The Nutrien Kôna Winter Festival at Wanuskewin – Day #4 Night Sky Experience

Day 4 - Evening Programming

Night Sky Experience

*Admission by Donation 

Friday, February 23, 2024  5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

An evening of storytelling, star knowledge, science experiments, culture, and art!

• with SPECIAL GUEST PRESENTER!!
  • Chelazon Leroux!  – 5:45 P.M. START!
• U of S Science Outreach programming
• USask Observatory and Local Astronomy Club programming
• Star Stories, Moon Teachings, and Bison Connections
• Indigenous Artisan Market
• Gift Shop, Exhibits, and Galleries open! 

• Food Options for this evening event:
  • Bison Stew and Bannock buffet open 5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. in Wanuskewin Restaurant, with coffee, pop, and water.
    • Tickets will be available to purchase on site.
  • Wanuskewin Gift Shop will be open with snacks to purchase (chips, chocolate, pop, drinks, jerky, and more)

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Details on the night’s events:

•  Chelazon Leroux
  • Chelazon (she/he/they), also known as Auntie on TikTok, uses her social media influence to educate and entertain audiences worldwide on the experiences, stories, and beauty of Indigenous identity. She also recently appeared on Canada’s Drag Race, season 3. Her goal is to utilize her responsibilities as a Two-Spirit multimedia artist to bring Two-Spirit’s historical role into the modern world. Chelazon is a member of the Buffalo River Dene Nation (Treaty 10) and has family tie to Fond Du Lac First Nation (Treaty 8).
  • Join Auntie Chelazon Leroux for an hour of storytelling and comedy performance Friday night starting 5:45 p.m.!

• Bison Interpretation and Moon Teachings in the Story Circle (5 – 7 p.m.)
  • Bison Interpretation: Join our Wanuskewin interpretive staff who will be offering drop-in Bison interpretation around the fire at our Bison Viewing lookout, including stories of resilience, survival, and restoration of this great keystone species.
  • Moon Teachings: Jasmyn Albert is an Artist and Indigenous Educator (ITEP/USask Alumni) from Chitek Lake. Jasmyn will be sharing stories relating to the 13 Moon Teachings as she learned from her kookum. This storytelling session is offered as a drop-in activity where visitors are invited to sit, listen, and be part of creation.

• USask Science Outreach
  • Heat Transfer Demonstration: This experiment explores the different materials that provide insulation and warmth on a cold day. We will be comparing the traditional materials such as hide and furs against materials we commonly use today to find the most effective insulation for our cold Prairie winters. Drop in Programming is ideal for all ages.
  • Snowshoe Activity: Participates are invited to explore the shape and design of snowshoes. This Mini Experiment will have participants create different shaped snowshoes out of paper and test which is best for travel across simulated snow. Drop in Programming is ideal for families with children between the ages of 8-11 years old. Any younger participants require adult supervision.

• USask Observatory and Local Astronomy Club
  • Telescope Demonstration: Educational demonstrations of the telescope and how it is used and what we can learn using this tool.
  • ALSO – Scientists from USask will be discussing aurora borealis, the interconnectivity of our Solar System and the consequences of space weather on Earth’s inhabitants. Our story starts with the Sun, but manifests in our night sky.

• Star Story Video
  • Enjoy videos in our Exhibit’s theatre space, and see one by Wilfred Buck on star stories and teachings.

• Indigenous Artisan Market
  • Wanuskewin’s Indigenous Artisan Market showcases Artists, Artisans, and Entrepreneurs from in and around our community, and Wanuskewin is excited to welcome you and your family out for the evening.  Market vendors will also be on site Saturday for the Main Event day.