VICTORIA - This year the Province is honouring 58 student participants and their history-based projects at the Royal B.C. Museum during the sixth annual
Provincial Heritage Fair in Victoria, July 4-8, Forests, Lands and Natural  Resource Operations Minister Steve Thomson announced today.

The selected participants - students in grades 4-10 - took part in regional heritage fairs in May in 12 communities throughout B.C. The students and
their projects are selected based on their excellence in research, insight and presentation and are invited to represent their region at the Provincial Heritage Fair held each year in July. Projects can be related to any aspect of Canadian history that interests the student.

The 58 participants were welcomed by First Nations dancers and singers at the First Peoples House on the University of Victoria campus and were also able
to visit historic sites including Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse, Ross Bay Cemetery, Chinatown and the Legislative Buildings.

The Heritage Fairs Program is designed to increase awareness and interest in Canadian history. The provincial government has been a supporter of the
program for over 16 years and is providing $15,000 this year to help with the continued engagement of youth in Canada's past and to provide an opportunity
to everyone to learn more about different aspects of Canadian history and culture.

Quotes:

Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations, Steve Thomson - "Engaging young people and increasing their interest in our history is an important step in keeping the ties alive between our past, present and future, since our past helps shape our future."

Michael Gurney, president, BC Heritage Fairs Society - "Heritage Fairs are more than original research and student presentations. They are a catalyst for dialogue between past and present, between students and adults, and between youth from all parts of British Columbia."

"The ongoing support of the Province of BC and other vital sponsors has enabled the development of young leaders in heritage. These leaders are enriching their communities and building a stronger province by vigorously reminding us - and challenging us - about what it means to be Canadian."

Quick Facts:

* Each year approximately 5,000 students and 700 volunteers participate in 12
regional heritage fairs throughout B.C.

* Regional heritage fair projects can range in topic from genealogical
history, famous Canadians, history of a home, landmark, community, province
or even totem poles, just to name a few.

* B.C.'s museums, historic buildings, structures and cultural landscapes
attract visitors from around the globe.

* Past Provincial Heritage Fairs have been hosted in Kamloops, Barkerville
and Abbotsford.

Learn More: Heritage Branch

2013 Provincial Heritage Fair participants

Kamloops/Thompson Regional Heritage Fair
PARTICIPANT                      PROJECT TITLE
Annika Wadlegger                Captain James Cook
Madison Kerslake                 4-H over the Century
Gabriel Rowe                       The War of 1812-Famous Heroes and Great Victories
Lindsay Mierau                     Memorial Arena
Emily Vasquez                      Barbara Ann Scott

Okanagan Regional Heritage Fair
PARTICIPANT                      PROJECT TITLE
Adam Dachwitz                    The Kelowna Creamery and the History of the Milk Industry in B.C.
Kevin Jacklin                        Daredevils at Niagara Falls
Nathan Birch                         Immigration
Jakob von Andria                  The Bank Raid of New Hazelton
Anjali Kiran                           Apple Orchard

News from © iNFOnews, 2013