Latest news with #NickFraser
CTV News
2 days ago
- General
- CTV News
‘It is an opportunity of a lifetime': Cote First Nation names honourary Chief for a day
Cote First Nation Chief George Cote and the Nation's honourary "Chief For the Day" Nick Fraser (Centre). The announcement was made at the First Nation's traditional powwow and gathering of nations on Saturday, July 13, 2025. (Fruzsina De Cloedt/CTV News) As part of a new tradition on Cote First Nation, one lucky resident became Chief of the community for a day. Cars and trucks were kicking up dust while chimes provided a lively score to the Cote First Nation Traditional Powwow and Gathering of Nations on Saturday. The parking lot near the First Nation's ice rink was almost fully occupied as people were pulling up to enjoy the festivities. The program included a rodeo, horse relay racing and the powwow with an honourary guest. Participants moved towards the new powwow arbour, which is a circular structure complete with a slatted roof and bleachers. In its centre, there is ample room for dozens of performers. The bleachers and most of the chairs were filled with spectators as dancers were performing to the sound of drums in the centre. Just next to the arbour, teepees were built. This is where Cote First Nation Chief George Cote was casually chatting with other dignitaries, including the Mayor of Yorkton, Aaron Kienle. Next to the men and women in colorful attire stood Nick Fraser. With Cote First Nation's beaded necklace hanging from his neck, he looked excited. He had every reason to be. He was the nation's 'Honourary Chief of the Day.' 'I thought, you know, the children are so special and the ones with disabilities ... we want to make them known,' Chief Cote explained. Cote First Nation put the experience up for Snowarama's 2025 silent auction. Through the event, they raised funds to support three programs designed to enhance accessibility, joy, and inclusion for individuals living with disabilities in Saskatchewan. 'My job here today to save money for Camp Easter Seal,' said Nick Fraser, Cote First Nation's Honourary Chief, referring to one of the initiatives supported by the auction. The others being Summer Fun and Adaptive Technology Services. The young man lives with Down syndrome, and for him and his peers, the camp is a wonderful opportunity to connect with each other and have fun. 'We are so very fortunate to have a Camp Easter Seal in Saskatchewan – where so many kids get the opportunity [to go],' Gerry Ann Fraser, Nick's mother, told CTV News. Camp Easter Seal is located on the shores of Little Manitou Lake at Manitou Beach near Watrous. Cote First Nation The Cote First Nation Traditional Powwow and Gathering of Nations was held on Saturday, July 13, 2025. (Fruzsina De Cloedt/CTV News) Gerry Ann says it costs $1,900 per year to send somebody to the camp. A steep price due to the expert care provided to campers. 'They are looked after and there's medical staff, there's counselors, there's everything that you could ever want,' Gerry Ann explained. 'But it's wheelchair accessible. They take care of diets; they take care of all of their needs.' Nick said becoming an honourary chief for a day was a dream come true. His mother agrees. 'It is an opportunity of a lifetime for someone like Nicholas to have, to be in a position to get to participate alongside Chief George.' They were quick to clarify that Nick paid for his experience on Saturday out of his own pocket. 'It is such an honor to see Nick so happy and smiling, knowing that he's going to be chief of Cote First Nation for the day,' said chief George. 'You know, it just makes it so rewarding.' This was the first time the First Nation organized a 'Chief for a Day' experience, but Chief George said he plans to make it a regular program going forward. Soon after the interview, the opening ceremony began. First Nation dignitaries and their honoured guests, such as the RCMP, began marching and dancing in the middle of the arbour. Nick was amongst them, accompanied by his father. He was proudly carrying the orange flag, which read 'Every Child Matters.' Once the dancing came to an end, the dignitaries were addressed one by one and lined up in front of the elders. Nick was announced as the honourary chief. As he shook hands, the emcee reminded everyone that the beaded medallion hanging from Nick's neck was, 'a key to the reserve, and he can go anywhere he wants.'
