Abstract:

Have you ever seen in person the sky turn brilliant green, glowing, and undulating, moving as if a giant flame of light or a shimmering pulse of energy? Then the reds take over, saturating the otherwise deep dark night sky and with eyes wide open, it’s nearly unbelievable. It’s certainly unreal beauty….an unforgettable experience. Undoubtedly, auroral phenomenon has been a tremendous source of astronomical inspiration for humanity, inspiring both fear and awe.

Presented here “Spirits Dancing, A Night Sky Immersive Experience” is a digital production that will share astronomical, cultural, and personal knowledge of the night sky focusing on the Jiibayag niimi’idiway (Ojibwe, translation Spirits Dancing or Northern Lights), Aurora and the Milky Way (Wanáǧi-tȟačháŋku, Dakota, translation Spirit Road or Milky Way) from an Ojibwe and D(L)akota perspective. Breaking down barriers between subjects, disciplines, and cultures, this audio and visual production will parallel the new book by Annette S. Lee and Travis Novitsky (released Nov. 2024). It will include insights from Native Skywatchers affiliates:  Carl Gawboy, Ramona Kitto-Stately, and Jeffrey Tibbetts.  

Through large-scale projection mapping, this intermedia installation will communicate an enduring Indigenous-based relationship with the sky-earth mirroring and our human participation in this cosmic cycle, otherwise known as ‘Kapemni’d (Ref. – Albert White Hat Sr.)

With all the layered and complex challenges of the 21st century, our human connection to night sky transcends fixed space and time.  The night sky invites us to experience and reconnect with the timeless beauty and awe found in nature. It is our hope that this inspiration will serve as a powerful reminder of the magnificence and importance of the night sky for future generations. What is our part in reconnecting and protecting the dark night skies?