The Exploration Place has had a big year, and it's about to get bigger.
First they won the B.C. Museum Association's Award of Merit - Exhibitions, then followed that up with the Governor General's History Award. These accolades were for opening Hodul'eh-a: A Place Of Learning. This is a permanent exhibit that will continue to grow over time telling the historical and cultural story of the Lheidli T'enneh First Nation - a culture that once resided on the very land on which the facility now stands.
Today, The Exploration Place takes another step into the national spotlight.
The staff of the museum and science centre are the hosts of the Canadian Association of Science Centres annual conference.
"We are excited beyond words to welcome the delegates and special guests coming from all corners of our nation (and even some coming from other countries) for the Canadian Association of Science Centres conference (CASC)," said The Exploration Place CEO Tracy Calogheros, vice-president of the CASC organization. "They arrive today for three days of big fun and even bigger intellect."
CASC is an organization at the leading edge of connecting the everyday public with the latest innovations in science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics. That family of topics is referred to as STEAM, which, Calogheros said, "is much more than an acronym, it envelopes how these fields of study power our culture and our economy, now and for the future."
This will be a three-day STEAM conversation led by some of the sharpest minds in the science sector.
Take, for example, the two keynote speakers.
"Deanna Burgart is an Indigeneer, her word, which amalgamates her Aboriginal heritage and her scientific profession. She explores the way economy and ecology can coexist," Calogheros explained.
"Todd Boyette is coming to us from the United States, bringing the unique perspective of a professional science advocate in a culture that has empowered anti-science activists at high levels of American society. He will talk about how to counter that 'science friction' with facts."
These are only two of the leading scientists and cultural change agents who will come to the discussion table in Prince George starting today. The title for this rare gathering is "Lhulh'Uts'Ut'En," the Dakelh words for "Working Together."
That philosophy of ancient Aboriginal history, modern storytelling, and future-finding has become a daily way of doing business for Exploration Place, with the Lheidli T'enneh people ensconced in their planning process.
"It is an award-winning relationship that bows our head with humility but squares our shoulders for the important work that lies ahead, together," Calogheros said. "We get to show Canada what that looks like, as national 'reconciliaction' leaders."
It is not too late to register for a conference pass or daily tickets to the CASC events. Anyone who wants to get in on the cutting edge conversation can do so at the canadiansciencecentres.ca website.
