three stars dark sky
The Three Stars Dark Sky Pilot Project, held from September 17-19, 2024 in Bamfield and Anacla, BC, was a pilot project designed to explore sustainable tourism development while promoting the preservation of dark skies. Hosted on the ancestral lands of the Huu-ay-aht First Nations, the festival created an intersection of cultural heritage and environmental stewardship, blending Indigenous knowledge with modern astronomical science. With selected guests from fields like science, conservation, and community leadership, the event emphasized the importance of dark sky preservation and laid the groundwork for future dark sky initiatives.
Foundry’s Expertise
Program Development: Curated an intimate, immersive experience combining stargazing, Indigenous cultural storytelling, and environmental workshops.
Logistical Planning: Coordinated transportation, accommodations, safety protocols, and event schedules for a seamless experience in a remote setting.
Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborated with Huu-ay-aht First Nations, community leaders, and conservationists to create a culturally rich and scientifically engaging festival.
On-Site Execution: Delivered a well-organized and adaptive event despite weather challenges, ensuring smooth transitions between activities and robust participant engagement.
Strategic Goals
Promote Dark Sky Preservation: Highlighted Bamfield’s potential as a designated Dark Sky Preserve, positioning the area as a model for sustainable tourism.
Cultural and Scientific Integration: Merged Indigenous knowledge with modern astronomy to foster deeper understanding and appreciation of the natural world.
Community and Stakeholder Engagement: Ensured that all participants, including local businesses and First Nations leaders, benefited from the event’s success and outreach.
Long-Term Tourism Development: Created a framework for developing Bamfield as a sustainable tourism destination, with an emphasis on cultural and environmental stewardship.
Signature Experiences
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.
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.
In the News
The Three Stars Dark Sky project attracted attention from both local and national media outlets, with stories focusing on the unique blend of Indigenous cultural traditions and dark sky preservation efforts. A key narrative that resonated in the media was the Huu-ay-aht First Nation's leadership in working toward a Dark Sky Preserve designation for Bamfield, positioning the project as a forward-thinking model for sustainable tourism.
Hashilthsa: In this article, Hashilthsa covers the Huu-ay-aht First Nation’s efforts to secure a Dark Sky Preserve designation, emphasizing the cultural and environmental importance of preserving the night sky over Bamfield. The article explores how the project fits into the nation’s broader goals of sustainable tourism development.
CBC: This CBC radio segment dives into the significance of Bamfield as a potential dark sky preserve, highlighting the project's role in promoting cultural tourism and environmental stewardship. The feature underscores how the Three Stars Dark Sky project strengthens the connection between the Huu-ay-aht community and the broader goal of preserving natural resources.
ZenSeekers: ZenSeekers provided an immersive narrative on the Three Stars Dark Sky project, focusing on how the gathering combined Indigenous storytelling with scientific exploration. The article emphasizes the cultural importance of stargazing and the project’s role in fostering a deeper understanding of the environment.
Chris Corrigan’s Blog: In this reflective piece, Chris Corrigan delves into the broader significance of the Three Stars Dark Sky Project, exploring how it seamlessly blended scientific inquiry, Indigenous culture, and community engagement. The blog highlights how the event fostered meaningful connections between participants while addressing key themes of cultural preservation and environmental stewardship.