GATINEAU, February 24, 2005 -- Minister of State (Multiculturalism) Raymond Chan today presented the Mathieu Da Costa Challenge Awards to 11 students at a special ceremony held at the Canadian Museum of Civilization.Launched in 1996 to mark Black History Month, the Mathieu Da Costa Challenge is an annual Canada-wide competition for students aged 9 to 18. To participate, they must submit an essay, short story, poem or piece of artwork that celebrates the contributions of Aboriginal people and Canadians of all ethnic and racial origins to Canada's development. This year, 1,053 entries were received, up from 1,023 in 2004 and 581 in 2003. The numbers show the growing popularity of the Challenge among youth."This 10th anniversary of Black History Month is a fitting time to highlight the vision that young Canadians have of our society and our history," said Minister of State Chan. "By casting light on the stories of outstanding Canadians, we learn to deepen our knowledge and understanding of each other, and to develop greater mutual respect."The Mathieu Da Costa Challenge is one of the main activities of Black History Month, which is celebrated in February. The Government of Canada officially recognized Black History Month in 1995, when Parliament unanimously approved a motion introduced by Jean Augustine, Member or Parliament (Etobicoke-Lakeshore), the first Black woman elected to the House of Commons.For more information on Black History Month and the Mathieu Da Costa Challenge, visit the following Web pages: www.canadianheritage.gc.ca/progs/multi/black-noir/index_e.cfm www.canadianheritage.gc.ca/progs/multi/black-noir/dacosta_e.cfm For more information on the Canadian Teachers' Federation, visit the CTF Web site at www.ctf-fce.caInformation:Roy BornmannOffice of the Minister of State(Multiculturalism)(819) 997-9900Myriam BrochuChief, Media RelationsCanadian Heritage(819) 997-9314 Backgrounder2005 Mathieu Da Costa Challenge WinnersBest Essays in EnglishJulia Spears, age 10Truro, Nova ScotiaRose FortuneVarman Koneswaran, age 13North York, OntarioJordin Tootoo, A Hero of a Legend: The First Inuk to Make it to the NHLKristi Martin, age 14Victoria, British ColumbiaThe Power of One Helping HandKaitlin Wood, age 15Fredericton, New BrunswickBuilding Canada Through WordsBest Essays in FrenchBenoit Beaulieu, age 9Chambly, QuebecKateri TekakwithaJean-Daniel Bergeron, age 12Ottawa, OntarioLuke Merville : Travailleur humanitaire infatiguableRoman Blomme, age 14Summerland, British ColumbiaElijah McCoyAriane Brun del Re, age 16Ottawa, OntarioÀ l'aube d'un commencementBest Artistic RepresentationsPeter Millman, age 10Truro, Nova ScotiaJosiah HensonSarah Robert, age 14Dalhousie, New BrunswickPaysage, couleurs d'un pays, visages de notre histoireTae-Kyung Kim, age 16Surrey, British ColumbiaMiyuki Tanobe's Nihonga
