Indigenous ways of knowing
NASA astronaut Christina Koch as well as CSA astronauts Jeremy Hansen and Jenni Gibbons share a moment with young Innu students at Mushuau Innu Natuashish School. (Credit: CSA)
Exploring the universe with feet firmly on the land, the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) is headquartered on the traditional and unceded territory of the Kanien'kehá:ka (people of the flint) (Mohawk Nation), part of the Haudenosaunee (people of the longhouse) Confederacy. We recognize the Kanien'kehá:ka Nation as the custodians of the lands and waters of Tiohtiá:ke (Montreal), which has long been a gathering place for diverse First Nations, including Algonquin-Anishinaabe, Atikamekw, and Huron-Wendat.
The CSA recognizes that there are different ways of knowing and acknowledges the many contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples to science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), and to the studies of the stars. There are many ways of sharing knowledge and building understanding. That is why the CSA is working to broaden our content to include Indigenous perspectives.
Students at Nakasuk School in Iqaluit, Nunavut, with CSA astronaut David Saint-Jacques. (Credit: CSA)
Indigenous resources
- Indigenous Moon stories and the 13 moons cycle, written by Researcher and Knowledge Keeper Wilfred Buck
- Career profiles of Indigenous people working in the space field
- Root & STEM – Skywatchers: Perspectives on Space is a free print and online resource in Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math (STEAM) developed by Pinnguaq Association to support K–12 educators in teaching digital skills. The CSA provided support for an issue of Root & STEM that explores the sky and stars. From thinking about life in our galaxy with an Indigenous lens to exploring the different perspectives of the sky and stellar knowledge, this issue asks students to understand their connection to the universe and how it can impact human life. It features articles, podcasts, activities, games, stories, comics and lesson plans.
- Star Scribe is an educational game experience in which players visit the surface of Earth's Moon and learn about several Cree constellations from Elder and Star Lore Wilfred Buck. Players can also trace these constellations in the sky and reveal artwork that represents the knowledge held by the star formations. This game was developed as part of a Root & STEM resource supported by the CSA.
- Space books for kids and teens (includes books by Indigenous writers)
Digital content
- Images
- Satellite Art: celebrating Canada's beauty from space
- Exploring Earth – An out-of-this-world view of our planet
- Videos
- Honouring the beauty of Indigenous lands across Canada
- Where the wind blows endlessly… and rocks look like those on the Moon
- Vlog 2: School of rock - Training for the Moon in Canada (part 1 of 2)
- Vlog 2: School of rock - Training for the Moon in Canada (part 2 of 2)
- Jeremy Hansen thanks his many teachers
Hear from Anishinaabe artist Henry Guimond and Dave Courchene III, Leader of the Turtle Lodge in Sagkeeng First Nation (Manitoba), who worked with Jeremy to create a patch that he will wear in space with great humility. (Credits: CSA, NASA, Gagarin Research & Test Cosmonaut Training Center, Turtle Lodge)
Transcript of the video entitled Jeremy Hansen's mission patch: recognizing Indigenous Peoples
CSA astronaut Jeremy Hansen tells us about a humbling visit to the Turtle Lodge Centre of Excellence in Indigenous Education and Wellness and the teachings that guide him on his journey to the Moon. (Credits: CSA, NASA, Fulwell 73 UK Limited)
Blog
- Nunavut youth learn about growing food at home and in space
- The power of space: "That is what I am going to do someday"
- Space medicine at the heart of a Cree territory
- The Arctic Observing Mission: Monitoring the Arctic in new and profound ways
- Protecting Canada's caribou by satellite
- Mobile phone application using RADARSAT-2 imagery to make northern communities safer
Other resources
- Jeremy Hansen's patch for the Artemis II mission recognizing the importance of traditional knowledge and Indigenous Peoples in Canada
- Space serving the Arctic and the Great Canadian North
- Monitoring and protecting our ecosystems from space
- Using satellites to protect and navigate Canada's waters
- The CSA periodically works with Connected North to offer virtual astronaut or speaker presentations to schools in the North.