The Night Sun: Lunar Cycles and Indigenous Time Keeping

Every culture interprets the Moon differently, shaping beliefs, traditions, and even daily life. On June 13th, the Space Centre invites you to delve into the rich cultural significance of the Moon with a special interactive presentation featuring Dr. Shandin Pete.

Dr. Pete, an Indigenous scholar and Assistant Professor of Teaching at the University of British Columbia's department of Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences, will be our special guest host for the evening. Drawing from his ancestral heritage, Dr. Pete will share the significance of the Moon to the Salish peoples of Western Montana. He will illuminate how lunar cycles have long served as a cornerstone of timekeeping for Indigenous communities.

The event will take place in the Planetarium Star Theatre, offering attendees an immersive experience as Dr. Pete unveils the timeless wisdom embedded within Indigenous lunar traditions. From the interconnectedness of weather, plants, and animals to the cyclical rhythms of life.

Before and after the presentation, guests will have the opportunity to visit the observatory, for a closer look at the Moon through our telescope, weather permitting.

This event is recommended for ages 13+.

SPECIAL GUEST

Dr. Shandin Pete is from Nłq̓alqʷ (“Place of the thick trees”, Arlee, Montana), and is from the Bitterroot Band of Salish in Montana and Diné from Beshbihtoh Valley in Arizona. Dr. Pete is a hydrogeologist and science educator with interest in Indigenous research methodologies, geoscientific ethnography, Indigenous astronomy, social-political tribal structures, culturally congruent instructional strategies, and Indigenous science philosophies. Most of his work in recent years has focused on community engagement to understanding shifts in an Indigenous paradigm of research for science knowledge production. This work has included investigations into traditional oral histories and customs that inform understanding of landscape phenomenon.

TICKETS

Tickets are $23+ taxes and fees (Free admission to all self-identifying Indigenous Peoples. Free admission is available in-person when you check in at the front desk upon arrival.)

Online ticket sales will end at 4:00pm on June 13th. Any remaining tickets will be available for puchase at the door.

EVENT SCHEDULE

6:30pm - doors open

6:30pm - 7:15pm: Observatory open for moon viewing

7:30pm: Planetarium Star Theatre presentation with special guest Dr. Shandin Pete

8:30pm - 10:00pm: Observatory open for moon viewing

PARKING

Ample paid parking is available in front of the Space Centre building (Parking Lot #60 on the Easy Park app).

Please note the parking lot and its prices and services are managed by Easy Park3