Grade 12 students from St. Mary’s High School, standing, from left, Zack Greatrex, John Macfie, Marcus Raymond, Noah Kroezen, Caleb Johnstone, Alexis Watson, Luc Chiasson, Victoria Macey, Theryn Arnold, Alex Gresel-Campbell, Aidan Nopper, Jessica Baker, Ryan Nicholls, Grant Kowalsky, and Jamie VanderVeen; front, Harrison Kelly, and Noah Boyes.

Bruce County Museum & Cultural Centre (BCM&CC) recently worked with Grade 12 students as they embarked on a journey, exploring their families’ culture and heritage discovering how their personal family history relates to and has shaped Canada. As a result, the students from St. Mary’s High School in Owen Sound, along with the Museum, created the exhibit “Canada: This is Who We Are”, set to open Thursday, January 11 at 6 p.m.

In a BCM&CC media release, students investigated the ways their family and cultural history played a role in the broader framework of the Canadian historical narrative through focused research, interviews and fieldwork. Students received guidance from the Museum’s Graphic and Exhibit Designer who led the class in discussion on how to create exhibits from their studies to include 2-D, 3-D and interactive elements. “Canada: This is Who We Are” will be on display from January 11 until January 19 at Bruce County Museum.

“Partnering with St. Mary’s on this project is an excellent opportunity to work with area youth to display their work to a broader audience. We are thrilled that St. Mary’s asked us to partner on this exhibit,” stated Cathy McGirr, Director Museum & Culture.

“For many students, the process of learning about their family history as it relates to Canadian identity has been an unforgettable experience. The unique discoveries of each student has changed the way they understand Canadian history,” added Katrina Glasier, St. Mary’s High School. “It has been extremely exciting to see students develop a deepened sense of personal connection to family, one another, and Canada as a whole like they have never experienced before.