For the first time since it opened in 2010, visitors to the Science North Planetarium will be treated to a show produced in-house by the science centre.
“Under the Same Stars: Minwaadizin” is now playing in both English and French at the state-of-the-art domed theatre. The show was developed in partnership with Indigenous people from across Northern Ontario and recreates traditional Anishinaabe stories that define common constellations visible in the night sky using immersible audio-visual technology and surround sound.
Jazmin Romaniuk served on the advisory group for the new show and contributed to the Indigenous storytelling and narration of the English version.
“When I was first asked to work on this project, I didn't really understand the magnitude of what was going on,” said Romaniuk, who recently completed a master's degree in biology at Lakehead University, at a launch event held Friday. “Every First Nations community has their own way of telling their stories. But we all have commonalities that we are Indigenous peoples. Our knowledge needs to be shared. ”
Funding for the project was provided through the Ontario150 program of the provincial Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport.
“Under the Same Stars: Minwaadiziwin is an extraordinary exhibition that underscores Science North's position as a leading science centre in Canada and a top tourist destination in Northern Ontario,” said Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport Eleanor McMahon in a release.
“I'm delighted that the Ontario150 program is supporting this unique experience, which will teach us all a little bit more about constellations and the sacred Anishnaabe stories behind them.”
The ministry funding has also allowed Science North to develop a touring version of Under the Same Stars: Minwaadiziwin, which will see portable planetarium structures travel across Northern Ontario.
“Science North continues to lead the way with new and innovative projects, which our government is proud to support,” said Ontario Minister of Energy and Sudbury MPP Glenn Thibeault. “I'm thrilled to see the partnership created with Indigenous people in Northern Ontario played an important part in developing the planetarium show.”
Science North is offering multiple showings of Under the Same Stars: Minwaadiziwin daily. Visit their website sciencenorth.ca for tickets and show times.
