News Release
For Immediate Release
Chevron Canada Launches Award-Winning Educational Program In Partnership With Fort Mcmurray Historical Society
Calgary, January 19, 2009 --Chevron Canada is pleased to announce it has entered into a partnership with the Fort McMurray Historical Society to bring an award-winning educational program to elementary school students and teachers in the Wood Buffalo Region.
Under a multi-year funding agreement, Chevron will contribute more than $180,000 over four years to establish the Chevron Open Minds Program at Heritage Park, a unique educational, cultural and social venue operated by the Fort McMurray Historical Society.
Chevron Open Minds is an internationally recognized educational initiative that advances student learning by moving students out of regular school classrooms into enriching community environments for a full one-week period. Heritage Park now joins other Chevron Canada Open Minds Programs in southern Alberta, including the Calgary Zoo and Glenbow Museum, as well as a new site being launched at The Rooms in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador.
“Chevron Canada is delighted to partner with the Fort McMurray Historical Society to give students in the Wood Buffalo Region a wonderful opportunity to immerse themselves in the diverse history of northern Alberta,” said Mark Nelson, president of Chevron Canada. “By following the proven educational model of Open Minds, participants will gain hands-on experiences that will help them to develop vital critical thinking, problem solving and writing skills.”
“We appreciate Chevron’s generosity which has enabled Heritage Park to implement this exceptional education program,” said Roseann Davidson, executive director of Heritage Park. “The Open Minds Program will provide students with the opportunity to discover our community’s rich history and culture. Our museum site, exhibits and collections will enlighten and connect the students to the natural and social history of our region.”
From January 19-23, Heritage Park will welcome its first Open Minds class, comprising 20 students in Grade 3 from Good Shepherd School. During their week-long stint, the students and their teacher will study artifacts, experience the life of a trapper and learn about the skill of weaving and spinning wool.
It’s anticipated that a total of five classes will participate in the 2009 pilot year, with an equal number of classes participating in 2010 and 2011.
The Chevron Open Minds Program began in 1993 with the introduction of the first school at the Calgary Zoo. It has since expanded to three other facilities in the Calgary area, including the Glenbow Museum, TELUS World of Science and the Cross Conservation Area, and has won over 30 national and international awards. For additional information on the program, please visit http://chevronopenminds.ca
The Fort McMurray Historical Society is dedicated to the preservation of history and the development of programs and community events that showcase our dynamic historic village. Through interactive school programs, summer and theatre camps, events, research services, permanent and temporary exhibitions, the library and archives, the Fort McMurray Historical Society creates lasting memories for the benefit of our community. The Fort McMurray Historical Society operates both Heritage Park and the Marine Park in Fort McMurray.
Chevron Canada is actively engaged in oil and gas exploration and production activities in Atlantic Canada, Northern Canada and the Alberta oil sands. Chevron Canada has been a key player in Canada’s energy industry for more than 70 years and is committed to supporting the growth of Canada’s energy future as a partner of choice with governments, regulators and communities.
Media Contacts:
Fort McMurray Historical Society/Heritage Park:
Roseann Davidson
Executive Director of Heritage Park
(780) 791-7575 ext. 228.
Tammy Plowman
Program Coordinator
(780) 791-7575 ext. 224
Chevron Canada
Leif Sollid
External Communications Advisor
(403) 234-5192