GATINEAU, Quebec, February 9, 2006 -- Ten young Canadians were honoured today at the Annual Mathieu Da Costa Challenge Awards Ceremony held at the Canadian Museum of Civilization.The Mathieu Da Costa Challenge is a national creative writing and artwork contest for young people aged 9 to 18. Submitted compositions and works of art must celebrate the contributions that Canadians of Aboriginal, African and other backgrounds have made to the building of Canada."In 2006, we commemorate 400 Years of Black Presence in Canada and the 10th anniversary of the Mathieu Da Costa Challenge. This provides a great opportunity for young people to discover and celebrate the contributions of those who have helped shape Canada as a nation," said Minister of Canadian Heritage and Status of Women Beverley J. Oda.The Mathieu Da Costa Challenge is one of the main activities of Black History Month, which is celebrated in February. This year marks the 400th anniversary of the arrival of Mathieu Da Costa, the first recorded Black person to set foot on Canadian soil. The Government of Canada officially recognized Black History Month in 1995, when Parliament unanimously approved a motion introduced by Jean Augustine, the first Black woman elected to the House of Commons.The 2006 Mathieu Da Costa Challenge was organized and financed by the Department of Canadian Heritage through its Multiculturalism Program, with the help of the following partners: the National Capital Commission, Les Suites Hotel, Le Droit, and The Chronicle Herald.For more information on Black History Month and the Mathieu Da Costa Challenge, please visit the following pages on the Canadian Heritage website:www.pch.gc.ca/progs/multi/black-noir/index_e.cfmwww.pch.gc.ca/special/mdc/main/index_e.cfmWinners of the 10th Mathieu Da Costa Challenge AwardsBest creative writing in EnglishDylan Kruger, from Delta, British Columbia (age 9 to 12 category)Varman Koneswaran, from Toronto, Ontario (age 13 to 15 category)Kathleen McMaster, from Truro, Nova Scotia (age 16 to 18 category) Best creative writing in FrenchAmy Frlan, from Ottawa, Ontario (age 9 to 12 category)Gaëlle Madevon, from Penticton, British Columbia (age 13 to 15 category)Ariane Brun del Re, from Orleans, Ontario (age 16 to 18 category)Best artworkLucas Karperien, from Barrhead, Alberta (age 9 to 12 category)Courtney MacInnis, from Truro, Nova Scotia (age 13 to 15 category)Chantal Gérardy, from La Broquerie, Manitoba (age 16 to 18 category)Meryl McMaster, from Ottawa, Ontario (honourable mention)Information:Jean-Guy BeaupréChief, Media RelationsCanadian Heritage(819) 997-9314
