![]() |
|
![]() |
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
![]() |
March/April 2003
The Mathieu Da Costa Challenge
Early in February, the Library and Archives of Canada hosted the winners of the Mathieu Da Costa Challenge, an annual program that invites students (ages 9-18) across Canada to submit an essay, short story, poem or artwork celebrating the contributions of people of Aboriginal and diverse ethno-cultural descent to the building and development of our country. Administered by the Canadian Teachers’ Federation, the program was launched by the Department of Canadian Heritage in February 1996 to mark a double celebration: the official recognition by the Parliament of Canada of February as Black History Month and the 25th anniversary of the Multiculturalism Policy. This prestigious award program, highlighting our Canadian historical diversity, was named in honour of Mathieu Da Costa, a freeman of African descent who worked with Pierre Dugua de Mons, a leader in the establishment of French settlements in Eastern Canada, and with Samuel de Champlain in the 1600s. Da Costa also played a key role in the founding of Port Royal.
National Archivist Ian Wilson and Mary Jane Starr, National Library, joined Damian Solomon, Assistant Director of Professional and Developmental Services and his assistant, Jo-Anne Gallant of the Canadian Teachers Federation, in welcoming the award recipients and their families. The event was jointly planned by Brenda Campbell (NL) and Denise McCulloch (NA) and was termed by Mr. Solomon as "their most successful visit to our institution". This Year’s Recipients:Best Essay in English - Ages 9 to 11 Alana Poon, 10 Best Essay in French – Ages 9 to 11 Gérard De Francesco, 11 Best Essay in English – Ages 12 to 14 Hannah Crump, 12 Best Essay in French – Ages 12 to 14 Danny St-Jacques, 14 Best Essay in English – Ages 15 to 18 Chloe Hamilton, 17 Best Essay in French – Ages 15 to 18 Sarah Beaupré, 17 Best Artistic Representation – Ages 9 to 11 Kara Chan, 10 Best Artistic Representation – Ages 12 to 14 Kristin Blackmore, 14 Best Artistic Representation – Ages 15 to 18 Kylene Cachelin, 15 |