Image courtesy of the Royal Tyrrell Museum of Palaeontology
We have a plan for everything – including a chance dinosaur bone discovery!
During trenching on the Elmworth section of the 2021 NGTL System Expansion Project near Grande Prairie, Alberta, dinosaur bones were found by the monitoring palaeontologist. As directed by our ‘Cultural Resource Discovery Contingency Plan’, construction was stopped in the area, so the discovery could be carefully documented, and the findings sent to the Royal Tyrrell Museum of Palaeontology.
Not only do we have a plan for cultural discoveries, but as outlined in the ‘Aboriginal Construction Participation Program’ (ACPP) plan, the ACPP team was able to join in the recovery of the bone fragments and help document details, which they also shared with their communities.
The ACPP team included Graham Twinn, Sawridge First Nation; Leanna Willier, Sucker Creek First Nation and Jarrod Gauchier, Peavine Métis Settlement.
“Participating in the recovery of ancient bone fragments was a once in a lifetime experience,” shared Jarrod Gauchier, an ACPP participant from Peavine Métis Settlement.
“Working side-by-side with the palaeontologist shows the level at which TC Energy functions to ensure the proper steps are taken in such a sensitive location.”
The Royal Tyrrell Museum of Palaeontology, located in Drumheller, Alberta, is Canada’s largest museum dedicated exclusively to the study of ancient life. The museum is operated by the Government of Alberta and is the entity that works with industry when fossils are discovered during excavation work. “When fossils are found during activities like excavating or trenching, we work with the company to ensure these important pieces of Alberta’s pre-history are collected and preserved for science, education and public enjoyment, while endeavouring that the project is not delayed or hindered”, says Dan Spivak, Head of the Resource Management Program at the museum.
Image courtesy of the Royal Tyrrell Museum of Palaeontology, Illustration by Julius Csotonyi