Education

Heritage Education

Heritage has many definitions and among those it is defined as the sum of the historical influences that we carry within us – the culture of our ancestors, the geography of our region, the history and profile of our community, and the many other elements that constitute our present.

We have immediate contact with some of those influences, such as the history of our immediate family. However, some of those influences are further in the past, are not in the immediate vicinity, or need to be re-assembled to be understood. Understanding our heritage gives insight into our community, and into ourselves.

We have Canadian studies departments and learn about our Canadian heritage in school. But the classroom setting provides only a conceptual view of our past. In fact, Canadian heritage can be appreciated in those places that are witnesses to our history – places that house objects of historical significance, or places that have been the scene of key historical events. Those are the Canadian museums and historical sites that take us back to the beginnings of telecommunications, transportation, homesteading and Aboriginal life. They are also the natural parks that connect us back to nature, and the many artistic and cultural events throughout Canada.

What we carry within us is the culmination of the past – and re-discovering our past is a very current activity.