Parks Canada - Cultural Heritage



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Note: The 2007-08 Mathieu Da Costa Challenge entry period is now closed! Check back for the 2008-09 Challenge this Fall!

Canada is one of the world's most culturally diverse countries, comprising citizens from more than 200 ethnic backgrounds.
In fact, the quality of life we enjoy today as Canadians can, in many instances, be traced to the significant contributions made by Canadians of Aboriginal, African and other ethnocultural backgrounds throughout our history.

The Mathieu Da Costa Challenge is an annual writing and artwork contest launched in 1996 by the Department of Canadian Heritage.
The Challenge encourages students like you to discover how diversity has shaped Canada's history and the important role that multiculturalism plays in Canadian society.
To find out more about the Mathieu Da Costa Challenge, go to http://www.canadianheritage.gc.ca/mathieudacosta

If yes, you can participate in the Mathieu Da Costa Challenge!
You'll get to use your creative talents and discover how people from different ethno-cultural backgrounds have helped make Canada what it is today.

Each year, three winners are selected from each age group (9-12, 13-15 and 16-18).
The winners, accompanied by a parent/guardian, receive a three-day all-expenses paid trip to Quebec City where they take part in an Awards Ceremony, hosted by the Secretary of State (Multiculturalism and Canadian Identity).

This year, Parks Canada is joining Canadian Heritage in offering a special new Parks Canada Award!
Parks Canada and Canadian Heritage will award this special new prize to the best English and best French original writing piece about a National Historic Person of Aboriginal or Ethno-cultural Background .
Here’s how you can win the Parks Canada Award:
- Check out the list of National Historic Persons of Aboriginal or ethno-cultural backgrounds.
- Look up the person on the web and at your local or school library.
- Read up on the rules and directions for the Mathieu Da Costa Challenge at http://www.canadianheritage.gc.ca/mathieudacosta
- Enter your original piece of writing in the Mathieu Da Costa Challenge at http://www.canadianheritage.gc.ca/mathieudacosta.

Have you ever imagined being an explorer in your own country? The Parks Canada Award will allow you and your family to do this free for one year!
Each winner will receive:
- a three-day, all-expenses paid trip to Quebec City in April 2008 (accompanied by a parent/guardian) including transportation, meals and hotel;
- three days of fun-filled activities;
- VIP tickets to the Mathieu Da Costa Awards Ceremony at the Salle Dina Bélanger in Quebec City;
- A Certificate of Achievement; and,
- A Parks Canada National Discovery Pass allowing you and your family to discover and explore Canada’s exciting National Parks and fun National Historic Sites.
Where can you go with the Parks Canada National Discovery Pass? Check out www.pc.gc.ca to find out more about Canada’s National Parks and National Historic Sites.

Use the Mathieu DaCosta Challenge as a class related activity. For more details, click on: http://www.canadianheritage.gc.ca/mathieudacosta
Are you looking for more ready-made curriculum-matching lesson plans on Canada’s diversity, multiculturalism or ethno-cultural population? If yes, check out the following lesson plans: http://www.pc.gc.ca/apprendre-learn/prof/itm2-crp-trc/index_e.asp