tansi ninôtemik,
It is an unfortunate reality that too often Indigenous folks’ stories and experiences can become synonymous with traumatic topics such as intergenerational oppression and residential schools. However, it is equally important to celebrate the creativity, accomplishments, and successes of Indigenous peoples. A great example is the recent honour offered to Indigenous artists to immortalize their art in the Lunar Codex.[1]
The Lunar Codex is an archive of curated multicultural pieces of text, art, and history, that are launched from Earth by NASA to the moon.[2] Essentially, the Lunar Codex is a set of time capsules representing 261 countries and territories, with cultural works from at least 149 Indigenous nations worldwide.[3] Using digital and analog technology, the Lunar Codex preserves art, books, music, films, and more, on etched metal (silver, nickel or gold or NanoFiche) discs allowing the curated works to be read through microscopes or digital memory cards.[4]
The next Lunar Codex launch will launch in 2027 on NASA’s Artemis III mission, allowing humans to return to the moon for the first time since 1972.[5] Excitingly, two Indigenous artists from Saskatchewan have entered their art to be included in the next Lunar Codex launch.[6]
Teagan Littlechief, a singer/songwriter from White Bear First Nation has entered her single Need You To Go for the next launch.[7] Littlechief hopes that her song about sobriety, parenting, and making hard decisions in life will bring a piece of her story to the moon.[8]
Nigel Bell, an Indigenous musician from La Ronge, Saskatchewan, is another artist whose songs will be included in the next set of capsules in the Lunar Codex launch.[9] Bell is excited to have his songs Remarkable and Outer Space bring a piece of his Indigenous culture to become preserved on the moon.[10]
The Lunar Codex project is run by Canadian physicist and artist, Samuel Peralta, who began by self-funding the project.[11] Since the project’s last successful mission, Peralta became more interested in including Indigenous visual art in the next capsule.[12] With the help of the estate of Norval Morrisseau, Anishinaabe painter, Peralta has been able to secure 167 Indigenous artists’ work, including 65 of Morrisseau’s pieces of artwork as well as a number of his teachings for the next Lunar Codex launch.[13]
This incredible project highlights the importance of preserving stories, perspectives, and cultural teachings, and immortalizes them in a unique way which transcends space and time. Projects like the Lunar Codex help to shift the narrative surrounding Indigenous communities, focusing on celebrating their resilience, achievements, and creativity, instead of focusing solely on their hardships.
As we anticipate the next launch, let us remember that reconciliation is not merely about addressing the past. It is also about empowering Indigenous communities in the present by investing in their future. By supporting Indigenous artists and their work, we can help to create a safer space for their stories to be celebrated for their strength.
So, next time you look up at the moon, remember that there are pieces of Indigenous cultures looking back at you – with legacies of resilience, strength, and creativity orbiting our Earth.
ekosi,
The ReconciliACTION Team
Citations
[1] Louise BigEagle, “Indigenous artists get the chance to have their work sent to the moon”, CBC News (15 January 2025), online: <cbc.ca> [perma.cc/CE3G-JKM9].
[2]Samuel Peralta, “The Story So Far”, Lunar Codex (accessed on 19 January 2025), online: <lunarcodex.com> [perma.cc/3RE4-9H84]
[3] Ibid.
[4] Ibid.
[5] Louise BigEagle, supra note 1.
[6] Ibid.
[7] Ibid.
[8] Ibid.
[9] Ibid.
[10] Ibid.
[11] Samuel Peralta, supra note 2.
[12] Louise BigEagle, supra note 1.
[13] Ibid.
[Image] “Lunar Codex Indigenous Music Collection”, Official Norval Morrisseau Website, (n.d.) online: <officialmorrisseau.com> [perma.cc/E3FZ-NGKM].