Education
October 3, 2008

Leaders of Past Teach Today�s Students in New Poster Series

Students in junior high schools will soon learn about several prominent women from this province�s past. In recognition of Women�s History Month, the Honourable Joan Burke, Minister of Education and Minister Responsible for the Status of Women, was at St. Michael�s Elementary in Stephenville Crossing today to unveil the new initiative Of Character: Newfoundland and Labrador. The series of informational posters, featuring 17 women and three men are part of the Provincial Government�s $12 million K-12 fine arts and cultural strategy, Cultural Connections.

"The province we enjoy today is founded on the strength and determination of the women and men of Newfoundland and Labrador�s past," said Minister Burke. "They saved lives, tended the sick and provided spiritual guidance. Facing extreme hardship and often severe isolation, they hunted and trapped, bore children and delivered babies. One was even the talk of London among 18th century English aristocracy. These are examples of the remarkable women to be discovered by students today."

Minister Burke noted that the project is a celebration of this year�s theme of Women�s History Month, Women in the Lead. The theme was chosen to honour women, past and present, who have opened doors for others to follow. Just as the women featured in the Of Character project were proven leaders in a wide range of fields, Women�s History Month pays tribute to girls and women in every area of human endeavour whether it be sports, agriculture, technological innovation, aeronautics, scholarship and academia, politics and government, the arts or business.

"Women�s History Month is an important time to recognize the extraordinary contributions women have made to society and to the quality of our lives," said Minister Burke. "I am thrilled to celebrate the achievements made by the women of our province�s past with our leaders of the future."

Of Character: Newfoundland and Labrador, is designed to supplement the Grade 8 history course but can also be used as a resource for other subjects such as language arts and social studies.

Over the past several years, the Cultural Connections strategy has introduced a wide variety of initiatives that bring the province�s culture, heritage and history into the classroom. Funding has been provided for additional music teachers, new fine arts and social studies curriculum, visiting artists programs, fine arts festivals, student performances, and local print, audio and visual materials for schools.

Newfoundland and Labrador culture and history have become key features of the K-12 curriculum and students are developing a better awareness of the role of arts in creating and reflecting the province�s heritage.

"Our culture has sustained us for generations," said Minister Burke. "This is why the Provincial Government�s cultural strategy, Creative Newfoundland and Labrador, is so important. An innovative and engaging exposure to these women and men will help students come to appreciate the contributions of individuals and cultural groups. With these posters, history comes alive, and students will learn that every life has a story."

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Media contact:

Jacquelyn Howard
Director of Communications
Department of Education
709-729-0048, 689-2624
jacquelynhoward@gov.nl.ca

BACKGROUNDER

The following women have been profiled in the Of Character: Newfoundland and Labrador poster series. Communities listed are not necessarily places of birth, but communities most associated with the individual.

Agnes Marion Ayre

      St. John�s (1890-1940)
Myra Bennett       Daniel�s Harbour (1890-1990)
Frances Cluett       Belleoram (1883-1969)
Demasduit       Red Indian Lake (Circa 1796-1820)
Marie Felix       Black Duck Brook (1923-?)
Stella Fowler         Capstan Island (1918-2003)
Elizabeth Goudie       Happy Valley-Goose Bay (1902-1982)
Ann Harvey       Isle aux Morts (1811-1845)
Ann Hulan       McKay�s (1750s-1840s)
Sara Kirke       Ferryland (arrived in the province 1638-1680s)
Peenamin McKenzie       Sheshatshiu (1873-1966)
Frances McNeil       St. John�s (1869-1928)
Mikak       Nain (Circa 1740-1795)
Kirkina Mucko       Happy Valley-Goose Bay (1890s-1970)
Violet Pike       Grand Falls-Winsor (1914-?)
Julia Salter Earle       St. John�s (1878-1945)
Doris Saunders       Cartwright (1941-2006) 

2008 10 03                                                       9:50 a.m.
 

 

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