Time of India
09-07-2025
- Science
- Time of India
Was the mythical dragon real? 240 million years old fossil found in China resemble the legendary beasts
The mythical dragon gliding through ancient seas has always been one of the most talked-about animals among people. There have always been various legends that support the existence of this massive magical creature, but is it true that it actually glided over the ancient landscapes? Recently, fossils of a real ancient creature were discovered that remained preserved in stone for 240 million years. Paleontologists are now exploring these fossils in southwestern China. These fossils belong to Dinocephalosaurus orientalis, a long-necked marine reptile whose extraordinary appearance is similar to the legendary beasts. Originally discovered in 2003, the full anatomy of Dinocephalosaurus remained a mystery until a team of international researchers assembled enough well-preserved specimens to finally reconstruct it. A living "Chinese dragon" Dinocephalosaurus orientalis was first named in 2003, but it wasn't until recently that paleontologists described its entire skeleton in detail. New fossils from Guizhou Province allowed researchers to fill in the missing pieces and offer a complete view of its anatomy Measuring around 16–20 feet, this marine reptile had a neck longer than its body and tail combined, due to a massive 32 cervical vertebrae. Its long form and snake-like head has led to frequent comparisons to the mythical Chinese dragon Not related to plesiosaurs, yet uniquely adapted Although it superficially resembled later plesiosaurs, an extinct Mesozoic marine reptile, Dinocephalosaurus was not closely related to them. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Brasil terá 41% dos idosos com flacidez muscular até 2035 se não tomar isso Revista do Homem Saiba Mais Undo Instead, it belongs to the archosauromorpha lineage, evolving its long neck independently. Dense, paddle-like limbs and preserved fish in its stomach suggest a truly marine lifestyle and piscivorous diet. Surprisingly, the fossil evidence indicates this reptile gave birth to live young, that is also an exceptionally rare trait for reptiles, suggesting it was fully adapted to ocean life. The study was led by researchers from China, Germany, Scotland, and the U.S., with specimens housed at the Chinese Academy of Sciences and National Museums Scotland. Dr Li Chun of Beijing said, 'This has been an international effort. … Among all of the extraordinary finds … Dinocephalosaurus probably stands out as the most remarkable.' Why this discovery matters Dr Nick Fraser from National Museums Scotland commented, 'This discovery allows us to see this remarkable long‑necked animal in full for the very first time … we are certain that it will capture imaginations across the globe'. By showing an entirely new combination of marine traits and reproductive strategies, Dinocephalosaurus also increases our understanding of Triassic evolution. The fossil discovery tells us how diverse and experimental marine ecosystems were during the Triassic wherethese Dinocephalosaurus survived along with plesiosaurs, ichthyosaurs, and other bizarre forms.
Edinburgh Reporter
11-06-2025
- Health
- Edinburgh Reporter
Polar bear remains donated to National Museum of Scotland
The body of the UK's oldest polar bear has been donated to the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh for scientific research. Polar bear Victoria died last month aged 28, at her home at the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland's (RZSS) Highland Wildlife Park near Aviemore. The wildlife conservation charity's experts carried out an on-site post mortem, which established that the 400kg bear had 'advanced arthritis in her limbs and spine'. Victoria's blood, tissue, ovaries, serum and liver have now been preserved for research by RZSS and other organisations, while her body was transported to Edinburgh for National Museums Scotland. The Museum's previous research on bear skeletons, conducted to establish the effect of arthritis on limbs, had informed end-of-life care for Victoria. An RZSS spokesman said: 'We undertake postmortem examinations of all our animals on site as standard. With Victoria we were able to establish that she had advanced arthritis in her limbs and spine. 'Various blood, tissue and organ samples have been preserved for research by RZSS, while her remains are now in the collections of National Museums Scotland.' Dr Nick Fraser, Keeper of Natural Sciences at National Museums Scotland, said: 'Our natural science collections form an invaluable resource for current and future researchers in Scotland and across the world. 'The development of a collection such as ours over centuries enables scientists to study developments in animal populations over those periods, and to apply new techniques as they emerge to learn more.' Victoria was born at Rostock Zoo in Germany on 12 December 1996, and had her first cub, a female named Malik, in 2008 at Aalborg Zoo in Denmark. She was transported to the Highland Wildlife Park in 2015 as a mate for resident male Arktos. They produced the UK's first polar bear cub in 25 years in December 2017. The cub, named Hamish, went to live with a group of other young males at Yorkshire Wildlife Park in November 2020, just weeks before his third birthday. Her third and last cub, Brodie, born in 2021, remains at the Highland Wildlife Park. The decision for Victoria to be 'put to sleep' was taken following advice from RZSS vets, 'taking into account her quality of life and wellbeing'. Keepers said 28 years-old was the equivalent of her being in her 90s in human years. Following her death, RZSS said in a statement: 'With only a small percentage of polar bears living past 18 in the wild, at 28, Victoria's age is testament to the world class care she received from her keepers and veterinary team. 'She leaves an incredible legacy through her cubs who play an essential role in the European breeding programme, which ensures a healthy and genetically diverse population of these bears living in human care.' Credit RZSS Like this: Like Related
-Fisheye-(2).jpeg%3Fwidth%3D1200%26auto%3Dwebp%26quality%3D75%26trim%3D0%2C0%2C147%2C221%26crop%3D&w=3840&q=100)
Scotsman
04-06-2025
- Science
- Scotsman
