Toronto’s Ontario Science Centre just opened a new Indigenous interactive adventure exhibition

Indigenous Ingenuity: An Interactive Adventure celebrates the knowledge, culture and history of Indigenous peoples

TORONTO, Nov. 3, 2022 – The ingenuity of First Peoples from North America is all around us. Created by the Montreal Science Centre and designed in collaboration with knowledge bearers from First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities, Indigenous Ingenuity: An Interactive Adventure celebrates the knowledge, culture and history of Indigenous peoples.

“The Ontario Science Centre is excited to host Indigenous Ingenuity,” said CEO Paul Kortenaar. “By exploring Indigenous inventions through the lens of science and hands-on activities, this visiting exhibition showcases how Indigenous science is timeless and continues to influence our society today. We welcome everyone to enjoy this exhibition and learn, play and discover together.”

Indigenous Ingenuity, which runs until April 16, 2023, invites visitors to experience the innovative processes that give rise to Indigenous knowledge by observing nature, listening to knowledge bearers, experimenting with scientific principles and sharing experiences with others. With a bear and trickster as guides, visitors can take part in a virtual canoe race, build an igloo, test a kayak’s centre of gravity and more.

“We’re delighted that Indigenous Ingenuity is now open in Toronto at the Ontario Science Centre, showcasing how the First Peoples flourished on this land for millennia, thanks to unique technologies, many of which are still in use today,” said Cybèle Robichaud, Director of the Montreal Science Centre. “This exhibition is the result of more than two years of work, created in collaboration with more than 100 individuals, including Indigenous people from more than a dozen nations across Canada.”

The exhibition presents a clever and novel mix of science and culture, intended to stir a sense of pride among First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities and encourages all visitors to appreciate Indigenous science and ways of knowing.

Indigenous Ingenuity is presented at the Ontario Science Centre in partnership with Lead Sponsor University of Waterloo and Supporting Sponsor Ontario Power Generation.

“Projects like Indigenous Ingenuity are vital in fostering dialogue and bringing awareness to the stories, experiences and immeasurable contributions of Indigenous peoples to our world,” said Savannah Sloat, Manager, Science Indigenous Initiatives, University of Waterloo. “This exhibition is just one way we can strengthen knowledge and celebrate Indigenous achievements.”

“Ontario Power Generation is proud to be a supporting sponsor of the Ontario Science Centre’s Indigenous Ingenuity exhibition,” said Ian Jacobsen, OPG’s Director of Indigenous Relations. “This interactive exhibition shines a light on the many incredible contributions Indigenous peoples have made to the sciences, and shares how Indigenous communities continue to shape and influence our society today.”

“We are excited that people will learn about many of the crucial contributions, innovations and methods that Indigenous peoples have created and shared with the world,” said Kevin Eshkawkogan, CEO of Indigenous Tourism Ontario. “It’s an important step to see tourist attractions like the Ontario Science Centre feature exhibitions that highlight Indigenous successes.”

“Indigenous Ingenuity encourages visitors of all ages to learn, appreciate, and celebrate Indigenous heritage through the lens of science and innovation,” said Neil Lumsden, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport. “I hope everyone will have a chance to visit the Ontario Science Centre during this exhibition’s run – and if you’re traveling, Ontarians who stay overnight can save up to 20 per cent of eligible travel accommodation expenses through our 2022 Ontario Staycation Tax Credit.”

Also on display is REGALIA: Indigenous Pride, created by photographer Roland Lorente and his partner Aline Saffore who travelled across Eastern Canada to attend over 20 powwows. The photography exhibition features 30 portraits and stories of men, women and children from 14 different First Nations communities across Canada dressed in stunning and colourful regalia,which tell each dancer’s personal stories as well as those of their people and their worldview. University of Waterloo is the Lead Sponsor and Ontario Power Generation is the Supporting Sponsor of REGALIA: Indigenous Pride.

Access to Indigenous Ingenuity: An Interactive Adventure and REGALIA: Indigenous Pride are included with general admission to the Science Centre. Visitors interested in learning more about Indigenous knowledge, culture and history can also watch the IMAX® film, Great Bear Rainforest, playing in OMNIMAX® Theatre, and journey into a hidden region of British Columbia that has been protected by Indigenous people for millennia. To learn more and to book tickets, please visit OntarioScienceCentre.ca.

About the Ontario Science Centre

Guided by our mission to inspire passion for the human adventure of discovery, the Ontario Science Centre strives to be a global leader in lifelong learning, a vital link in Ontario’s education and innovation ecosystems and a convener of public dialogue about technology, science and society. The Centre has welcomed more than 54 million visitors since opening as a Centennial project in 1969, pioneering an interactive approach now adopted by science centres around the world. An agency of the Government of Ontario, the Centre relies on funding from the province, as well as donations from generous individuals, corporations and foundations that share the Centre’s vision to contribute to a more curious, creative and resilient world. Learn more at OntarioScienceCentre.ca.

About Montreal Science Centre

The Montreal Science Centre, a division of Canada Lands Company, is a complex dedicated to science and technology, with more than 700,000 visitors annually. It is characterized by its accessible, interactive approach and its showcasing of local innovation and know-how. Its partners are Volvo, Énergir, The Beat 92.5 and La Presse.

About University of Waterloo

University of Waterloo is a leading global innovation hub that drives economic and social prosperity for Canada and the world. With more than 41,000 students, we are home to the world’s largest co-op education talent pipeline, to game-changing research and technology, and to an unmatched entrepreneurial culture. Together, these create partnerships and solutions to tackle today’s and tomorrow’s challenges. Find out more at uwaterloo.ca

About OPG

As a climate change leader and the largest electricity generator in the province, OPG and its family of companies are helping lead the charge to a post-carbon economy.

About Indigenous Tourism Ontario

Indigenous Tourism Ontario (ITO) is the province’s first and only dedicated Indigenous tourism organization that focuses on uniting communities, Indigenous organizations, and industry leaders to support the growth of Indigenous tourism in Ontario. Through product development and marketing of authentic Indigenous experiences, ITO establishes a platform for Indigenous cultural expression and preservation through tourism. Our mission is to assist Indigenous communities and entrepreneurs with programs that build capacity to produce high quality products and services. Our success will be guided by the positive impact on our people, the environment, and the economy. For our welcomed visitors and tourists, we will ensure that our products and services provide a meaningful and memorable Indigenous experience. Learn more at Indigenous Tourism Ontario

SOURCE Ontario Science Centre

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