McKenna Rocky Mountain House, Alberta

Fair address: Calgary Regional Heritage School Fair

Project: The Canada - Orkney Connection

I did my project on how people from the Scottish Orkney Islands affected Canadian history. This includes Orcadians from the 1700s to present day who came to Canada in search of a better life. I also explored my personal family connection to Orkney.

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

The most interesting thing I learned was the story of Isobel Gunn. She was the very first European woman to enter Canada. She had to disguise herself as a man to be hired by the Hudson's Bay Company and travel to Canada.

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

I learned that my family history can be very interesting to learn about. I also learned that the Orkney people who immigrated to Canada had a huge impact on our own Canadian history. I learned that history can be fun!

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

My life today is definitely much easier than the people that I studied. The new technology we have makes our life more comfortable. I am also glad that I don't have to disguise myself as a man to get a job and be successful.