Wilfred Buck
Wilfred Buck is from the Opaskwayak Cree Nation of northern Manitoba and currently works from the Manitoba First Nations Education Resource Centre as a science facilitator. He has over 15 years of experience as an educator and expands on MFNERC's vision to bring a First Nations perspective to the sciences by doing what he is more passionate about -- looking up at and thinking through the stars.
Buck is a husband, father of four, son, uncle, brother, nephew, storyteller, mad scientist, teacher, sugar pipe carrier, sweat lodge keeper, old person, and sun dance leader.
Teen Books (1)
Like the night sky above, Tipiskawi Kisik holds a myriad of tales rooted in an Ininew (Cree) perspective. An exploration of stars and constellations—and their associated mythologies—will greet you with age-old knowledge held by Indigenous people prior to European contact. Through Wilfred Buck’s creative, spiritual, and intelligent understanding of the stars, it will be easy to imagine yourself flying inside the Milky Way with Niska (the Goose) or chasing Mista Muskwa (the Great Bear), just like Tepakoop Pinesisuk (the Seven Birds). Above all, these stories can be passed on to the next generation, so they will know of the rich history, science practices, and culture of the Ininew people.
Additional Information
This is a collection of short stories (approximately 25 pages long) with supporting artwork/illustrations. While not aimed at young readers in terms of reading level, this book would support educators in their teaching of Indigenous astronomy to younger audiences, especially since each short story would work well as a read aloud and includes useful illustrations/diagrams of the night sky.
