Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen will land in the Northwest Territories this week to visit schools in Dettah, Ndılǫ, Łútsël K’é and Yellowknife.
The astronaut, fighter pilot, physicist and former aquanaut is the first Canadian astronaut on a lunar mission, joining a crew to orbit the moon in 2026.
Hansen’s mission patch was created by Anishinaabe artist Henry Guimond, with the contribution of Dave Courchene III, Leader of the Turtle Lodge in Sagkeeng First Nation in Manitoba.
Hansen has been invited by numerous Indigenous communities to sit with Elders and Knowledge Keepers. They have blessed him with knowledge and teachings that he carries with him as he prepares for his mission.
The Canadian Space Agency says while the patch contains elements of Anishinaabe culture that do not reflect all First Nations, Inuit and Métis cultures, working with an Indigenous artist to create the patch he will wear with great humility as he represents our country in space was Jeremy’s way to recognize the importance of traditional knowledge and Indigenous people.
