Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Apr 24/02) - With a little bit of bristol board, paint, clay and markers Yellowknife students from Grades 6-8 celebrated Canada's national identity at William McDonald school.

About 150 students displayed their independent projects at the third annual Canadian Heritage Fair.

"It is an opportunity for students to take the concept of heritage, history, culture and tradition to produce a project," said Sean Daly, a teacher at the school.

Students from Grades 6 and 7 take part in the fair as part of their curriculum whereas the project is optional for Grade 8 students. The displays resemble science projects, with an additional oral element that requires the student to discuss their findings with a judge.

Although Daly said previous fairs were judged by notable public figures, this year parents and teachers were encouraged to act as judges.

"Students bring written and verbal presentations together, so the judge can determine the scope of their research," said Daly.

The students work on the projects for at least six weeks. This year's participants focused on topics like the history of Weaver & Devore, the Snowbirds, preserving aboriginal languages, and the importance of the beaver.

Emily Stang, a Grade 6 student, researched the buffalo.

"The buffalo is very important to natives. I found out the numbers of buffalo are dropping and that they have many uses," said Stang.

While most participants were from William McDonald, there were some from Fort Providence, and one from Mildred Hall school.

The judges will pick the 20 best projects by the end of the week, videotape the students explaining their research and send the footage to the assistant superintendent of District 1, Bruce Jansen. He will choose the 10 best, interview the students by telephone and eventually select five students to be showcased at the national fair in St. John's Nfld. in July. The five winners for the NWT will be announced on May 12.