Students showcase Canada

By Nicole Findlay

A group of Carleton University students is helping visitors to a local museum explore what it means to be Canadian.

Students enrolled in Anne Trépanier’s fourth-year Canadian Studies seminar have developed interactive activities that explore various themes central to Canadian identity.

Trépanier’s Capstone seminar traces the emergence of the Canadian political and cultural identity and its implications on the National Capital region. The course also advances students’ skills in library and archival research, and hones their ability to analyze and present their findings to lay audiences.  Their coursework will culminate in two projects – an inaugural annual online journal and individual presentations.

Each of the students has developed a three to five minute activity aimed at museum visitors between the ages of 18-35.

In her presentation, Rebellions of 1837-38: Lasting Tension and Continued Change, Valerie Luchak examines how conflicts between cultural groups can lead to societal evolution. Luchak by staging a short play, performed in English and French, representing Chevalier De Lorimier and former Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau.

“Their discussion highlights the parallels between the Rebellions and the October Crisis of 1970, in terms of the massive arrests and a persisting French-English tension,” explained Luchak.

Another student-created activity will explore an on-going and at times contentious theme in Canada’s maturation.  Shannon Rutledge will present the difference between refugees and immigrants in Different Pasts, Shared Future.

“Refugees make a profound impact in enhancing Canada’s cultural, social, economic and political life,” said Rutledge. She points to former Governors General Adrienne Clarkson and Michaëlle Jean as two such examples.

Rutledge has planned an interactive game, a map and brochures to demonstrate the contributions generations of newcomers have made to Canadian society.

Further North, Ben Ladouceur will invite visitors to chill out – literally. Ladourceur will demonstrate how “the eccentricities and difficulties of life up north – which include isolation, volatile climate and natural dangers” eventually became part of everyday life for Northern Canadian settlements.

Finally, Naomi Recollet will host a truly Canadian version of Wheel of Fortune.

“The activity showcases the accomplishments and contributions of the Inuit and First Nations in Canada.”  With each spin of the wheel, players will also learn new words in four native languages.