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Cara G.
Vancouver, British Columbia
Vancouver Heritage Fair
Inexploré: Le Detroit d'Anian
My project is about the Strait of Anian, a 1700s idea of the Northwest Passage. I explore how the search for Anian by George Vancouver, James Cook, Francesco Quadra and others helped build British Columbia as it is today.
What was the most interesting thing you learned about your topic?
The lengths that people will go to for fame and glory. Explorers of the 1700s would be out at sea for years, searching for the Strait of Anian which never existed, but never giving up. I think that lesson of perseverance is an important one.
What important lessons have you learned that you want to share with other Canadians?
The Strait of Anian contributed directly to the colonization of BC and then permanent settling. Most people, however, have never heard of it. I think it is important that people know why they are here and why BC is here.
How would you compare your life today to the lives of those studied in your project?
Science and technology for mapping has improved significantly, and current maps are completely up to date. In the time of my project, maps were hand-drawn, and surveys were done by open boats or on foot. Still, the explorers of the 1700s have impacted our lives today.