Sainte-Marie hosts travelling Indigenous Ingenuity Exhibit this summer

MIDLAND, ON (June 11, 2025) – Anishinaabewin Maamninendimowin: Pane Gii-Bite (Indigenous Ingenuity: Timeless Inventions), presented by Indigenous Tourism Ontario and Science North, will be in Sainte-Marie among the Hurons’ indoor museum until mid-September.

The exhibit presents a clever and novel mix of science and culture intended to stir a sense of pride among First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities. It celebrates the diversity, interconnectedness, and resourceful ways of knowing and being that inform Indigenous ingenuity – and highlights how these inventions have supported the global community.

“The Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation is proud to support Indigenous Tourism Ontario and Science North as they present Indigenous Ingenuity: Timeless Inventions across Northern Ontario,” says George Pirie, Ontario Minister of Northern Economic Development and Growth. “This exhibit highlights historical and modern aspects of Indigenous culture and innovation, and I encourage everyone to visit during its run at Sainte-Marie among the Hurons.”

Visitors can look forward to a hands-on experience that’s both educational and fun. Try your skill with a digital bow and arrow, build an inuksuk, or navigate a collaborative maze. Along the way, explore themes of reconciliation, Turtle Island, Indigenous languages, and traditional landscapes.

“We’re excited to centre Indigenous voices and perspectives in our museum,” says Will Baird, General Manager of Huronia Historical Parks. “And we hope this is just the beginning of a series of travelling exhibits coming to Sainte-Marie among the Hurons.”

Indigenous Ingenuity is included in the general admission cost to Sainte-Marie among the Hurons and will be on display until September 17. Don’t miss your chance to explore this inspiring celebration of Indigenous knowledge.

“At Science North, we believe that science is a powerful tool for connection, learning, and respect. Indigenous Ingenuity: Timeless Inventions exemplifies these values by celebrating the deep knowledge systems and innovations of Indigenous Peoples,” says Ashley Larose, CEO of Science North. “We are proud to partner with Indigenous Tourism Ontario to continue bringing this important exhibit to communities across Ontario, and we’re thrilled to see it hosted at Sainte-Marie among the Hurons. Through hands-on exploration and storytelling, visitors of all ages will come away with a greater appreciation for Indigenous science, culture, and creativity.”

About Indigenous Tourism Ontario
Indigenous Tourism Ontario (ITO) is the province’s first and only dedicated Indigenous tourism organization. They are a membership-based non-profit whose mission it is to improve the economic conditions of Indigenous Peoples through the provision of meaningful financial, marketing, industry guidance and support, resources, and advocacy work to Indigenous tourism owners and operators across the province. ITO is recognized by the Chiefs of Ontario (COO), and Government of Ontario organizations and ministries for their work therein. For more information about ITO and their initiatives please visit indigenoustourismontario.ca.

About Science North
Science North bring science to life by connecting people through stories, curiosity, and shared exploration. As Northern Ontario’s premier science destination, it offers immersive, hands-on experiences at two dynamic science centres in Greater Sudbury: Science North and Dynamic Earth. At Science North, visitors explore world-class exhibits, an IMAX® theatre, a digital Planetarium, a butterfly gallery, and four floors of interactive STEM experiences. Dynamic Earth, home to the iconic Big Nickel, features earth sciences exhibits, a lapidary lab, and an underground mining tour.

Beyond its walls, Science North sparks curiosity across Northern Ontario with dedicated satellite offices in Thunder Bay and Sault Ste. Marie. Through these hub locations Science North provides innovative outreach programs, long-term exhibitions, school visits, festivals, and summer camps across the North. Science North also creates and tours award-winning exhibitions and immersive experiences worldwide. In partnership with Laurentian University, it also delivers North America’s only comprehensive Science Communication graduate program. Science North is an agency of the Government of Ontario. For more information, visit sciencenorth.ca.

About Sainte-Marie among the Hurons
Ontario’s first European Community, Sainte-Marie among the Hurons was the headquarters for the French Jesuit Mission to the Huron-Wendat people. In 1639, the Jesuits, along with French lay workers, began construction of a fenced community that included workshops, residences, and a sheltered area for Indigenous visitors. It was abandoned and burned down in 1649. Thanks to extensive archaeological and historical research, Sainte-Marie is now recreated on its original site, where the mission’s story is brought to life with costumed historical interpreters, events, education programs and more.

Media Contacts:
Mikaela Lefaive
Marketing and Media Relations Coordinator
Sainte-Marie among the Hurons
mikaela.lefaive@ontario.ca
705-427-2564

Erin McWhirter
Marketing Specialist
Science North
erin.mcwhirter@sciencenorth.ca, 249-360-6760