Two grade five students who have won a number of awards for their project on Métis history were honoured in Winnipeg last month.
Students Niki Keramydas and Cassidy Alexander presented their project, which touches on various aspects of Métis culture and history, at a young historians evening hosted by the Manitoba Historical Society at the Viscount Gort Hotel in Winnipeg in mid-November. The project had previously won awards from the Manitoba Museum, Aboriginal Circle of Educators and the Manitoba Historical Society. In November, the Manitoba Historical Society presented Keramydas and Alexander with its Young Historian award.
The students initially entered their project in a local heritage fair during the 2016-17 school year, then went on to sweep all three awards available at the Red River Heritage Fair. Funding from the Flin Flon School Division (FFSD) and the Manitoba Historical Society allowed the girls to attend the young historians evening.
Keramydas and Alexander presented their project to the FFSD Board during its meeting on Nov. 28. The board was impressed with their presentation, and when superintendent Constance McLeese asked what the most interesting part of their research was, the girls had separate answers.
Alexander replied, “Figuring out my great grandfather was with Louis Riel,” while Keramydas said, “I think one of the most interesting parts was when we tried to learn Michif.”
