ROYAL SASKATCHEWAN MUSEUM PILOTS NEW CLASSROOM PROGRAM

The Royal Saskatchewan Museum (RSM) today launched a pilot program designed to bring RSM programming into the classroom. Buffalo Basics visited Kitchener Community School in Regina with a presentation designed to engage 4th, 5th and 6th Grade students in learning about the biology of the North American buffalo and its significance to First Nations and Métis people and to the province.

"The RSM is a remarkable museum, known for its exceptional exhibits and on-going research into First Nations history, along with Saskatchewan geology, palaeontology and other areas of science," Tourism, Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Bill Hutchinson said. "This pilot project is a great example of how RSM programming can bring the expertise of the museum into the classroom to encourage young people to learn about history, science and the world around them."

The program will introduce students to the long and important relationship between the buffalo and the people who relied on them for much of what they needed to survive. The program is hands-on and interactive. Students are encouraged to touch the sample objects and ask questions as they learn how the various parts of the animal, from horn to tail, were used to manufacture leather goods, cooking utensils, sewing kits, soap and games.

"As an interpreter for Saskatchewan provincial parks, I observed the program last summer and saw how it both entertained and educated the children and their parents," Regina Public School's Elder Advisory Council member Dick Bird said. "Now it's exciting to be part of this pilot project and see the possibilities for the RSM to develop an on-going outreach program for schools. This is an example of the kind of programs that helps put Aboriginal children in touch with their heritage and helps strengthen the bond between the Royal Saskatchewan Museum, Regina Public Schools, First Nations, Métis and all people."

After today's program at Kitchener, Buffalo Basics will visit Thompson Community School on March 5, 2012. It will then be evaluated to determine if a regular travelling program will be launched in fall 2012 and if other areas of the RSM, including its many research programs might offer opportunities for classroom outreach programming.

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For more information, contact:

Sean St. George
Tourism, Parks, Culture and Sport
Regina
Phone: 306-787-0619
Email: sean.stgeorge@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-526-8635