International Museum Day 2019

To mark International Museum Day (IMD), the Friends of Royal Alberta Museum Society (FRAMS) hosted their 3rd annual IMD celebration. On May 16, 2019 at the Royal Alberta Museum keynote speakers Geoff Green and Dr. Edwards told stories of their journey on the Canada C3 expedition.

Geoff Green is the Executive Director of Students on Ice and and the leader of the historic coast-to-coast Canada C3 sailing expedition. The C3 expedition – an epic 150-day sailing journey and signature project for Canada’s 150th anniversary of Confederation in 2017 – aimed to educate Canadians about our diverse lands and bridge the past and future. Scientists, experts, elders, artists, youth, and educators on board the icebreaker ship had the opportunity to explore the themes of diversity and inclusion, reconciliation, youth engagement and the environment, as they connected with Canadians from coast to coast to coast. The lessons they learned on their journey will help them to shape a better Canada.

A crowd favourite topic that evening was Dr. Edwards’ research about the occurrence of “pizzly” bears, which are grizzly-polar bear hybrids. Scientists aboard the Canada C3 expedition were to have a research focus that could be conducted during their leg, and RAM mammalogist Dr. Edwards decided to focus on how local hunters and communities were affected by the strange appearances of these proclaimed “pizzly bears.”

The evening also included the Alberta premiere screening of Canada C3: Coast to Coast documentary, which was filmed aboard the 2017 expedition. Before the screening, guests were able to enjoy appetizers, drinks, a silent auction, and the evening culminated in the draw of the IMD raffle for two roundtrip airfare passes to thanks to WestJet!