By Justine Kelsie

New exhibit to tell stories of Sasquatch in Alberta

Sep 28, 2018 | 5:30 AM

Whether you are a believer or non-believer of the mythical creature, an exhibit opening this afternoon full of evidence, stories and collectibles will help you learn more about the possible sightings of the Sasquatch.
 
The room in the Heritage Discovery Centre at Centre 2000 is filled to the brim with artwork on coins, and stories about sightings in places like Jasper and Medicine Hat. Curator Charles Taws says this may be the first time the Alberta side of the story has been presented and he admits the idea was sparked from his own life-long interest in the subject.
 
“Most of the sightings are along the Rocky Mountain side, the western side. The absolute hot-spot seems to be Nordegg, Rocky Mountain House area. There seem to be more sightings there than anywhere else,” says Taws.
 
Skeptic or not, Taws says the exhibit is for everyone to enjoy.
 
“You don’t have to believe. Everyone knows there has to be something there, right? Whatever it is, is it a lie? Is it a mass hallucination? Is it some sort of genetic memory from when we shared this planet with Neanderthals?” he says.

“The idea that it is a hoax is almost more unbelievable than that is exists. But, we don’t know if it exists because we don’t have any solid scientific evidence. All that we have are footprints (and) sightings.”
 
The In the Shadows of the Rockies: Alberta’s Sasquatch Stories exhibit unveiling is one of many events, performances and workshops happening during Alberta Culture Days. Complete with two lectures from the author of three big-foot books, Thomas Steenburg, the grand opening is at 4:30 p.m. today and the exhibit will be up for a year.