Released on November 22, 2017
The Government of Saskatchewan has introduced legislation to amend The Provincial Emblems and Honours Act, adding the Tyrannosaurus rex as Saskatchewan’s Provincial Fossil.
In 2016, the Royal Saskatchewan Museum’s (RSM) Saskatchewan Fossil Campaign held a video contest for schools, an exhibit and an in-person vote at the RSM, and an online poll allowing anyone across the province to vote for one of seven provincial fossil candidates. The results were announced in May of 2016, showing massive support for the T.rex.
“The Royal Saskatchewan Museum’s campaign to choose a provincial fossil saw many from across the province learn more about Saskatchewan’s rich fossil history,” Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Gene Makowsky said. “Thanks to the leadership of the RSM, the Bill introduced today will see Saskatchewan as the only jurisdiction to have the Tyrannosaurus rex as its official fossil.”
The Saskatchewan Fossil Campaign and exhibit resulted in an increase in visitation, website traffic and social media engagement, and led to the RSM receiving the Gil Carduner Marketing Award at the 2016 Saskatchewan Tourism Awards of Excellence. The fun continues at the RSM with #Dinovember.
Dinosaur-themed activities, events and a special exhibit are featured this month:
- This coming weekend, November 25 and 26, from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., visitors can take a virtual reality tour of the quarry site where Scotty the T.rex was found and explore a number of other fossils.
- You can also join RSM palaeontologist Emily Bamforth on Tuesday, November 28 at 7:30 p.m. for Talkin’ ‘bout Dinosaurs.
- Museum’s Choice: Fossil Favourites from Across Canada is a national travelling exhibition featuring some of Canada's most impressive, famous and significant fossils. The exhibit, which centres around a replica of Scotty the T.rex’s skull, is on display at the RSM until the end of January 2018.
The RSM, located at 2445 Albert Street in Regina, is open daily from 9:30 a.m. until 5 p.m. To see Scotty the T.rex in person, the T.rex Discovery Centre in Eastend opens in May of 2018 for the summer season.
Visit www.royalsaskmuseum.ca or call 306-787-2815 for information about events and exhibits. Admission is by donation.
-30-
For more information, contact:
Jill Sveinson
Parks, Culture and Sport
Regina
Phone: 306-787-5781
Email: jill.sveinson@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-527-8152