Governor General’s Awards for Excellence in Teaching Canadian History

Mrs. Diane Vautour from Loretto College in Toronto, Ontario, was honoured for engaging her students to step into the shoes of Canada's suffragists, pioneer newspaper women and politicians as they recreate and stage Nellie McClung’s ‘Mock Parliament’ at the Walker Theatre, and debate the 1917 Wartime Elections Act in the House of Commons.

CEO and President of Canada’s National History Society Mrs. Deborah Morrison delivered a speech during which she congratulated this year's winners.

The Governor General’s Awards for Excellence in Teaching Canadian History were established in 1996, by Canada’s National History Society. Every year, the awards recognize teachers from elementary and secondary schools across Canada who have inspired and challenged students about Canadian history, be it in the field of social studies, economics, political studies, contemporary studies or geography. Since its creation, over 100 teachers have been honoured at Rideau Hall and at the Residence of the Governor General at the Citadelle of Québec.

Mr. Desmond Morton is the winner of the 2010 Pierre Berton Award. Since 1993, the Pierre Berton Award has been presented annually by Canada’s National History Society to honour achievement in promoting greater interest in Canadian history through popular media.

Ms. Amy Park from Heritage Heights School in DeWinton, Alberta, was recognized for having her students uncover the stories behind an array of Inuit artifacts and art pieces borrowed from the Glenbow Museum.

Mrs. Darcie McDonald from St. Patrick’s Community School in Red Deer, Alberta, was honoured for guiding her grade 6 class on a cross-curricular trip through time as students trace the history of democracy and its eventual place on Canadian soil. Pushing her students to go beyond mere research and repetition, she gave them a multitude of outlets to show what they have learned.

Mrs. Lucie Labbé received the Governor General's Award for Excellence in Teaching Canadian History from His Excellency.

His Excellency congratulated Ms. Paule Labbé for her award that she shared with colleagues Mrs. Lucie Labbé and Mrs. Marcelle Thibodeau.

Mrs. Marcelle Thibodeau from École Monseigneur-Fortier in Saint-Georges, Quebec, received the award for teaching its students a series of lessons on the period before contact with Europeans, when the cultural landscape was dominated by the Iroquois culture and the culture of other First Nations. Ms. Labbé shared the award with colleagues Paul Labbé and Marcelle Thibodeau.

Mr. Adrian Charles French from Mount Douglas Secondary School in Victoria in British Columbia, received the Governor General’s Awards for Excellence in Teaching Canadian History for his innovative and interactive teaching concepts.

His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, presented the Governor General’s Awards for Excellence in Teaching Canadian History to eight teachers during a ceremony at Rideau Hall. Mr. Daniel Conner from Rockridge Secondary School in West Vancouver, British Columbia received the award from His Excellency.

The Historica-Dominion Institute Great Questions Essay Competition was awarded to Jesse Shulman of Toronto, Ontario, for his essay entitled "Canada's Identity Evolution".