ROYAL SASKATCHEWAN MUSEUM CELEBRATES EARTH DAY

The Royal Saskatchewan Museum (RSM) is celebrating Earth Day with a number of activities this week.

In recognition of Earth Day, April 22nd, the Royal Saskatchewan Museum Associates partnered with CBC to promote an Essay Contest "Why I Love This Earth". Colin Grewar and the Afternoon Edition is broadcasting live from the museum today from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. The museum remains open to the public during this time.

"Earth Day reflects our interest in sustainability and our commitment to inspire an appreciation and understanding of our world," Culture, Youth and Recreation Minister Joan Beatty said. "It is an important opportunity to consider the importance of preserving our natural beauty and the environment not only for today, but for future generations."

The RSM is also planting a tree in memory Don Pingert of Regina, who worked for the museum for 30 years until his passing on May 11th, 1995. Pingert is remembered for his involvement in archaeology and as the museum's first conservator.

Then on Saturday, April 24th, the RSM is hosting a variety of family-related Earth Day events, including an information fair, musical groups, games, crafts, birding tours, the Raging Grannies and the reading of essay contest winning entries.

Earth Day began in 1970 with its aim to raise awareness about humanity's growing ecological footprint, and to stimulate positive actions aimed at local, regional, and global issues. Earth Day is now the largest, most celebrated environmental event in the world, involving 500 million people in over 180 countries. More than six million Canadians, including nearly every school child, take part in Earth Day.

The RSM is fully funded by the provincial government as part of its commitment to give the people of Saskatchewan an appreciation and understanding of our natural and cultural heritage.

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For More Information, Contact:

Penny Pedersen Royal Saskatchewan Museum Regina Phone: (306) 787-2850