 82 students and encouraged them to reflect on Canada’s history and identity.

Guest speaker Charlotte Gray. Image courtesy of Cara Des Granges.
Guest speaker Charlotte Gray. Image courtesy of Ryan Parent.

Taking place from October 12th to 18th, one event saw young Canadians gathering to hear Charlotte Gray, a British-born Canadian historian, share her insights on Canadian identity and great Canadians.

“I think we all love to engage with our history through the stories of extraordinary Canadians — hockey players, artists, entrepreneurs, activists. Each story gives us a glimpse into this country’s diversity, while underlining the collective will to make it work,” Gray said.

Held at the Fairmont Chateau Laurier, the youth participated in a bingo game that tested their knowledge about great Canadians such as Sir John A. Macdonald, Clara Hughes and Michaëlle Jean.

Four Encounters With Canada students won the bingo game, including Taylor Morrey (North Vancouver, BC), Eliza Moore (Calgary, AB), Brendon Hutchinson (Kamloops, BC) and Hayley Jones (Mission, BC). The team was awarded a prize pack which included a set of Heritage Minutes.

Engaging with students is Historica Canada’s top priority, says President and CEO Anthony Wilson-Smith.

“We believe that reflecting on some Great Canadians will teach and inspire them to become more active, engaged citizens.”

Encounters With Canada students with Charlotte Gray. Image courtesy of Cara Des Granges.
Students with Charlotte Gray. Image courtesy of Ryan Parent.

The Citizenship Challenge asks Canadians to study for and write a mock citizenship exam, in French or English, putting Canadian’s knowledge to the test. More than 200,000 people have taken the Challenge so far.

The Challenge believes that all Canadians should be ready to answer the same questions about their country as new Canadians. The program is made possible through funding from Citizenship and Immigration Canada.

Historica Canada is the country’s largest organization that is dedicated to enhancing awareness of Canada’s history and citizenship. You can learn more information about Historica Canada by visiting historicacanada.ca