We might be at the precipice of a fundamental transformation in our relationship with technology. Familiar computing paradigms—desktop metaphors, point-and-click interfaces, and even voice assistants—are evolving into something profoundly more personal, intuitive, and interconnected. At the core of this shift is the concept of an AI Operating System (AI OS): A context-aware, intelligent companion that learns, adapts, teaches, and collaborates in real-time.

​This emerging reality is driven by rapid advancements in multimodal large language models (LLMs), embedded sensors, and distributed AI ecosystems. An AI OS represents a paradigm shift in AI assistance. A shift from commanding machines to a more symbiotic relationship.

​Imagine an AI OS that leverages contextual data through direct access to cameras, microphones, biometric sensors, and user data. By doing so it could become capable of interpreting your emotional state, recognizing subtle gestures, body language, and vocal nuances. It wouldn’t simply respond to commands but to how you feel, move, and engage.

​The result would be a deeply personalized user experience that transforms your devices from static tools into responsive collaborators. Whether you're composing documents, debugging code, preparing presentations, or experiencing creative blocks, an AI OS would attune itself uniquely to you. It would recognize your patterns, preferences, and goals, proactively adapting its support. For instance, an AI OS might gently suggest a break if it detects rising stress, offer visual aids if it knows you're a visual learner, or autonomously generate helpful resources when sensing your intention or struggle.

​Over time, this nuanced understanding would craft an interaction that feels profoundly intimate. Your technology would grow with you, enhancing efficiency and emotional connection in tandem.

​The true potential of an AI OS arises when we consider that AI will become ubiquitous, integrated into everything from smartphones and smart homes to vehicles and public spaces. These intelligent systems will communicate and collaborate, creating a dynamic ecosystem of networked intelligence.

Imagine your smart glasses recognizing objects and synchronizing silently with your AI OS to present relevant information instantaneously. Your home AI might sense elevated stress after work, prompting your AI OS to suggest relaxation exercises, playing video games, reading, or watching your favourite video show, all while rescheduling less critical tasks. In professional settings, interconnected AI agents could streamline collaboration, anticipate challenges, and transparently mediate conflicts, fostering more productive interactions.

​This interconnected intelligence surpasses mere productivity. It reshapes our collaborative processes, education systems, healthcare approaches, and governance models, amplifying critical thinking, creativity, and informed decision-making throughout society.

​The convergence of AI capabilities into an operating system would not only be a technological leap but a socio-cultural transformation. An AI OS blurs digital and cognitive boundaries, enabling users to accomplish complex tasks through intuitive dialogue rather than technical mastery alone.

The societal implications are profound:

• Education could become hyper-individualized with an AI OS acting as a personalized tutor and co-learner attuned to an individual's learning style.
• Healthcare could improve through proactive monitoring with an AI OS detecting and interpreting emotional and physical signals to address health concerns.
• Governance could become more participatory with an AI OS supporting real-time policy interpretation and community sentiment gathering.
• Creative workflows could become more fluid and outcome-focused as AI reduces technical barriers, emphasizing insight and innovation.

​This shift redefines human-computer interactions at a societal scale, bringing us closer to a reality that was previously only imagined in science fiction.

Yet, this promising future demands careful consideration. The depth of personal and contextual data required by an AI OS raises significant ethical questions around privacy, transparency, consent, and security. Risks of misinterpretation, manipulation, or over-dependence highlight the necessity of responsible, human-centric development.

​However, with thoughtful design prioritizing human flourishing, an AI OS holds extraordinary promise—not to replace humanity but to amplify it. It can foster creativity, expand knowledge, increase productivity, and enhance emotional and cognitive well-being.

Ultimately an AI OS signifies a shift from operating systems managing files and applications to operating selves. Merging tools, intelligence, and emotional understanding into a unified experience for living, learning, and creating.

​As AI becomes more embedded, empathetic, and socially integrated, our relationships with technology will become more meaningful. We are no longer simply designing interfaces; we are creating and guiding relationships with intelligent machines that listen, adapt, and evolve with us.

​This marks not only a technological breakthrough but a cultural renaissance, heralding a future of genuine human-AI symbiosis: A future we must build mindfully, courageously, and optimistically.

On June 23, 2025, the Vera C. Rubin Observatory unveiled its first celestial masterpiece—an ultra-wide-field image capturing roughly 10 million galaxies in the southern region of the Virgo Cluster. Located about 55 million light-years away, the Virgo Cluster is the largest collection of galaxies relative to our own Milky Way.

A mesmerizing blend of blue‑to‑red stars from our own galaxy and spiral, elliptical, and merging galaxies both near and far (many redshifted and incredibly distant).

You’ll also be able to see streaks from asteroids crossing the frame when toggling “with asteroids” in Skyviewer’s display settings. 

​The image was built from 1,185 exposures over seven nights, covering ~25 square degrees of sky. For context, each individual exposure by the Rubin Observatory spans 10 square degrees (roughly the area of 45 full moons).

Head over to the Skyviewer Explorer to pan, zoom, and lose yourself in this cosmic tapestry.

