Heritage Fair at Juniper School

Dear MUMI,

I'm interested in doing a Heritage Fair at my school. Do you know of anyone who has done one in real life?

Signed, 

Gooooo Culture!

Thanks for your interest, Culture. Yes, in fact, one of our group members saw a Heritage Fair done with her entire school. Here's what she has to say about it!

School Heritage Fair at Juniper School –School District of Mystery Lake -Thompson

       Our school is one of six elementary schools in our district. We have a student population of approximately 300 students, a teaching staff of 25 teachers, 12 support staff (educational assistants), and two administrators. We have a culturally diverse school population. To celebrate the cultural diversity of our school, the teaching staff decided to host a school wide heritage fair in 2012.

       Grades four to eight would participate in the creation of research projects. Completed projects would then be placed on exhibit in our multi-purpose room on the designated day of the heritage fair. Kindergarten to grade three classes were invited to view the displays. Family and community members were also extended an invitation to attend the heritage fair. Attendance at the event was impressive.

       Teachers and support staff held workshop sessions in designated classrooms in morning and afternoon sessions. Many of the presenters wore the traditional dress of their country, and some prepared traditional foods, and planned activities and games reflecting their country.

      My presentation was a celebration of my Aboriginal culture. I am a direct descendant of Chief Joseph Berens who negotiated and signed Treaty Number Five in 1875.I shared the stories of my family history. An example of one of the stories I was able to share with my audience was an explanation of an original oil painting depicting Chief Joseph’s son Chief William Berens. The oil painting was painted about ninety years ago, and portrays him in the red tunic that is presented to chiefs as a gift from the Canadian government on behalf of the Queen. I was pleased to share the story of the historical significance of the portrait. It is apparently the “missing” portrait in a series of portraits that has been acquired by the Manitoba Museum of Man and Nature. Questions asked by the students about the portrait included whether I had ever had the portrait appraised, would I ever sell the portrait to the museum, and am I afraid of having the portrait stolen from my home. I was very touched by the respect that was given when students viewed the portrait.

        Students’ completed projects were well researched. Displays were creative and well organized. The pride in the eyes and voices of the students as they explained their projects to the individuals viewing their completed projects was amazing to witness. The day of our heritage school fair was an example of an absolutely phenomenal day of learning for everyone at Juniper School…Why not create another phenomenal day of learning by revisiting the idea of a second school wide heritage fair at Juniper School?