About
The Heritage Fair is a bilingual educational initiative that fosters an appreciation of Canadian heritage among students in grades 4+.
In 2023, Canada’s History Society celebrated the 30th anniversary of its youth program Heritage Fairs. The program began in 1993, when the CRB Foundation launched a pilot project in Winnipeg designed to celebrate history and to foster a deeper understanding of our country’s past.
The fairs were a huge success, not only with students, but also with teachers, families, and the general public. Heritage fairs took off and were quickly adopted in all of Canada’s provinces and territories.
Since the program’s creation, well over one million students have participated in heritage fairs in communities all across Canada.
The fairs appeal to all kinds of learners, as students choose their topic and have control over their learning, conduct their own hands-on research, and present their findings in a creative and public format.
After more than two decades, the spirit of the heritage fair program remains a celebration of history, community, learning, and fun. Projects previously presented on large cardboard displays now incorporate technology and new media as the fairs evolve to incorporate the skills and interest of 21st century learners.
Students develop strong roots in their communities and cultures, which inspire them to participate in the shaping of Canada’s future.
About the Fair
The Yukon/Stikine Regional Heritage Fair is held at the beginning of May each year, celebrating its 20th birthday in 2018. The regional Fair encompasses both the Yukon and Atlin, BC, and is part of the national Heritage Fairs network.
The Heritage Fair program is a bilingual educational initiative that encourages students to explore an aspect of Canadian heritage in a dynamic and captivating learning environment.
Students use the media of their choice to share their learning about Canadian heroes and legends, milestones and achievements – and then proudly present the results of their research at a public exhibition.
Projects are reviewed by volunteer judges and awarded prizes for excellence and participation. Some schools choose to hold their own Fairs to select participants for the regional Fair, while others participate only at the regional level.
No matter how they participate, the Fairs give students a voice to tell their own stories in their own ways. Their enthusiasm, creativity, and passion make the Fair a highlight of the school year!
Program Highlights
Since the Yukon/Stikine Regional Heritage Fair’s inception:
- 21 Yukon schools, as well as Atlin School and home schools, have participated in the Fair
- More than 1,500 students have submitted projects for the regional or a school Fair
- More than 1000 volunteers have been involved in helping to deliver the program
- More than 450 student projects have received an award at the regional Fair
Who We Are
The Yukon/Stikine Regional Heritage is organized by the Yukon Historical & Museums Association in partnership with Parks Canada and the Yukon Heritage Resources Board, with funding support from the Government of Yukon, Department of Education.
As part of the national Heritage Fairs network, the regional Fair also receives support from Canada’s History and stays connected with its counterparts in other provinces and territories.
Our organizing committee consists of representatives from each partner organization, as well as a Heritage Fair Coordinator. This committee works tirelessly throughout the year to prepare, promote, and produce the Fair, encouraging participation from students throughout the Yukon/Stikine region.
The Fair Coordinator provides support to teachers and educators, including assistance in locating resources and connecting with local heritage organizations.
The Fair would not be possible without our volunteer judges, many of whom are heritage sector workers or former teachers. These judges review participant projects and select the award recipients. Our judges tend to stick with us for years and love to see what students discover through their projects!
Sponsors, Funders and Partners
