Provincial Fair - Day 3

Day 3 started bright and early! After eating breakfast we gathered our project boards and headed off towards the Nest (UBC's Student Union building) to begin setting up our projects for the Provincial Heritage Fair showcase. 

We assembled outside the Alumni Centre and followed the strains of the bagpipes into the exhibition hall for the opening ceremonies where Musqueam elder Larry Grant said a few words of welcome. After the singing of the national anthem, our Master of Ceremony, Richmond Heritage Fair alumnus Britney Quail, introduced the dignitaries and distinguished guests in attendance, including local politicians, historians and members of the UBC faculty. Many of the remarks made during the opening ceremony echoed the sentiments of Tina Loo, Head of the History Department, that "stories teach us, inspire us, to think differently about ourselves and the future". Michael Gurney, President of the BC Heritage Fairs Society, congratulated the students on their hard work before he officially declared the 2016 Provincial Fair open.

We spent the next few hours sharing the stories of our projects with the dignitaries and public. We also saw some familiar faces as some of our families and friends stopped by to visit our displays.

Liam's project highlights the significance of Alexander Graham Bell's invention.

Graeme explores the Klondike Gold Rush in his project.

Max's project examines the historical significance of the War of 1812.

Liam presenting his project Mr. David Eby, MLA Vancouver Point Grey.

Mr. Spencer Chandra Herbert, MLA Vancouver West End, listens intently to Max's presentation.

Graeme shares his project with a visitor at the Provincial Heritage Fair showcase.

Our next stop was at the B.C. Sports Hall of Fame where we got to take part in an Olympic-themed program. After learning a bit about B.C.'s Olympic and Paralympic athletes, we divided into groups to rotate through 5 different activities that included wheelchair racing, badminton, limbo, long jump and a multiple-choice quiz.

Learning about B.C.'s Olympic and Paralympic athletes.

Max trying to get the fastest time in the wheelchair.

Competing in a badminton match.

Liam seeing how far he can go in the long jump competition.

Celebrating with our Olympic rings on the podium .

After finishing at the B.C. Sports Hall of Fame, we headed to Locarno Beach for a bit of rest and relaxation.

Our last activity of the day was an engaging evening studio session with Mark Smith, Director of Process BC Treaty Commission where there were lots of meaningful conversations and thought-provoking questions asked about First Nations, reconciliation and treaties.

Mark Smith discussing the TRC report during our evening studio session.

Asking many insightful questions about First Nations and the treaty process.