Organised by Ingenium in collaboration with the Institute of Indigenous Research and Studies at the University of Ottawa, and hosted on traditional Algonquin Anishnaabeg territory, this series of symposia (chosen on the dates of the Fall equinox, Winter solstice, Spring equinoxes and Summer solstice) will combine spiritual ceremony, presentations, activities and dialogue, both online and on the land. The symposia will feature gatherings of Indigenous Knowledge Keepers, Elders, educators and scholars to share and exchange towards reclaiming, preserving, and revitalizing Star Knowledge with Indigenous communities worldwide.
Our original plan was to have a symposium in September 2020, but due to Covid-19 we have reshaped the entire program to spread out the timeline while combining physical and digitally-inclusive experiences. This blended format greatly expands our original intent to offer a space for teaching and learning, while bringing hope and healing through the Indigenous Star Knowledge and our work.
Fall Equinox: Protocols before Knowledge, Seasonal and regional themes
September 22, 2020 (9:00AM Lismore, Australia); September 21, 2020 (7PM Est Ottawa, Canada)
Keynote: Shawn Wilson and Stuart Barlo, University of Southern Cross, Australia
Panel and Discussions.
Coinciding with a ceremony at Kitigan Zibi, Quebec to launch the Algonquin Star Knowledge Project. Offering of Tobacco and Prayer on the land with Peter Decontie, Wilfred Buck, Anita Tenasco and members of the Algonquin community
Winter Solstice: Seasonal and regional themes focused on research and Ingenium’s exhibition – One Sky, Many Worlds: Indigenous Voices in Astronomy
Dec 21, 2020
Keynote: TBA
Panel and Discussions
Registration link coming soon
Spring Equinox: Seasonal and regional themes focused on education
March 20, 2021
Keynote: TBA
Panel and Workshops
Registration link coming soon
Summer Solstice: Seasonal and regional themes, Gatherings on land and online, future networks.
June 20, 2021
Keynote: TBA.
Symposium program to follow.
Coinciding with ceremony and star gathering on Algonquin Territory.
Registration link coming soon
Indigenous Star Knowledge Committee:
Wilfred Buck, Annette Lee, Carola Knockwood, Peter Decontie, Anita Tenasco, Daniella Scalice, David Pantalony, Lindsey McGregor, and Michel Labrecque.
Major Supporters and Partners:
- Ingenium - Canada's Museums of Science and Innovation / Musées des sciences et de l’innovation du Canada
- UOttawa. Faculty of Arts and Institute of Indigenous Research and Studies.
- Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC)
- National Research Council
- Canadian Science and Technology Historical Association
- Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg Cultural Center
Contact:
"The ancient ones [star beings] remind us of our deep interconnectiveness with the universe and the gift of transformation when we choose to allow it."
- From the story of Kakwet, the 8-legged starfish, Mi'kmaw Educator, Carola Knockwood.
Ingenium recognizes that we are on traditional Algonquin Anishnaabeg territory.