On March 22, Telus Spark Science Center presented Indigenous Science Night: Frequencies, an evening of Indigenous science programming featuring knowledge keepers, speakers, scientists and artists.
Coordinator of Indigenous Science Connections Lindsey Zess says they gain all of the wisdom and knowledge from surrounding Indigenous Treaty 7 communities around Calgary.
“We do Indigenous science connections and the team does these events three times a year once in the fall, spring and summer,” Zess said. “These events are to celebrate and uplift the depth that is contained in Indigenous culture.“
Disa Crow Chief from Siksika Nation and advocate for environmental rights says the link between culture and environment is clear among Indigenous people.
“Indigenous people are the original storytellers, ” Crow Chief said. “You learn that my people were natural scientists.”
Learning different perspectives and bridging Indigenous and non-Indigenous knowledge is important to youth like Disa Crowchief.
The importance of centering Indigenous voices in those conversations because many Indigenous people have a strong connection and relationship to Mother Earth and have been her caretaker for thousands of years.