The Mathieu Da Costa Challenge
By Amanda May
Staff Writer
JasperNationalPark.com
Each year, the government of Canada puts on a creative writing and artwork contest for children celebrating its cultural diversity. The contest is for children ages 9 to 18. 
The contest has been an annual event since 1996 because Canada is so ethnically diverse (more than 200 ethnic backgrounds) and because the quality of life that Canadians enjoy is intrinsically linked to the contributions of indigenous people, Africans, Asians and other ethnic groups.
The subject of the artwork or writing for the Mathieu Da Costa Challenge is diversity and multiculturalism in Canadian society.
Winning entries are selected by a jury for three age groups: 9-12, 13-15, and 16-18. The categories for entries are the following: original piece of writing in English, original piece of writing in French, and original piece of artwork (including computer-generated artwork).
The winners (and their parents/guardians) of the contest get an all-expenses paid trip to the awards ceremony. In 2010, the ceremony was held in Ottawa, Canada. Parks Canada also gives out three awards. The winners get a free Parks Canada Family Pass to places like Jasper National Park and Banff National Park.
Learn more about the contest and see previous winning entries at The Mathieu Da Costa Challenge!
