Auburn's Tourism Team Best In Canada
by Teal Boutilier, May 2005

The rest of Canada can only look on in envy. A showcase of Nova Scotia put on by six students from Auburn's Canadian Academy of Travel & Tourism program won the top award last week at the second annual CATT International Conference at Niagara College, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario. Hosted by CATT St. Catharines Collegiate, nine provinces as well as a team from Russia attended the conference.

It was Auburn's contribution of visual and other factors that made the difference. Not only did Auburn create a beautiful backdrop to their display using maps and colourful pictures, but they also had Nova Scotian food and a dramatic piece.

Judges said it was Auburn's ability to choose one main idea, Cultures of Nova Scotia, and use that as the focus for the entire presentation that made the difference. The display featured pictures from many of Nova Scotia's cultural groups, including Scottish, African Nova Scotian, MicMac, and Acadian.

The Eagle CATT Team Teal Boutilier Chris Donner Lisa LeBlanc Laura MacLeod Jai Pettipas Heather Salsman Ms. Dickson Ms. Welch

They also had food such as lobster and salmon, but the most unique thing was a drama piece assembled by the students with the help of Auburn drama teacher, Ms. Hunt. The concept of this piece was an archeological dig during which cultural links to the province's history was unearthed. The artifacts found included Scottish bagpipes, picture's from Halifax Africville, a recipe for Rappi pie, a MicMac peace pipe, and a war time love letter.

While the students worked very hard during the conference, taking workshops and designing their showcase, they also had time to explore some of the Niagara region. At Fort George, they got to experience life in the War of 1812, and they even got up close and personal with one of the natural wonders of the world with a trip under mighty Niagara Falls.

Join CATT Educators at the 10th Annual Canadian Academy of Travel & Tourism Conference Nov. 4-6, 2005 Halifax, Nova Scotia

http://www.cthrc.ca/eng/catt/page.aspx?_id=professional_development.htm

Call for Nominations - 3rd Annual CATT/Canadian Tourism Commission Educator's Award

http://www.cthrc.ca/eng/catt/page.aspx?_id=educators_award.htm