Indigenous Science at TELUS Spark

Indigenous Science

There are many ways to learn about science!

“Learning science and mathematics through relationships with the land is an ancient process that is holistic, transformational and relevant today.”

Casey Eagle Speaker, Kainai Elder


Science is traditionally taught and learned from a Western worldview. But there are many ways of knowing and connecting through knowledge and with science.

Humans have flourished alongside the land with the use of science and mathematics for thousands of years. Think about agriculture, which thrives through companion planting and geometry. Or our senses in relationship with the horizon, the zenith and movement of constellations, which guide navigation across land and sea.

Science becomes more relevant and relatable when we open up our minds and hearts to ways of knowing from the land, sky and spirit.

Indigenous 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 shape the TELUS Spark Science Centre Indigenous Action Plan.

  • OCTOBER 18
  • INDIGENOUS SCIENCE NIGHT

The Fungus Among Us

An evening of celebrating fungi and how it helps with the interconnectedness of all life on earth. Indigenous science has known for thousands of years about the gifts of healing and sustenance found in fungus, their place within nutrient cycles, and even developed mushroom technologies.

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  • OUTDOOR PARK
  • WHERE WE GATHER

The Gathering Circle

In partnership with the Spark Indigenous Advisory Circle and the Indigenous community, a new Gathering Circle has been built as a place to gather and share stories.

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  • CREATIVE KIDS MUSEUM
  • THE MOSS BAG PROJECT

Wrapped with love

Learn about the Moss Bag Project from Elders and founders of the project, who are sharing traditional moss bag teachings, stories, and child-rearing practices, plus get hands-on experience with a moss bag. It’s a unique opportunity to learn about science that Indigenous people have known for thousands of years!

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  • ON GOING SERIES
  • BETWEEN TWO WORLDS

What is Indigenous science?

Gather in the Spark Infinity Dome hallway to listen to stories, teachings and Indigenous Science from Elders and Knowledge Keepers.

Included in General Admission or FREE with Spark Membership.

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  • BLACKFOOT SKIES
  • MAKOIYOHSOKOYI

A short dome film adaptation

This original Siksikaitsitapi story was gifted to the science centre by the late Dan Weasel Moccasin. His family, including Pete Weasel Moccasin, helped to create a limited-edition book of these original Blackfoot stories. The stories originated in the Blackfoot language and were told for hundreds of years by the Niitsitapi. Directed and written by Tito Gomez.

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  • INDIGENOUS WAYS
  • OF KNOWING

The Circle of Life

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 shape the TELUS Spark Science Centre Indigenous Action Plan.

Learn More

Reconnecting with the Land

TELUS Spark Science Centre acknowledges the traditional lands of the Niitsitapi (Blackfoot Confederacy), the Tsuutina, the Îethka Nakoda, and more recently Métis Nation Region 3. We are grateful for the caretakers of these lands and all who thrive where the Bow and Elbow Rivers meet.

Land Acknowledgement