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 21, 2020 (7 p.m. Est Ottawa, Canada); September 22, 2020 (9:00 a.m. Lismore, Australia)
For Indigenous people astronomy and cosmology are intricately intertwined. Star Knowledge, like everything else, is all about relationships and teaches us our place in the universe.
Adisokan: Winter Solstice, Stars and Storytelling
December 21, 2020 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. EST
Adisokan is the Algonquin word for storytelling with special cultural meaning. Join us for stories about the stars from three Indigenous nations - Mapuche (Chile), Algonquin (Quebec), and Dene (Northwest Territories). Indigenous teachings, spirit, language, world views and an exploration of the word and role of stories in Indigenous culture.
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
- Funding provided by the United States Government
- 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.
Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council.
Ingenium recognizes that we are on traditional Algonquin Anishnaabeg territory.