Three Stars Dark Sky
The Huu-ay-aht First Nations are pioneering efforts to establish their ancestral lands as a premier dark sky tourism destination.
In collaboration with Foundry Events and BadAss Creative, we launched the Three Stars Dark Sky Pilot Project from in Bamfield and Anacla, BC.
This initiative seamlessly blended Indigenous cultural heritage with astronomical science, aiming to promote dark sky preservation and lay the groundwork for sustainable tourism development.
The Wonder of the Night Sky to Life
Signature Experiences
With a total of 22 hours of programming over three days, the Three Stars Dark Sky project successfully bridged cultural heritage with modern science, offering guests a transformative experience that celebrated the environment, Indigenous traditions, and astronomical exploration.
Welcome Ceremony at Pachena Bay Campground: The project began with a traditional welcome ceremony at Pachena Bay, where guests were greeted by Huu-ay-aht dancers, drummers, and Knowledge Keepers. This ceremony honored the cultural traditions of the Huu-ay-aht people, setting the tone for the project by highlighting the spiritual and ancestral significance of the land.
Cultural Tours of Kiixin: Led by Huu-ay-aht Knowledge Keeper Qiic Qiica, guests explored the sacred site of Kiixin, the only known remaining traditional First Nations village on the southern BC coast. Accompanied by Trail Guardians, the tour offered participants a deep understanding of the cultural and historical significance of the site, blending rich storytelling with a journey through the old-growth rainforest.
Marine Exploration Workshops: At Nova Harvest Ltd., guests participated in a behind-the-scenes tour of a sustainable oyster hatchery, learning about the aquaculture practices that support BC’s shellfish industry. Local marine scientists led the workshop, emphasizing the importance of marine conservation and sustainable resource use
Fireside Storytelling: As clouds prohibited stargazing, guests were drawn to the evening fireside storytelling sessions at Outer Lodge, where Huu-ay-aht Knowledge Keeper shared stories reflecting the connections between the stars, land, and Indigenous cultural beliefs. This session allowed participants to engage with traditional cosmological narratives in a warm and intimate setting.
RASC and Luc Simard’s Telescope Setup: The Royal Astronomical Society of Canada (RASC) and Luc Simard, set up telescopes, creating organic opportunities for guests to engage in discussions about astronomy. Their presence allowed for informal yet insightful conversations on the stars, enhancing the scientific engagement of the event. RASC also made a generous donation to the local community, further supporting Bamfield's potential as a Dark Sky Preserve.
Astrophotography Presentations: Although the cloudy weather halted stargazing, Jeanine Holowatuik, an astrophotographer, delivered an engaging visual presentation. Using her stunning images of the night sky, she brought the stars to life through storytelling and photography, helping guests connect with the cosmic themes of the project.
Interactive Language Session: Hinatinyis led an interactive language session during breakfast, introducing guests to the Huu-ay-aht language. This session provided insight into how language connects the Huu-ay-aht people to their cultural heritage and the land.
"Whale of a Tale" Breakfast: During the morning session titled “Whale of a Tale”, Larry Johnson shared captivating stories of the sea, weaving together traditional maritime tales with the project’s broader themes of environmental stewardship and oceanic knowledge.
Keynote Presentation: Emma Louden, an astrophysicist, delivered a keynote at the Rix Centre for Ocean Discoveries. She explored the latest advancements in space exploration, providing guests with an inspiring look into humanity’s evolving relationship with the universe, even under cloudy skies.
Feedback Session: A feedback session led by Chris Corrigan allowed guests to reflect on their experiences during the project. This interactive discussion provided valuable insights that will help shape future iterations of the Three Stars Dark Sky project.
Our Role
BadAss Creative provided comprehensive project management and logistical planning support, ensuring the seamless execution of this multifaceted event. Our contributions included:
Program Development: Curating immersive experiences that combined stargazing, Indigenous storytelling, and environmental workshops.
Logistical Coordination: Managing transportation, accommodations, safety protocols, and event scheduling to deliver a seamless experience in a remote setting.
Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborating with the Huu-ay-aht First Nations, community leaders, and conservationists to create a culturally rich and scientifically engaging festival.
On-Site Execution: Ensuring smooth transitions between activities and robust participant engagement, even amidst weather challenges.
Impact and Future Vision
The success of the Three Stars Dark Sky Pilot Project has set the stage for future initiatives, with the Huu-ay-aht First Nations considering applying for a Dark Sky Preserve designation for Bamfield. This endeavor not only preserves the night sky but also fosters sustainable economic development through Indigenous-led tourism, blending scientific inquiry with cultural preservation.
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Jay Ingram (he/him) Science Broadcaster, Author and Musician
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Erin Melnychuk (she/her)
Co-Founder, Evolved Organizational Development -
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Steve Klintberg Nagy (he/him)
Co-Founder at Virtu Venture, RocketHouse & Spin For Life -
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James G Foster (he/him)
Fund Development Professional -
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Principal Consultant at Bird Creatives -
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Executive Director, CQAS & Calgary Poert Laureate -
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Heather Shaw (she/her)
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