EDMONTON, Alberta, June 28, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- To celebrate Canada’s 150th birthday, NorQuest College led a national, online, cultural awareness campaign: My Canada My Story. In the last year, the college, along with 20 partner organizations, collected stories, photos, and videos of what our country means to those who call Canada home.
Funded by the Government of Canada - Canadian Heritage Department, the project collected stories through the project website www.mycanadamystory.ca and social media. A few themes emerged from the stories and photos collected: education, family, diversity, economic freedom, empathy, triumph, and hope for the future.
Jie Huang, originally from China, shared her story about the different expectations for education for youths between Canada and China and the impact on her family, specifically her son’s happiness and fondness of attending school.
Others chose to share stories of family heritage. The Burke family has lived in Alberta since 1898 and become part of the history of southwestern Alberta; a mountain in Kananaskis Country is named after Denis Burke.
“Giving people the opportunity to share their story, to tell the world what Canada means to them is inspiring,” says NorQuest Principal of Diversity and Inclusion, Dr. Lori Campbell. “We are amazed at the diversity of stories and photos individuals have shared. These are stories of courage, tenacity, and hope, and I found them moving and inspiring.”
NorQuest hosted a wrap-up celebration on May 30 to thank the participants of the project and to unveil a mural artistically crafted to reflect the stories collected over the last year. The artist, Pedro Rodriguez De Los Santos, was inspired by the stories and photos shared throughout the campaign.
“I was pleased to have the opportunity to use my skills and passion for art to capture the stories of so many in a visual exhibit that will continue to be shared with the learners and staff of NorQuest College for years to come,” he explains. Originally from Uruguay, De Los Santos has been in Edmonton for 13 years and is dedicated to community art programs connected to human rights, cultural diversity and social inclusion.
NorQuest is pleased to have been able to celebrate Canada’s 150th birthday in a memorable and inclusive way by engaging individuals from across Canada in the My Canada My Story project.
NorQuest College is recognized regionally and nationally as a leader in diversity and inclusion programming, customized training solutions, and innovative applied research.
Michael Chevalier
Communications Consultant
NorQuest College
Mobile: 780-915-5424
michael.chevalier@norquest.ca
About NorQuest College: NorQuest College is the Edmonton region’s only community college serving 15,850 students annually throughout the province in full-time, part-time, distance learning, and regional programs. NorQuest College helps learners with diverse educational backgrounds complete or further their studies through foundational and continuing education programs. Our post-secondary diploma and certificate programs offer career paths in health, community studies, and business. By collaborating with business, industry, government and communities, we ensure our post-secondary education is necessary and workforce relevant.
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/0f6ca91a-7756-41b8-915f-ab2de2a07da2