Jessica McIntyre

Launched in 2021, Project True North invited Grade 10 students to explore the lives of Canadian nursing sisters, members of the No. 2 Construction Battalion, and Canadian military medal recipients, illuminating the often-overlooked contributions of these individuals. Students reported feeling like detectives as they immersed themselves in military service files, war diaries, and other primary sources. They filled gaps in their research by consulting historians, museum professionals, and even living relatives of their subjects. This process helped students to recognize the broad knowledge base available for learning about the past — well beyond textbooks and resources.

The project has fostered valuable partnerships with institutions including the Canadian War Museum, Library and Archives Canada, the University of Ottawa, and Carleton University. The students’ efforts culminated in documentaries, podcasts, and exhibits that showcase their research and promote awareness of these significant narratives. The hands-on approach provided students of diverse backgrounds with crucial historical thinking skills and greater confidence in their abilities.

Project True North transformed students into archivists, historians, and storytellers. The experience and the results not only enrich the educational landscape but also inspire students to see themselves as active participants in shaping Canada’s history.