2023 Award Recipients
Lauréats de 2023
Interpretation Canada announced the 2023 Awards of Excellence winners in September 2024.
The Awards of Excellence provide an opportunity to recognize professionalism and creativity from coast to coast to coast. Entries covered a wide range of topics and media, resulting in 18 award winners.
Interpretation Canada congratulates its 2023 recipients and encourages everyone to learn more about these exciting projects.
All winning projects are featured in the language in which they were submitted.
Interprétation Canada a fait l’annonce des lauréats des Prix d’excellence de 2023 en septembre 2024.
Les Prix d’excellence offrent une occasion de saluer le professionnalisme et la créativité de partout au pays. Dix-huit lauréats ont émergé des candidatures, qui représentaient une vaste gamme de sujets et de médiums.
Interprétation Canada félicite ses lauréats de 2023 et invite toute personne intéressée à s’informer sur leurs réalisations exceptionnelles.
Toutes les réalisations gagnantes sont présentées dans la langue où elles ont été soumises.
Personal InterpretationInterprétation personnelle |
SNAKES ON THE PLANE | GOLD |
Alberta Parks, Writing On Stone Provincial Park / Áísínai’pi Dustin Riley and Laura Griffin Nominee’s Project Description: Snakes on the Plain is a campground theatrical performance. Snakes are a species of concern, and our actions will influence their survival. We want visitors knowing that snakes are a species at risk and feeling empowered to take actions to aid snake survival. The theme is explicitly stated and is reinforced through various scenes. Visitors learn about threats to snakes, including habitat destruction, vehicular collision, and intentional killing, and actions we can take to reduce snake mortality such as following speed limits, staying on trails, and giving snakes space. | Judge's comments: “The … program was really funny and included a broad range of pop-culture references that helped make [it] relevant to a diverse age group. [This is] one of the most fun educational stage programs I've ever seen!” |
CLOUDY WITH A CHANCE OF SCIENCE | SILVER |
Jamie Lantz Nominee’s Project Description: Cloudy with a Chance of Science is a four-day in-school experience that introduces grade 4–6 students to the wonderful world of meteorology! Cloudy is part of the Generation Action (GenAction) initiative, which is a Canada-wide program that increases youth awareness on climate change and inspires kids to take action (https://genaction.ca/en). The goal of GenAction is to “engage 200,000 youth by 2024.” Telus Spark’s contribution is to reach 9,600 of these youth between 2022 and 2024. |
Photo credit: Telus Spark Judge’s comment: “The program and its mission seems very inspiring, and I think the use of a green screen for students to make their own weather forecasts would be a highlight for the students.” |
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HIBERNACULA! | SILVER |
Parks Canada, Lake Louise Yoho Kootenay Field Unit Alex Araujo, Julie Ostrem and Amber deKam Nominee’s Project Description: Hibernacula is all about bats – their importance, their challenges, and what we can do to help. Through fun and engaging activities led by Parks Canada, the program sheds light on why bats matter so much and why we should care about their declining populations, especially due to white-nose syndrome (WNS). Hibernacula is an immersive program designed to transform perceptions about bats and highlight their crucial role in ecosystems, spearheaded by Parks Canada. |
Judge’s Comment: “Great work! This was a very enjoyable program to watch with a very fun concept. It was interactive and intimate while also engaging a diverse amphitheater audience.” |
Photo credit: Parks Canada
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NIGHT SKIES AND FIREFLIES | SILVER |
Alberta Parks, Kananaskis Country David Morrill Nominee’s Project Description: An amphitheater program exploring the issue of light pollution, its effects on the environment, and possible actions that can be taken to mitigate the harmful consequences of this relatively new type of pollution. Many people are being deprived of an open view of the cosmos due to light pollution, which has been an inspiration to so many in the past. | Judge’s Comments: “Engaging, educational, and full of surprises, it was a delight to review this entry. Cheers to David and the Alberta Parks team for 'brightening' their theatres with this program.” |
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VIRTUAL VISIT DISTANCE LEARNING PROGRAM | SILVER |
Megan McLauchlin, Clement Dufour, Bailey Cryer, Earle Wiebe and Jason Martin Nominee’s Project Description: Program participants are introduced to the science of palaeontology and what palaeontologists study. Many people believe that palaeontology is just the study of dinosaurs, but it is much more than that. Palaeontology is the study of all ancient life (plants and animals) using the fossil record. |
Photo credit: Royal Tyrrell Museum Judge’s Comments: “The variety of delivery techniques [is commendable] – it was so much more than a talking head in front of a PowerPoint. I never knew what was going to happen next – an animated scene under an ocean? A time machine count down with cool sound effects? A real-life dinosaur skeleton? It was very creative.” |
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"THE WILDER BUNCH" SUMMER 2023 | SILVER |
Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo Theatrical Visitor Engagement Team Nominee’s Project Description: Canada's biodiversity is at risk unless people learn and collaborate to conserve species at risk and restore balance to ecosystems. The priority theme for the Theatrical Engagement team (The Wilder Bunch) is to share information about animal species supported by Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo conservationists and conservation programs. |
Photo credit: Calgary Zoo Judge’s Comments: “Seeing theatrical children's programs with killer production values and a large cast – great to see the Zoo investing in its youngest visitors' experience.” |
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KNOCK, KNOCK: A HISTORY OF CONTACTING THE DEAD | BRONZE |
Fort Heritage Precinct, Fort Saskatchewan Alexandra King, Erica Kath, and Stephanie Huolt Nominee’s Project Description: Exploring the spiritualist movement from its beginnings to the rise of 1950s Wicca allows connection to early feminist movements and pop culture to rising interests in similar topics today. Living history museums are quite often locations of spooky happenings and creepy vibes. Join our museum guides to explore and learn about spooky history! Judge’s Comments: “I love the topic and theme, and the intersection of spiritualism and feminism. I enjoyed how they set up a recreation of a seance to explore how they would have been done. … Finally, I loved the atmosphere created and the after dark experience.” |
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MUSSEL INVASION | BRONZE |
Parks Canada, Lake Louise Yoho Kootenay Field Unit Emily Clark, Sophie Regnier, Julie Ostrem and Amber deKam Nominee’s Project Description: Amidst Kootenay National Park's serene landscapes, our program unfolds a narrative of ecological stewardship and collective responsibility against the invasive menace of mussels and the ominous specter of whirling disease. Through immersive storytelling, participants explore invasive species management, recognizing the pivotal role of native species in maintaining ecological balance. |
Photo credit: Parks Canada Judge’s Comments: “It is great to see [programs such as this] spreading the word about aquatic invasive species and giving people information about small steps that they can do to help.” |
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PROHIBITION, ALCOHOL AND EAST CENTRAL ALBERTA'S UKRANIAN COMMUNITY | BRONZE |
Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village Anika Lukie, Kevin Baron and Pamela Trischuk Nominee’s Project Description: Due to differing cultural values between English and Ukrainian Albertans regarding alcohol, Ukrainian traditions and practices were uniquely and negatively impacted by Prohibition-era laws. Today’s Albertans enjoy relative freedom regarding their ability to make and consume alcohol for personal enjoyment when compared to Albertans from one hundred years ago. Greater appreciation for our laws and freedoms can be facilitated by learning about Prohibition-era laws. | Judge’s Comments: “The immersion on site is a highlight of this program. The interpreters did a great job of taking advantage of interpretive moments and clearly are very knowledgeable about the subject matter. The first-person interpretation was enjoyable and overall, the program flowed well. Very nice work!” |
Non-personal Interpretation
Interprétation non-personnelle
LETWILC7ÚL̓ECW INTERPRETIVE PANELS (KOOTENAY NATIONAL PARK) | GOLD |
Enola Eugene and Tess MacDougall Parks Canada, Lake Louise Yoho Kootenay Field Unit Kristy Putnam, Amber DeKam, and Jane Thompson Nominee’s Project Description: Plants along this trail are medicine to the Shuswap People and bear amazing gifts. |
Judge’s Comments: “I loved how well planned out this was – the interpretive project plan was clear, simple, concise, and well-articulated. It met best practices, the signs were effective, and the thought and effort put into achieving the goals and outcomes is noticed. I loved the collaboration with the Band and the amount of input they had on the project, not to mention the entire intent behind the project – by the Band, for the Band. Well done!” |
Image credit: Parks Canada
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DISCOVERY PACKS: BUMBLING FOR BEES | SILVER |
Alison Nagy, Ashley Halko-Addley, Danielle Lingelbach, Robin Campese, and Tiana Waldbauer Nominee’s Project Description: In the 2023 parks operating season, Saskatchewan Parks launched the Bumbling for Bees Discovery Pack. In this Discovery Pack, visitors were invited to learn about social bees that live in hives as well as many solitary bees that are native to Saskatchewan at their own pace through a variety of activities. Judge’s Comments: “[I] really like the hands-on activities and game approach ... completely appropriate for the demographic ... can be done by one user or in a group situation ... very flexible.” |
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MONEY IN 10 QUESTIONS: KIDS EDITION | SILVER |
Bank of Canada Museum / Musée de la Banque du Canada Krista Broeckx, Graham Iddon, Annie Jacques, Heather Montgomery, and Thu Phan Nominee’s Project Description: Understanding basic economic concepts help children make good financial decisions in the future. The exhibition is driven by questions about money that children submitted and is not necessarily supported by a grand narrative or story. Each piece of the exhibition is anchored by the kids’ questions and act as “nuggets” of information and experiences that highlight financial and economic themes. | Judge’s Comments: “[It is commendable that] the content was driven by youth and the design was inclusive of youth perspectives and preferences – and piloted by youth. Very smart to involve kids through the entire process.” |
