Ingenium/uOttawa: Indigenous Star Knowledge Symposium - Fall Equinox (ONLINE)
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.
Keynote - 7:00pm to 8:30pm EDT
Shawn Wilson and Stuart Barlo, Southern Cross University, 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.
Shawn Wilson is Opaskwayak Cree from Manitoba. He works at Gnibi College of Indigenous Australian Peoples and is also an Adjunct Professor at Østfold University College in Norway. Shawn will discuss how understanding Indigenous Star Knowledge develops a deeper understanding of the very nature of reality. To gain this understanding requires us to develop deeper relationships with Sky Country.
Stuart Barlo is a Yuin man from the south coast of New South Wales, and is Dean of Gnibi College of Indigenous Australian Peoples. Stuart will talk about the journey of being able to speak about Sky Country. The journey requires learning how to prepare yourself and create a safe space to develop relationship with Sky Country.
Panel Discussion - 8:30pm to 10:00pm EDT
Wilfred Buck, Manitoba First Nations Education Resource Center
Annette S. Lee, PhD, Native Skywatchers
Nancy Maryboy, PhD, Indigenous Education Institute
David Begay, PhD, Indigenous Education Institute
Anita Tenasco, Director, Kitigan Zibi Education Sector
*Postponed and adapted due to COVID* 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.
Indigenous Star Knowledge Symposia are supported in part by funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council.
Who can attend: Everyone
Fee: Free
Registration: Zoom
Organized by: Ingenium – Canada’s Museums of Science and Innovation / Institute of Indigenous Research and Studies, University of Ottawa
https://ingeniumcanada.org/indigenous-star-knowledge-symposium
https://arts.uottawa.ca/canada/en/news/indigenous-star-knowledge-symposia-series-local-and-international-gatherings-land-and-line