Indigenous Planetarium Show: The Seven Dancers
Event Category: Arts & Theatre, Community, Education, Indigenous Culture
Event Description:
Step into the stars and experience the night sky through the stories and language of the Haudenosaunee people in this unforgettable planetarium experience: The Seven Dancers.
“This is the oral tradition that I have passed down to the Haudenosaunee, the people of Six Nations, from one generation to the next. I now pass that tradition onto you so you will also know and understand the teachings contained in iotsistohkwaronnion (the stars), and when you see me in the sky you will also remember my words.”
Join us for a cultural and astronomical journey that beautifully blends local Haudenosaunee teachings with modern-day astronomy. This bilingual presentation (in English and Mohawk) shares the oral tradition of Onekwá:tara — the Seven Dancers of the Pleiades — and offers a fresh perspective on the constellations above.
The show was collaboratively developed by members of the Six Nations, McMaster’s Indigenous Studies Program, and the McCallion Planetarium. Hosted at Queen’s University through a partnership between the McDonald Institute and Quinte Mohawk School, the program features both live narration and pre-recorded visuals to guide viewers through an Indigenous understanding of the night sky.
This is a free, family-friendly event with two showtimes available.
Event Details:
📅 Date: Saturday, June 14, 2025
🕙 Times: 10:00–11:00 AM or 11:20 AM–12:20 PM
📍 Location: Mitchell Hall, 69 Union Street, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON
🎟️ Cost: Free – advance ticketing is strongly encouraged
Important Notes:
Seating is limited; ticket holders will be admitted first. Walk-ins are welcome on a first-come, first-served basis as space permits.
Please cancel your ticket if you are unable to attend so others may have the opportunity.
Parking is free on campus Saturdays. We recommend the Kinesiology Hall lot (28 Division Street). Follow signage in Mitchell Hall to find the venue.
Experience the sky as you’ve never seen it — through story, language, and a deep cultural connection.
