Indigenous Science at TELUS Spark | Explore Knowledge and Traditions

Indigenous Science

Learning science through relationships with Land and Cosmos

What is Indigenous Science?

Indigenous Science is how humans have survived and thrived with the world around them. It is understood through relationships created over thousands of years with the Land, Cosmos, Animals, Rivers, and all that gifts knowledge; from medicine to navigation, migratory and seasonal cycles to quantum energy/spirit.

These knowledges are unique to the community, Lands, and Knowledge Keepers that are in relationship with them. The willow that grows in a more arid land is slightly different than willow that grows in the north or a humid coast, therefore these scientific medicinal knowledges cannot be standardized.

Indigenous science is like other Indigenous knowledges, and is passed on through stories, experiences, and ceremony, and not through the written word. This type of knowledge transfer is based in relationship-making through protocols of respect and reciprocity.

Indigenous Scientists are the “OG” (original) scientists.

Voices of Wisdom

Why is Indigenous and Land-based Science important?

Science has become disconnected from its origins; which includes the land, cosmos, and community. This recent universalization of science is not the ONLY way to know, learn, or relate with science.

When we open our minds and hearts to understanding science through relationships and with our whole body, the more we can connect with and see ourselves in science.

Indigenous Strategy Guiding Framework

The Circle of Life represents how all things are connected and relational. The four parts represent the four directions, four sacred medicines, four stages of life, four ways of being, four winds, and many more.
Each of these four parts shapes the TELUS Spark Science Centre Indigenous Action Plan:

-East: Community Relationships

-South: Indigenous Science at Spark

-West: Education

-North: Reconciliation

Indigenous Science in Action

indigenous
  • ON NOW

Quantum & Indigenous Science

In Blackfoot Knowledges, humans, rocks, stars...consist of the same changing energy with frequencies that connect all. These interconnections of energy/spirit are the Flux, the song of life.

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  • OPEN YEAR ROUND

Where We Gather

An outdoor space created through stories, ceremony, and community. With guidance from Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and Indigenous community members, the Gathering Circle invites everyone to connect with the Land, the Cosmos, and with one another. It is a place to gather, learn, teach and grow.

  • SEPTEMBER 12
  • DIGITAL IMMERSION GALLERY

Sacred Defenders of the Universe

This immersive graphic novel tells the story of superheroes of the Four Directions - Aqueous, Embers, Terra and Aireus - as they journey to bring back balance between the Thunderbird and the Horned Serpent.

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From gatherings to food, youth workshops to artwork, Indigenous Science is blossoming at Spark.

Indigenous Science Youth Workshops

  • SPRING 2025
  • Past Workshop

Plant Ancestors Live Here

We welcomed students from Niitsitapi School to help replant the Spark Medicine Garden and learn about these Plant Ancestors.

With support from www.soilcamp.ca and www.alclanativeplants.com and the teachings from Rob Cardinal, Tessa and Liana Wolfleg, we learned about plant personalities, had a plant scavenger hunt, and reconnected with these ancestors.

  • SPRING 2025
  • Past Workshop

Relational Science & Ceremony

With guidance from Hank Snow and Alice Kaquitts we harvested stones and trees to build a lodge. Along the way we connected with geology, ecology, and circle mathematics within the lodge, while learning from Rob Cardinal about quantum, the flux, and ceremony.

  • SUMMER 2025
  • Past Workshop

Humility Science: Bow-Making

Tom Snow, Alice Kaquitts, and Daryl Kootenay lead this 3-day workshop of making a bow and arrow. Beginning with connecting with the trees and their engrained ecology, to learning how to carve and shape a bow to best store kinetic energy, throughout the workshop the youth learned about the science of humility and relationality of hunting and community.

Reconnecting Indigenous Youth with the scientific teachings as gifted from Land and Knowledge Keepers.

More Info – Email Us

LOCAL LAND-INSPIRED EATS AND TREATS

  • FEATURED MENU ITEM
  • AVAILABLE NOW

Brisket Fry Bread - By Bakers Bannock

A combo of Roasted Tomato Relish, Pickled Onion, Lettuce & Chipotle, Lime Sauce, Beef Brisket on top of a soft, fresh piece of Bannock, created with a recipe from Indigenous Chef, Russ Baker. Nehiyaw from Northern Alberta, Ahtahkakoop/Saskatchewan, Lheidli T’enneh/Carrier BC, Irish/Norwegian.

  • SPECIALTY DESSERT
  • PAST FEATURE

Pemmican Saskatoon Berry Sundae | $8.49 

Pemmican is the original powerbar, often made from ground dried bison meat, fat, and berries. It kept people going over the winter and longer hunting trips. The pectin from the berries and antifungal properties within the mint helped preserve the meat. 

  • SPECIALTY DRINK
  • PAST FEATURE

Wild Strawberry Mint Soda | $7 

Mint grows around Southern Alberta, usually in proximity to their friends the water. Strawberries are significant to many Indigenous peoples, the timing of their flowers and berries tells stories of significant points in time and cycles, like hunting or upcoming weather. 

Frequently Asked Questions:

Indigenous Science

Experience and learn from the Science of the Land

Land Acknowledgement