Vlog 12: My guiding stars – The Indigenous mentors and teachings that guide me on my journey to the Moon

Uploaded on October 28, 2024

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Vlog 12: My guiding stars – The Indigenous mentors and teachings that guide me on my journey to the Moon

CSA astronaut Jeremy Hansen tells us about a humbling visit to the Turtle Lodge Centre of Excellence in Indigenous Education and Wellness and the teachings that guide him on his journey to the Moon. During the visit, he was honoured with Anishinaabe artist Henry Guimond who designed his personal mission patch for the Artemis II mission. 

The Turtle Lodge is a place for reconnecting to the Earth and sharing Indigenous ancestral knowledge, founded on the Seven Sacred Laws also known as the Seven Grandfather Teachings. (Credits: Canadian Space Agency, NASA, Fulwell 73 UK Limited)

Jeremy Hansen: It's just a great opportunity for me to reflect a little bit upon the rich and profound experiences I've had with Indigenous Peoples.

I'm here at the Turtle Lodge in Manitoba.

[On screen (vlog title): My guiding principles]

Jeremy Hansen: I had the privilege of participating in just a beautiful ceremony where we honoured the artist Henry Guimond who created the Canadian mission patch for Artemis II.

[On screen: 
Henry Guimond
Anishinaabe artist
Sagkeeng First Nation

Henry created Jeremy’s personal patch for the Artemis II mission with input from Dave Courchene III (Sabe), Leader of the Turtle Lodge.

The Turtle Lodge is a place for reconnecting to the Earth and sharing Indigenous ancestral knowledge founded on the Seven Sacred Laws.]

Jeremy Hansen: The patch reminds me to aspire to walk on this journey with respect, love, courage, humility, honesty, wisdom, and truth. They are just simple values that we can all resonate with and can use as a guiding star to help us live better lives on this planet.

It's just a great opportunity for me to reflect a little bit upon the rich and profound experiences I've had with Indigenous Peoples across the country in my journey as a Canadian Space Agency astronaut.

Every time I am invited to participate in an Indigenous ceremony, I often feel a little bit uncomfortable showing up. And I'm not sure if I really belong there, but every time I am overwhelmed by how welcomed I am and how loving they are.

Every time I've had the opportunity to sit with an Elder and listen to their wisdom, I've always appreciated the perspectives they've shared and the mentoring that I've received.

The Turtle Lodge has certainly been one of those great examples of a group of people with an open heart, a loving heart, just adding deep and meaningful value to the Artemis campaign.

[On screen: 
Miigwech.
Thank you.]

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