Recognition for young Ismaili Artist – Nurin Merchant

Recognition for young Ismaili Artist

Nurin Merchant’s entry “Wapusk National Park in the annual Parks Canada “Ecological Integrity Poster Contest” won her 12th overall place in the academic category out of 942 posters that were submitted by 1129 Grade 9 Students from across Ontario.

The contest focussed on creating a poster using the concept of Ecological Integrity to reflect an existing national park in Canada. “Ecological integrity” is a term used to describe ecosystems that are self-sustaining and self-regulating.

Nurin’s poster features some of the key elements of Wapusk, which means “White Bear” in Cree. The park earns its name because it protects one of the world’s largest known polar bear maternity denning areas. It represents the Hudson James Lowlands natural region bordering on Hudson Bay. The park lies on the transition between boreal forest and Arctic tundra. The geology, biodiversity, and cultural history of the area all contribute to the unique wilderness character of Wapusk National Park of Canada

Nurin studies at Colonel-By School in Ottawa. In her spare time she paints in oil, acrylic and water colours. Last year she won the Ismaili community’s ISTAR Arts award in Ottawa for her performance in visual arts and music. She plays piano, flute and harp and also does Tap dancing.

http://www.pc.gc.ca/apprendre-learn/prof/itm1-con/on/eco/2007/eco1b_e.asp

Wapusk National Park by Nurin Merchant
© Parks Canada

Nurin Merchant
“Wapusk National Park”
Mr. Puig’s Grade 9 Geography Class
Colonel By Secondary School, Gloucester ON