New Exhibition Highlights Canadian Contributions to Global Breakthroughs
Hull (Quebec), October 23, 1997 — A new multimedia exhibition opening at the Canadian Museum of Civilization (CMC) on October 23 explores Canada's tradition of global development. Produced by Aga Khan Foundation Canada, with the support of the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), NGOs and other institutions in Canada, A Canadian Tradition celebrates the many ways in which Canadians have worked towards making the world a better place.
The exhibition highlights Canadian contributions as dramatic as global immunization, and as simple as tree-planting programmes in Africa and Asia. Audiovisual presentations, quizzes, artifacts and interactive displays enable visitors to learn about Canadian inventions such as a method for turning fog into pure drinking water, and about Canadian-led programmes such as an African initiative that helps communities turn recycled materials into educational toys. A Canadian Tradition is about ordinary people working with others to achieve extraordinary things.
Distinguished Canadians such as Michael Ondaatje, Knowlton Nash and Salome Bey narrate success stories on a nine-screen video wall. A section called Canadian Video Postcards provides short video letters from the field. Other highlights include a rickshaw from Bangladesh, illustrating the value of local credit programmes; a test on visitors' knowledge of biogas; and a Global Heroes Internet booth showcasing Canadian efforts in cyberspace.
"We are pleased to feature this marvelous new exhibition which is, in essence, a celebration of Canada at its best," says Dr. George F. MacDonald, President and CEO of the Canadian Museum of Civilization Corporation. "As a museum, our emphasis is most often on the historical aspects of Canadian heritage and culture. With this exhibition, we are able to demonstrate the results of this proud history, by showcasing the many honourable and selfless contributions of Canadians today."
"As we enter a new millennium," says Mr. Nazeer Aziz Ladhani, CEO of Aga Khan Foundation Canada, "it is important for us, as Canadians, to reflect on the role we play in the world. This exhibition is designed to show the impact we can have when we join forces with others to find solutions to global problems. This is a story told by Canadians from all walks of life. It is about helping people to help themselves."
A Canadian Tradition will run in Marius Barbeau Salon until October 18, 1998 and will be updated regularly in response to visitor suggestions and special events. Visitors will also be asked to nominate Canadians and Canadian initiatives for new exhibition profiles. Early in 1998, a school programme will also be launched, offering teachers a way to highlight Canada's role in international development.
A Canadian Tradition explores the fundamental Canadian values of tolerance, generosity and global responsibility and demonstrates how Canadians are helping, in a concrete way, to meet the challenges of the 21st century.
Information (media):
Media Relations Officer: (819) 776-7169
Senior Media Relations Officer: (819) 776-7167
Fax: (819) 776-7187
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