Science North will be permanently offering free admission to Indigenous people and have confirmed to Sudbury.com that one need only self-identify to gain entry.
“It is simply by self-identification upon arrival at our sales desk. Individuals who self-identify as First Nations, Métis and Inuit people will receive admission to Science North and Dynamic Earth,” said a spokesperson for Science North. “No need to show any status card.”
The change begins June 21, which is National Indigenous Peoples Day in Canada.
“Science North and Dynamic Earth are pleased to permanently offer free general admission to Indigenous Peoples,” the group said in a press release. “This new admission policy is a way to show our commitment to deepening engagement, relationships, and partnerships in order to advance truth and reconciliation, honour, and reflect Indigenous Ways of Knowing to collaborate with Indigenous Peoples as partners, in order to inspire all people to be engaged with science in the world around them.”
Science North is hosting a variety of special programming throughout the day on June 21 in celebration of National Indigenous Peoples Day.
There will be several activities held at Science North on June 21. Visitors can view an art installation by Métis artist Tracy-Mae Chambers, Mona’s Native Designs will be on hand selling their wares. There will also be knowledge-sharing activities, a free special screening of the Planetarium Show Under the Same Stars: Minwaadiziwin and a guided walk of the Giizhigoong Etegin Miikaanah (Solar System Path) with local Ojibwe educator, artist and storyteller Will Morin.
For more information, visit sciencenorth.ca.