Giving our Past a Future
That is the theme of the Historica Fairs Program. In 1993, the Charles Bronfman (CRB) Foundation initiated the Heritage Fairs Program. In February 2000, Historica, a new foundation dedicated to increasing knowledge among Canadians about their history and heritage was formed. This foundation will continue to build on the success of the Heritage Fairs Program, as well as strengthen the use of the internet as a tool for education, research and entertainment. The Historica Fairs Program is one way in which Historica can achieve this goal.
As a result, the Saskatchewan Youth Heritage Fair Association Inc. (SYHF) was established in the spring of 2000. The organization is committed to the promotion of the Historica Fairs Program in Saskatchewan. The SYHF is composed of individuals from the Regional Heritage Fairs and Saskatchewan Learning. Organizations that have an interest in youth and promoting culture and heritage will be invited to become members of the SYHF.
The Historica Fairs Program is a multi-media education initiative designed to increase awareness and interest in Canadian history. The program is aimed for students in grades 4 - 9. Students are encouraged to investigate a heritage event, person or to seek out the living history that surrounds them. Students decide on the medium of their choice to communicate their story. There are three ways that students can display their projects: three-dimensional, creative writing and performance, and multi-media presentations.
Selected students from each province attend the week-long National Fair held in July. The National Fair is held in a different location each year in Canada. This special week includes sightseeing and historic tours, cultural showcases and events, participation in drama and Internet workshops, and the public exhibition of the students' projects from the Regional Heritage Fairs.