Recently SMCDSB had the honour of welcoming Cree astronomer, author, educator, and Knowledge Keeper Wilfred Buck for a series of unforgettable presentations.

Buck brought Cree star knowledge to life using a mobile planetarium, sharing teachings passed down through generations in his community. Students and staff were invited to explore the night sky through a cultural way of knowing, rooted in Indigenous cosmology and storytelling.

I had the privilege of attending a staff session as a representative of our Communications Department, and I was completely captivated. As we stepped into the dome, the gymnasium around us faded away, and we were immersed in a skyscape of stars and stories. Wilfred shared the legend of the Fisher who brought summer back to the people, the Bird Path that follows the Milky Way and traces the path of migratory birds, Mista Muskwa, the Great Bear, and the Sturgeon, a powerful symbol of knowledge passed from generation to generation.

I was in awe. The experience opened up a way of seeing the sky—and the world—that I’d never encountered before. I left inspired and told Wilfred I couldn’t wait to share these teachings with my children under the stars.

A member of the Opaskwayak Cree Nation, Wilfred Buck is widely respected for his work in preserving and sharing Indigenous science. His visit was a powerful reminder of the importance of honouring Indigenous knowledge in education, and we are deeply grateful for the time, wisdom, and stories he shared with our Catholic school communities.