Erin Quinn

Through Discovering Our Roots, Erin Quinn’s Grade 7 students became historians and museum curators as they explored their community’s local history. In partnership with the Wetaskiwin District Heritage Museum Centre & City of Wetaskiwin Archives, students conducted research on Indigenous and settler groups who shaped their region. Over six weeks, they examined primary and secondary sources, handled historical artifacts, and collaborated with museum staff to curate a public exhibition featuring photographs, personal stories, and objects from the museum’s collection. Students also developed exhibit texts and served as docents during the public opening, guiding visitors through the displays and sharing the stories they had uncovered.

Discovering Our Roots extended beyond the curriculum, offering students a rich opportunity to explore Canadian history as evidenced in their own community. The project fostered pride, empathy, and a sense of belonging, empowering students to see themselves reflected in the story of Wetaskiwin and inspiring them to continue preserving its history.