Young Earth creationism is typically thought of as a phenomenon from the Bible belt in the United States, yet creationist subcultures exist in Canada.

In B.C., where 35 per cent of the population is non-religious, there are frequent presentations trying to convince the public that the universe was created 6,000 years ago in a literal interpretation of the Book of Genesis.

In order to promote understanding of the science of evolution, the B.C. branches of the Centre For Inquiry are hosting Royal Tyrrell Museum paleontologist Dr. David Eberth on a week-long, five-city tour of the province including Kamloops.

"Science is a huge factor in our lives and yet there is so much misinformation out there when it comes to evolution," said Ethan Clow, executive director of the Vancouver branch of the Centre for Inquiry, a national charity that promotes science, secularism and critical thinking.

Eberth studies ancient environments of fossil bearing rocks and has participated in field projects around the world.

His specialties include the study of ancient physical environments, the age of the rocks and how ancient plants and animals are preserved.

He also has a deep interest in the causes for the revival of American creationism, and how a scientifically advanced society can reject overwhelming evidence for evolution, deep time, plate tectonics, and other well-established scientific facts.

Eberth will be speaking in Kamloops Thursday night at 7 p.m. in the TRU Science building. A $5 to $10 donation upon entry is suggested.