Mapping the night sky: we are made of stardust + The Celestial Bear

Celebrate Culture Days with the McMaster Museum of Art and the W.J. McCallion Planetarium through an evening exploring Indigenous cosmologies and astronomy!

Join us for a guided tour of the we are made of stardust exhibition at the museum, followed by a presentation of The Celestial Bear: The Six Nations’ Night Sky at the Planetarium.

DATE: Thurs Sept 29, 2022

TIME: 5:30-8:00pm

FREE & open to the public!

Register here

Register now as spots are limited. Details related to meeting place will be sent via email closer to the event date.

we are made of stardust

Curated by Rhéanne Chartrand

Presented at the McMaster Museum of Art from August 16 – December 2, we are made of stardust explores our relationship with the cosmos.

Rooted in Indigenous cosmologies and astronomy, the artworks included in this exhibition visually express how Indigenous peoples make sense of their place in the universe through relating to and reflecting on the sun, the moon, the stars, and all celestial beings in the night sky. Featuring artwork by over 20 Indigenous artists.

The Celestial Bear: The Six Nations’ Night Sky

McMaster’s W.J. McCallion Planetarium brings together knowledge from Six Nations storytellers and the Indigenous Studies Program with knowledge from the Department of Physics and Astronomy to examine powerful connections between ancient legends of the sky and modern scientific observation.

Join us for a fascinating show that blends local culture, history, and modern-day astronomy that shares the Six Nations’ sky lore and language through traditional indigenous night-sky stories. With narration and visuals by a live presentation and pre-recorded excerpts (in English, Mohawk, and Cayuga), learn about the story of the bear and the brothers and how it is retold every year with the rotating patterns in the night sky. See the same stars with a completely different understanding and appreciation! This show was collaboratively produced by members of the Six Nations, McMaster’s Indigenous Studies Program, and the McCallion Planetarium. We strongly encourage visitors to the Planetarium to wear masks for the duration of the show as the space is small and enclosed.

An M(M)A N. Gillian Cooper Education Program and W J McCallion Planetarium collaboration.

Please note: The M(M)A galleries and Planetarium are accessible. Please let us know if you require use of the accessible entrance to the Planetarium.

If you have any questions please contact Teresa Gregorio, M(M)A Education Officer at gregort@mcmaster.ca