Teaching Young Canadians About the First World War

CALGARY, ALBERTA--(Marketwired - May 30, 2015) - Department of Canadian Heritage

Joan Crockatt, Member of Parliament (Calgary Centre), on behalf of Shelly Glover, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, today announced that $216,000 has been given to The Military Museums Foundation for a multi-phase educational program to raise awareness and understanding of Canada's contribution to the First World War. The project is slated for completion in March 2017.

Quick Facts

• The project includes an educational board game and trading cards, a theatrical presentation, an update to the Foundation's website, temporary exhibits, brochures and other initiatives to support the kindergarten-Grade 12 curriculum in Western Canada.
• The Foundation's goal is to educate young people on various aspects of the First World War, including important dates, names and battles, and the effect of the war on forming Canada's identity.
• The Military Museums Foundation is a non-profit organization located in Calgary. The Foundation's mandate is to provide program support and fundraising for educational programs, activities and special events for The Military Museums, a tri-service museum that is the largest military heritage museum in Western Canada.
• The Government of Canada's commemorative period for the First and Second World Wars began in 2014 and will continue until 2020.

Quotes

"It is so important that young people have the opportunity to learn about Canada's contributions to the First World War, so they will better understand how service and sacrifice have shaped our country and our people. As we prepare to celebrate Canada's 150^th anniversary in 2017, marking the people, events and battles of the First and Second World Wars will contribute to a deeper understanding of these wars and how they made Canada the strong, proud and free country it is today."

-The Honourable Shelly Glover, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages

"I am very grateful for the work and thought that The Military Museums Foundation has put into this educational program. Calgarians-and all Western Canadians-will be able to learn more about our proud military history and the role we played in the First World War. The First and Second World Wars were important events that contributed to the development of a distinct Canadian national identity."

-Joan Crockatt, Member of Parliament for Calgary Centre

"The Military Museums Foundation would like to thank Canadian Heritage for its generous contribution to our Great War Commemoration Program. The First World War was a defining moment for Canada, and we hope to convey its significance to the over 18,000 children that visit The Military Museums each year and reach out to a wider audience through our classroom 'Lesson's in a Barrack Box' program. It is only through donations, sponsorship and grants such as this that The Military Museums Foundation can continue its curriculum-based education program and ensure that current and future generations stay connected to Canada's proud military heritage."

-Martin Delaney, Executive Director, The Military Museums Foundation

Associated Links

Canada.ca/150

The Military Museums

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