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ReCOLLECTIONS: A PARKS CANADA PODCAST/ ReTROUVER: UN BALADO DE PARCS CANADA | SILVER |
Sylvie Lapointe, Jeff Bolingbroke, Lauren Bridle, K. Kealey, Jean-Sebastien Villeneuve, Christine, Boucher, Fred Sheppard, Monica Blaylock, Jennifer Cousineau, Angela Duffett, Krista Cooke, Marla Dobson, Carla Morse, and Sylvie Laneuville Nominee’s Project Description: ReCollections / ReTrouver explores stories from National Historic Sites and gives listeners opportunities to learn about the full scope of our shared history, to help make sense of a complicated past. | Judge’s Comments: “The narration blended with music, interviews, and sound effects really made it entertaining. … I loved how they covered material that traditionally might have been brushed under the carpet because it was difficult to talk about.” |
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100 YEARS OF HORSEPOWER: CELEBRATING 100 YEARS OF CHUCKWAGON RACING | BRONZE |
Cassandra Cummings, Historical Specialist, the volunteer Historical Committee, supported by Interpretive Planner Lisa McIntosh. Nominee’s Project Description: 2023 celebrates 100 years of chuckwagon racing; this year’s experience with history explores the thundering hooves, roaring crowds, and daring range riders – of heritage, spirit and excitement. The exhibit consisted of text panels with historic and contemporary imagery, exploring several themes related to the development and history of chuckwagon racing over the past 100 years. |
Photo credit: Calgary Stampede Foundation Judge’s Comments: “I really appreciated the overwhelming sense of pride - pride of the people (the chuckwagon community members), the legacy of the sport here in Alberta, and the Stampede. … I loved the floor decal with the course and the "barrels", the actual wagons on display, and all the historic photos.” |
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HISTOIRE CACHÉE IN PLAIN SIGHT | BRONZE |
Robert Malo Nominee’s Project Description: This interactive mixed-reality walkthrough of St. Boniface is designed to captivate and enlighten. The app features a range of themes that encompass family, cultural tensions, reunion, tragedy, tradition, and colonialism. With “Histoire cachée – In Plain Sight,” you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the area’s complex and intertwined histories while experiencing the power of augmented reality (AR) technology. | Judge’s Comments: “I loved the style of the storytelling. I found it deeply emotional and well created.” |
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REMINISCENCE KIT: PROGRAMMING FOR SENIORS | BRONZE |
Jennifer Mueller Nominee’s Project Description: Seniors often become isolated as issues with dementia and other cognitive impairments start to affect their lives. Reminiscence therapy, recalling events from the past using objects from the past they would have used or otherwise been familiar with, has shown to help seniors with dementia with cognition, mood, and general behavioral function. Reminiscence Kits have been developed by the Lac La Biche Museum to support Reminiscence Therapy programming taking place in Lac La Biche County. |
Photo credit: Lac La Biche Museum Judge’s Comments: “The central idea/purpose of this program spoke to me on a very personal level. I am so grateful to everyone involved in this entry for their dedication, thoughtfulness, and care in their work. They are bringing light to people's lives.” |
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WILD CANADA INTERPRETIVE PLAN | BRONZE |
Lauryn Record, Metrographics Art & Design, F&D Scene Changes and Ambient Interactive Nominee’s Project Description: The future of Canada’s iconic wild places depends on restoring balance between people, land and wildlife. The Wild Canada interpretive program was a complete reimagining of the experience across the entire 21 acre zone, as part of the redevelopment of the 40 year old Canadian Wilds. | Judge’s Comments: “It was amazing to see that you worked with multiple indigenous artists and made space for different stories to be told, and I loved how you highlighted local changemakers. These hyper-local stories that you can’t get anywhere else are what helps to connect visitors to your place.” |
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WILDSCAPES AND DOROTHY HARVIE GARDENS INTERPRETIVE SIGNAGE | BRONZE |
Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo Marketing & Communications Teams Nominee’s Project Description: Gardens are places to restore connection to ourselves, our communities and to the natural world. We created new permanent interpretive signage for the DHG along with temporary pieces to playfully activate the WildScapes experience. The permanent signs focus on the how gardens support wellbeing of people and communities, and well as benefit wildlife and plant species. | Judge’s Comments: “[I appreciated the] simplicity of the sign design and colourful, visual elements. It worked well for this garden setting of flowers and pollinators!” |
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Interpretation Canada c/o Kerry Wood Nature Centre 6300 45th Ave Red Deer, AB, Canada T4N 3M4
Interprétation Canada a/s du Kerry Wood Nature Centre, 6300 45e Avenue, Red Deer, Alberta T4N 3M4