Earth's 'giants': The new exhibition of prehistoric animals, including woolly mammoth, coming to Scotland
The Edinburgh exhibition will feature giant creatures from 66 million years ago to the present day. Sign up to our History and Heritage newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... An 'immersive' exhibition of giant creatures over the past 66 million years is to open to the public in Edinburgh. Giants is to go on show at the National Museum of Scotland in January, featuring life-sized 3D models and nearly complete skeletons on a journey through time. The exhibitions will span from 66 million years ago to the present day, with visitors to encounter the enormous creatures that roamed the Earth after the extinction of the dinosaurs. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The exhibition, developed by the Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences and toured by Nomad Exhibitions, features life-sized 3D models and nearly complete skeletons. Models to go on display include the formidable Otodus megalodon, the mightiest shark of all time, the Mammuthus primigenius or woolly mammoth, weighing in at between six and eight tons with long thick fur and imposing tusks, and Gigantopithecus blacki, an Asian primate comparable in size to three orangutans. This life-sized 3D model of a mammoth is to feature in the new Giants exhibition. | NMS Dr Nick Fraser, keeper of natural sciences at National Museums Scotland (NMS), said: 'We're really looking forward to bringing Giants to Scotland next year. Popular attention on prehistoric life tends to focus either on dinosaurs or on our own earliest human ancestors, which leaves a relatively neglected gap of around 60 million years of natural history. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'Giants is a striking invitation to us all to think about that period, to see how nature adapts over time, and also to reflect on the ways in which current human activity is denying that time to today's endangered giants.' Interactive elements allow visitors of all ages to step into the shoes of palaeontologists and biologists, engaging with the scientific processes behind fossil discovery and reconstruction. Meanwhile, immersive projections transport audiences into the natural habitats of these colossal beings, providing context to their existence and eventual extinction. Life-sized 3D model of a megalodon. | NMS New giants have emerged since the age of the dinosaurs, such as elephants, rhinoceroses and whales, but experts have warned they are now too under threat of extinction. NMS said the exhibition also serves as a poignant reminder of nature's fragility and the urgent need to protect these animals for future generations. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The models featured in the exhibition were created by company Fisheye, which used polygonal shapes to create a 3D effect. The inner steel structure is finished with a recycled felt plane onto which prints and audio-visual screens were integrated. The tour will also include Birmingham Museum, where it will open in August. Zak Mensah and Sara Wajid, co-chief executives of Birmingham Museums Trust, said: 'This inspiring installation not only captures the imagination with its monumental scale, but also delivers a vital message about sustainability and our shared responsibility to protect the planet.'
Time of India
29-04-2025
- Science
- Time of India
Shocking! A 240 million-year-old dragon's fossil discovered in China-- All about it
Image credit: Instagram/serpenillus In a stunning revelation, researchers have discovered a 240-million-year-old fossil of a Dinocephalosaurus orientalis . The ancient fossil was discovered in Guizhou province, Southern China. This astonishing discovery bridges the realm of science and mythology. This 16-foot-long creature's elongated, serpentine neck and limbs evoke the image of a legendary Chinese dragon, offering a rare glimpse into prehistoric marine life. Dinocephalosaurus orientalis (Terrible-headed reptile) has always intrigued scientists due to its differentiated anatomy. The latest specimen that was excavated revealed an extraordinarily long neck comprising 32 vertebrae, which is shocking because it is more than any known marine reptile. Researchers during their hypothesis concluded that its flexible neck allowed it to stealthily capture prey in crevices and narrow water spaces. With the collaborative efforts of scientists from China, Germany, Scotland, and the United States, this unique discovery has come to light, and it is the result of over a decade of international collaboration. Image credit: Instagram/planetdinosaurs by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like The boy meets a dog on the street - no one expected what happened next. Women's Method Learn More Undo The fossil was being studied meticulously at the Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology in Beijing, Part of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. Dr. Nick Fraser, of the National Museum of Scotland, described this rare find as 'one of the most remarkable' from the Triassic deposits of the Guizhou Province. This finding will enable scientists to learn about the evolution of the marine reptiles, which spans decades. This fossil find not only adds to the scientific world but also strikes a cultural chord with the Chinese people. Its dragon-like shape is consistent with Chinese mythology, where the dragon is highly significant as a symbol of power and wisdom. The intersection of Earth's early history and the cultures of storytelling humans is highlighted by the intersection of paleontology and culture. The Transactions of the Royal Society of Edinburgh, Earth and Environmental Science has published the comprehensive findings of the research, which offer valuable new information about the diversity and adaptability of marine reptiles in the Triassic. As researchers continue to examine it, they expect this Triassic "dragon" to uncover even deeper secrets of life during the Triassic—a time of radical change and evolutionary experimentation following Earth's most severe mass extinction. The fossil is not just a likeness of an ancient animal but also a time capsule that might rewrite our understanding of early marine ecosystems. It is more than just a fossil; It tells a tale that spans over centuries and civilisations.
