'I've been to the very edge of Hell': Saskatoon veteran brings stories to remote areas
Saskatoon resident Kevin Hicks served in the British Army for nine years and now he’s taking what he learned and teaching students in some of Canada’s most remote areas.
“I’m a good storyteller, but I'm a bit different than other people because I've been in action. I've been to the very edge of Hell and I inject that kind of a passion into my stories," he said.
Hicks served in the Royal Military Police from 1976 to 1985. He was involved in the Cold War, troubles in Northern Ireland and confrontation on the Turkish border of Cyprus.
Afterward, he joined the Civil Police before working at Warwick Castle, one of the largest castles in the United Kingdom.
He would then jump into a full-time business teaching history lessons at schools all around Europe while making stops in the United States and Australia.
“My great-grandfather was killed in the Somme and simply lost. I have had this passion from a very early age asking 'who was he?' 'Where did he die?' And nobody can answer the questions. So I began to look even as a young kid, anything to do with my family history.”
He and his wife Julie moved to Saskatoon in April 2019 and shortly after he began teaching history sessions at schools. He teaches students about the First World War, the Holocaust and medieval and Roman history.
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit he shifted online. His business History Squad works with Connected North, a program linking students in remote areas of Canada to museums, art galleries, indigenous role models, individuals with unique stories, and giving students virtual field trips.
“Kevin has knowledge that so many students won't be able to learn about in their communities that are so far away,” said Mali Bickley with Connected North.
“He can bring that authentic learning by bringing those museum experiences and personal stories to the students by showing them real museum-quality objects.”
Hicks taught at schools all over Nunavut, Northern Ontario and also the Yukon.
“When I look on the map and see just how remote some of these people are, I think to myself, my goodness me, and to have the 'wow' response that I get from them. I feed off that enthusiasm,” Hicks said.
Hicks can be found at the Saskatoon Museum of Military Artifacts giving guided tours in his spare time.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Iran fires air defence batteries in provinces as explosions heard near Isfahan
Iran fired air defence batteries early Friday morning as explosions could be heard near a major air base near Isfahan, raising fears of a possible Israeli strike following Tehran's unprecedented drone-and-missile assault on the country.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.