News Releases - 2010
To the moon and back: Canadian astronaut Robert Thirsk returns books from space
Ottawa, October 19, 2010 – The Canada Council for the Arts invites you — along with two award-winning authors and 80 school children — to an event where Canadian Space Agency astronaut Robert Thirsk will return two Governor General’s Literary Award-winning books from his 2009 space expedition.
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Date: |
Tuesday, October 26, 2010 |
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Time: |
10 a.m. |
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Location: |
Canada Science and Technology Museum
1867 St. Laurent Blvd, Ottawa |
At the request of the Canadian Space Agency, the Canada Council contributed the books Airborne and Deux pas vers les étoiles to
Dr. Thirsk’s official flight kit for his expedition to the International Space Station.
Scenario: After the Canada Council receives the framed books from
Dr. Thirsk, it will donate Airborne to Canada Aviation and Space Museum and Deux pas vers les etoiles to la bibliothèque municipale de Jonquière, where the books can be put on display for public viewing.
Dr. Thirsk will then speak about his space travels, followed by
Governor General Literary Award-winning authors Kenneth Oppel and Jean-Rock Gaudreault, who will read excerpts from their
out-of-this-world books.
Members of the media who wish to join us for this event can RSVP by contacting April Yorke at 613‑566-4414 ext. 4133 or via email by Monday, October 25.
General information
In addition to its principal role of promoting and fostering the arts, the Canada Council for the Arts administers and awards many prizes and fellowships in the arts, humanities, social sciences, natural and health sciences, engineering, and arts management. These prizes and fellowships recognize the achievements of outstanding Canadian artists, scholars, and administrators. The Canada Council is committed to raising public awareness and celebrating these exceptional people and organizations on both a national and an international level.