About Us
About the Foundation
The Burgess Shale Geoscience Foundation was established in 1993. We are a not-for-profit, charitable organisation with a mandate to educate the public in the geosciences. We present Earth Science education programs to the general public, students, professionals, and scientists. Partnerships with organisations locally, nationally, and internationally have helped us to develop our content.
Our Mission Statement
To inspire awe and appreciation for the uniqueness of the Burgess Shale, by promoting it’s historical and scientific significance.
About the Board of Directors
All members of the Board of Directors are volunteers. We are always looking for keen individuals to submit their resumes to join the Board. We are currently looking for a Director of Marketing and Social Media. If you are interested in joining the Board of Directors please contact us at [email protected]. Alternatively, if you are interested in volunteering on one of our hikes please check out our Volunteer page.
Steven Wickson
M.Sc. Geochemsitry
Steven Wickson was born in Bassano, Alberta and grew up near the town of Gleichen. He studied Astrophysics at the University of Calgary and obtained a Master’s from the University of Ottawa in the field of Isotope Geochemistry. He is currently a high school math and science teacher and taught in China for five years before returning to his home city of Calgary. Steven is an experienced hiking guide and mountaineer, having guided more than 100 full day hikes in Yoho National Park without ever having to call for a medical emergency or open a first aid kit. He’s also climbed to the top of more than 100 peaks in the Canadian Rockies without injury.
Lida Goldchteine
BSc. Geophysics
Lida has been interested in geological processes from an early age from her geologist mother who was an avid collector of rocks, minerals and fossils. Even though Lida received a degree in Geophysics and worked as a geophysicist in downtown Calgary exploring for oil and gas, she kept her childhood passion and curiosity for geology. In 2015 Lida left a successful geophysical career to spend more time on her other passion – shallow ocean marine life. She has been scuba diving in the Caribbean and living and scuba diving in the Galapagos Islands. Upon her return from travels Lida joined the Burgess Shale Geoscience Foundation, first as an assistant guide and then as a full guide in 2016, combining both of her passions – Geology/Geophysics and warm water marine life. In her spare time Lida enjoys hiking, mountain biking and back-country skiing. Lida is a certified Apprentice Interpretive Guide with the Interpretive Guides Association. Lida is also a member of the Board of Directors.
Karla Gaffney
Director
Karla Gaffney joined the Board of the Foundation in April of 2016. She has worked in many aspects of oil and gas exploration since 1995. Her career in seismic data acquisition for various companies has taken her to Canada’s North and Western Arctic regions. Throughout her travels she has worked closely with First Nations communities in various locations, engaged in learning from others. Karla has lived in Field, BC since 1991. As a longtime resident and community volunteer, she is passionate about Yoho, in particular its geologic history. She enjoys sharing the wonder of Yoho with all who visit.