In this month’s featured constellations, we will discuss two Anishinaabek constellations that are prominent at this time of the year: Madoodiswan (the Sweat Lodge) and Noondeshin Bemaadizid (the Exhausted Bather).
Continue reading Featured constellations: Madoodiswan, Noondeshin Bemaadizid, and Madoodoowasiniig
At the early sunrise on June 10, some viewers in northern Ontario will have the chance to witness what is known as an Annular Eclipse.
Today’s post comes from Bruce Waters, a former educator at the McLaughlin Planetarium and founder of the Killarney Provincial Park Observatory.
Astronomy is a field of science that embraces an inquiring mind, and knows that there are often many perspectives in which to learn, to study and to appreciate the cosmos and beyond.
In this International Year of Indigenous Language, Ontario Parks was fortunate to host a truly amazing event featuring Indigenous astronomy and cultural learning.
“[This] event was a great example of how collaborations that are built upon mutual respect can foster and support true Reconciliation,” said Luke Wassegijig, Wikwemikong Tourism Manager.
Continue reading Stars over Killarney, 2019: an Indigenous astronomy learning experience
You don’t need to leave southern Ontario to have a great fall experience. Rondeau Provincial Park — an oasis of nature nestled in between Windsor and London — has given visitors just that for over 125 years.
Ontario’s second oldest provincial park has it all: spectacular colours, vibrant wildlife, and activities for the whole family.
Here are five reasons why Rondeau Provincial Park is a must-see spot this fall:
Today’s “Behind the scenes” blog comes from Caitie Carney, a member of Bon Echo’s Discovery Program team.
If you asked visitors at Bon Echo Provincial Park “What keeps you coming back?”, the answer you’d probably hear is “Mazinaw Rock.”
Standing 92 m (300 feet) above Mazinaw Lake, Mazinaw Rock is a spectacle that commands the attention of visitors both on land and on water.
Did you know that 2019 is the United Nations year of Indigenous Languages?
In celebration, Killarney Provincial Park and our Wiikwemkoong partners at Point Grondine Park, along with our colleagues at Science North, are thrilled to present Stars over Killarney 2019: a weekend of Indigenous astronomy and cultural learning!
Continue reading Stars over Killarney 2019: a celebration of Indigenous astronomy
Today’s post comes from DJ Fife, a park warden at Petroglyphs Provincial Park. DJ takes every opportunity available to promote the preservation of Anishinaabemowin during programs at the park and in everyday life. DJ has taught Anishnaabemowin for several semesters at Georgian College in Barrie and during several other cultural events.
As a person of mixed ancestry, pursuing the expression of my identity has been an unending journey.
Today’s post comes from DJ Fife, a park warden at Petroglyphs Provincial Park. DJ takes every opportunity available to promote the preservation of Anishinaabemowin during programs at the park and in everyday life. DJ has taught Anishnaabemowin for several semesters at Georgian College in Barrie and during several other cultural events.
To read the language, it is necessary to be aware of the writing systems used for Anishinaabemowin.
Various folk-writings have and continue to be used but the most widely used system of writing is the “Fiero” double-vowel system that is intended to be consistent and phonetic.
Below is a rough breakdown of the system.
Continue reading The pronunciation and writing systems of Anishinaabemowin
Many First Nations teachings, including those of the Anishinaabe and the Haudenosaunee people, use the back of a turtle’s shell as a lunar calendar.
Chuck Commanda grew up part of the Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg, an Algonquin First Nation. As a young boy, he helped his grandparents make birchbark canoes. Now, years later, Chuck enjoys sharing his knowledge and showcasing his skills to the public.
Chuck recently attended the “Politics of the Canoe” workshop in Winnipeg, where he says much of the discussion focused on reconciliation through the canoe.
“The canoe is a shared experience that all Indigenous and non-Indigenous people can relate to. That makes it an effective tool for reconciliation.”
Continue reading The makings and teachings of the birchbark canoe
