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Young historians from West Central Saskatchewan were among the top award winners at the 2025 Saskatchewan Provincial Heritage Fair, held June 5 at Government House in Regina.
The annual event, hosted by Heritage Saskatchewan in partnership with Government House, showcased 60 students from Grades 4 to 8 presenting in-depth projects on Canadian and Saskatchewan heritage topics. Among this year’s most distinguished participants were three students from the West Central region who earned top provincial honours.
Ellise Dyrland, a Grade 8 student from Kyle, earned the Saskatchewan Heritage Foundation Award for her project “Your Community Builder: Pioneer Co-op,” which explored the local economic and social impact of co-operative businesses in Saskatchewan communities. Judges praised her research and creative presentation, highlighting her strong connection to local heritage.
Sloane Willner, a Grade 8 student from Davidson, took home the Saskatchewan Genealogical Society Family History Award for “Luck, Skills & Miracles: How Two People Survived a Plane Crash.” Her compelling narrative combined family history and survival against the odds, capturing the judges’ attention with its depth and emotion.
Fellow Davidson student Porscha Tomyn, also in Grade 8, was awarded the 2025 Celebrating Canada Award for her project “Great Canadian Baking.” The piece explored culinary heritage and its ties to Canadian culture, blending historical storytelling with a delicious national twist.
Now in its 11th year, the Provincial Heritage Fair continues to highlight youth engagement in historical inquiry, with awards supported by a network of heritage organizations including the Saskatchewan Heritage Foundation, Saskatchewan Archives, and Sask Lotteries.
Organizers noted the exceptional calibre of all participants and expressed pride in the students’ research, creativity and storytelling.
For more on the Heritage Fairs program, visit heritagefairssk.ca.