MLA Leonard celebrates new Indigenous artwork for provincial fossil emblem

COMOX VALLEY – BC NDP MLA Ronna-Rae Leonard is celebrating the release of an artistic design for the provincial fossil emblem.

“The designation of the elasmosaur fossil as a provincial emblem was so exciting for our community,” said Ronna-Rae Leonard, MLA for Courtenay-Comox. “This new artwork from local K’ómoks artist Andy Everson is another step in recognizing the importance of this fossil in our local history, and I’m looking forward to seeing it recognized across B.C. and beyond.”

Earlier this year, the fossil of the Comox Valley elasmosaur was designated the province’s official fossil emblem, bringing the region’s prehistoric life and Cretaceous history into the spotlight, after a private members bill from MLA Leonard was brought forward asking the province to make this designation.

This new artwork to represent the elasmosaur comes from K’ómoks First Nation artist Andy Everson, grandson of the late Chief Andy Frank. His artwork expresses the artistic traditions of the K’ómoks First Nation, on whose lands the fossil was discovered.

The elasmosaur fossils and information are on display at the Courtenay and District Museum and Palaeontology Centre.

Learn more and see the new artistic design at https://www2.gov.bc.ca//gov/content/governments/celebrating-british-columbia/symbols-of-bc#fossil