Audiences across Northern Ontario will engage with Indigenous content presented through science and technology to celebrate Indigenous innovations and culture.
Science North’s Indigenous Ingenuity Exhibit opened Thursday in Red Lake at the Red Lake Regional Heritage Centre (RLRHC).
This process for this exhibit started in 2019, when Science North contacted RLRHC Director Trevor Osmond asking for a letter of support.
“Of course, I jumped on it, I mean what an opportunity for Northern Ontario,” Osmond said.
Science North has had a long-standing positive relationship with the RLRHC. They have worked together on numerous projects over the years including The Great Northern Ontario Roadshow, Nature Trading program, school programs, and a travelling planetarium exhibit called Minwaadiziwin: Under the Same Stars. Science North was also responsible for updating the electronic developments seen in the RLRHC’s past permanent exhibits.
Indigenous Ingenuity is a condensed version of the original exhibit produced by the Montreal Science Centre. Its purpose is to allow visitors to experience the Indigenous culture throughout Ontario Canada through the lens of science and innovation. Traditional indigenous knowledge and techniques are interwoven with modern science. Visitors also have the opportunity to hear bearers of indigenous knowledge share how their culture is linked with innovation.
This exhibit will travel throughout Northern Ontario for a period of two years. Science North plans to host the exhibit in about 20 communities from September 2022 to June 2024. It’s first stop was the Kenora Discovery Centre.
This interactive exhibit prompts visitors to explore and celebrate diversity using innovative technology, visitors see, challenges and videos that demonstrate the wealth of Indigenous innovations that are part of our daily lives. Two Science North Communicators will be accompanying to aid in valuable conversations and hands on programming.
“Its really an exhibit about celebrating Indigenous history and their use of science to understand the world around them,” Osmond said.
One of the main focuses of this exhibit is that it is hands on. The exhibit includes virtual reality, snowshoeing, canoeing, archery, and igloo building and much more. Each activity provides an opportunity to learn about cultural teachings such as the importance of the four sacred plants.
“They even have a paddle from our local artist, Patrick Hunter,” says Osmond.
Three of the schools in the Red Lake district have already planned field trips to visit the exhibit, including the Ear Falls Public School.
Science North will work with Indigenous peoples, communities and partner organizations within the host community to provide insights and informal programming tailored to the specific location.
The exhibit is free to visit, and opening today for a soft opening. The RLRHC plans to hold an opening event in the very near future. The exhibit will run until December 14th.
