Noah Nackawic, New Brunswick

Fair address: Anglophone West Regional Heritage Fair (Woodstock)

Project: The Distant Early Warning Line

My project topic that I chose was the Distant Early Warning (DEW) line. The project explains how Northern Canada was linked to the line, why it was so important during the Cold War, and other general facts about it.

What was the most interesting thing you learned about your topic?

The most interesting thing that I learned about this topic was the technology required in order to create the DEW line. It was made up of 63 high tech radar and satellite stations. These stations could detect enemy aircraft, missiles, bombs, and many other weapons being transported to attack the United States/Canada. It was extremely efficient.

What important lessons have you learned that you want to share with other Canadians?

My lesson that I would like to share with all Canadians is that Canada played a huge role during the Cold War. Although we were not the ones threatening a nuclear war, the DEW line that was created in northern Canada could have protected the lives of many Canadians and Americans. Without our contribution, an attack could have been made so much easier.

How would you compare your life today to the lives of those studied in your project?

Many Inuit lived close to the DEW line station during the Cold War. Many of their lives were affected by the DEW. Many Inuit wanted to help construct the DEW line with no one to help hunt and provide food for the other Inuit. I believe that our lives are so much easier than the Inuit during that period because we are able to eat without any difficulties unlike the Inuit did.