It’s really a joy to see the wider world recognize wise and generous people we already know and admire. Today it is an honour to congratulate Wilfred Buck, whose award was announced on March 24, 2025 by Ingenium (formally the National Museum of Science and Technology). I look forward to visiting the museum next time I’m in Ottawa to view his growing influence with just a little extra pride.
Here’s text from their press release:
March 24, 2024 (Winnipeg, MB) – In honour of his considerable contributions, Ingenium – Canada’s Museums of Science and Innovation alongside nominating partner the National Film Board of Canada proudly announce that Ininew/Cree educator Wilfred Buck has been awarded a King Charles III Coronation Medal in recognition of his service to the federal public sector. For over two decades, Buck has been a leading advocate for integrating Indigenous knowledge into science education.
Inspired by ceremony and the wisdom of his elders, Buck has dedicated his career to reclaiming and sharing Indigenous star knowledge as a powerful system of understanding. He has traveled around Canada, bringing these teachings to urban and remote communities through books, online media, and immersive experiences, including his custom portable planetariums. Buck’s influence extends to Ingenium’s spaces, thanks to his co-curation of One Sky, Many Astronomies, an exhibition at the Canada Science and Technology Museum, as well as his collaboration on the virtual international symposium series, Indigenous Star Knowledge, which has drawn thousands of participants on an international scale to come together around the regeneration of Indigenous star knowledge.
One of Buck’s most influential initiatives is the bi-annual “Tipis and Telescopes” event in Manitoba, which blends education, ceremony, and stargazing to create a transformative experience for local communities. His life’s work is the subject of Lisa Jackson’s feature documentary Wilfred Buck, a co-production between Door Number 3 Productions and the National Film Board of Canada. Based on his autobiography titled I Have Lived Four Lives, the film was released in 2024 and won the Canadian Forum Pitch Prize at the Hot Docs Forum.
Ingenium is excited to highlight Buck’s remarkable contributions to science education and Indigenous knowledge in Canada. His recognition with the Coronation Medal underscores his lasting impact on both the scientific and Indigenous communities from coast to coast to coast.
In Wilfred’s own words (quoted from the same press release):
It is humbling to be acknowledged & recognized for the work of love that has been asked of me. I was told by the elders to take this knowledge to our youth and to present it to a wider audience for people to be made aware of the depth of knowledge & intellectual capacity held by Indigenous people throughout Manitoba, Canada & the rest of world.
Ingenium’s photo caption: Christina Tessier (Ingenium), Wilfred Buck and Chanda Chevannes (NFB) at the King Charles III Coronation Medal ceremony. Photo: Ruth Bonneville