​I highly recommend the guided tour titled Rubin’s Cosmic Treasure Chest, which highlights major objects like Messier 49, Messier 61, NGC 4334, NGC 4343, galaxy mergers, and more.

This is just a first glimpse of the Legacy Survey of Space and Time (LSST). The LSST is a decade-long mission in which the Rubin Observatory will capture hundreds of images each night of the Southern Hemisphere sky. Over ten years, Rubin will spot supernovae, track asteroids, inventory our Solar System, map the Milky Way, and deepen our understanding of dark matter and dark energy.

One great resource I'd like to share is Heavens-Above, a free, web-based tool for skywatchers, science educators, and anyone curious about satellites and space phenomena. This site provides a wealth of real-time and predictive information about what’s happening above us - from satellite flyovers to deep-space missions – all tailored to your location. Users can set their observing location (by city or coordinates) for personalized sky data and even create an optional login to save their preferences. It’s completely free to use (though donations are appreciated to help cover costs). In short, Heavens-Above is a one-stop shop to learn what’s up in the sky at any given moment.

Heavens-Above’s homepage is organized into six main sections:

• Configuration: Set or change your observing location and access Login (optional) features to save settings. By default, the site starts at 0°N, 0°E, so one of the first things you’ll want to do is set your location for accurate data. 
• Satellites: Track and predict satellite passes and orbits. This section includes a live sky view, 10-day forecasts for satellites of special interest (ISS, Tiangong, Hubble Space Telescope), daily predictions for brighter satellites, an interactive 3D visualization for the ISS, a dynamic 3D orbit display of Starlink satellites, and more.
• Deep Space Missions: Follow probes and missions leaving Earth’s vicinity. See the status of Spacecraft escaping the Solar System or watch an animation of the trajectory of SpaceX’s Tesla Roadster from Earth to its own orbit around the Sun.
• Astronomy: Explore classical astronomy data, including an interactive sky chart, positions of the Sun, Moon, planets, comets, asteroids, constellations, and a dedicated page to learn about upcoming Solar Eclipses (Annular–where the Moon covers the Sun’s center, leaving a ring-like appearance, Partial, Total, and Hybrid).
• Miscellaneous: Find extras like the Heavens-Above forum on Reddit, time tools (“What time is it?”), a calendar, FAQ, and links to other space and astronomy sites of interest.
• Statistics: Dive into fun stats about the site’s usage (daily page counts, visits by country, OS, language, etc.). A reminder of the global community of sky enthusiasts using this tool.

​This clear layout makes it easy to jump to whatever interests you. Whether you’re checking tonight’s satellite visibility or planning for a future eclipse.

Heavens-Above specializes in satellite tracking–arguably its biggest draw. Once you’ve configured your location, the site can show you a listing of upcoming passes for visible satellites. It features a searchable database of satellites (past and present) and daily predictions for brighter satellites. You get 10-day forecasts for popular objects like the International Space Station (ISS), the Hubble Space Telescope, and SpaceX’s Starlink satellites. This means you’ll know exactly when and where to look to spot the ISS flying overhead or a chain of newly launched Starlink satellites. Heavens-Above also provides interactive visualizations, including a Live Sky View, Starlink - Dynamic 3D Orbit Display, and ISS Interactive 3D Visualization. These show satellite positions and orbits around Earth in real time. It’s thrilling to watch the ISS circling the globe and realize that it’s right above a specific point on Earth at that particular moment. For each satellite pass prediction, you can click to get a detailed sky chart showing the path of the satellite against the stars for your location and time. In short, Heavens-Above makes satellite spotting easy and fun.

Heavens-Above’s Spacecraft escaping the Solar System page offers a unique perspective on humanity’s farthest journeys. There are top-down and side views of the Solar System with plots of the current positions of our first interstellar probes (Pioneers 10 & 11, Voyagers 1 & 2, and New Horizons). The page displays their distances, speeds, and even which constellations they’re headed toward. It’s a powerful reminder of the size of the universe and the great distances between stars. On the diagram’s scale the nearest star would be about 100 meters away and Voyager 1 would take ~70,000 years to reach it. Space is vast and our first emissaries to the stars have just begun their journey into this cosmic ocean. This feature can be awe-inspiring in the classroom or during outreach, helping convey just how far (and how not-far) our probes have gone. 

Another highlight of Heavens-Above is its comprehensive Solar Eclipses page. If you’re excited about an upcoming eclipse, this tool is a must-see. The site provides details for every solar eclipse from 1900 to 2100, complete with interactive maps and animations showing the eclipse path and where it will be visible. For any given eclipse (past or future), you can view a world map with the swath of the Moon’s shadow, clearly marking regions of totality, annularity, or partial eclipse visibility. Beyond eclipses, the Astronomy section offers a rich set of observing tools: An interactive sky chart that shows the stars and planets overhead at any time and location, tables for the Sun and Moon (rise/set times, phases), planetary positions, and data on visible comets and asteroids. Information is presented in clear, data-driven charts and maps. Whether you’re identifying two bright “stars” at dusk (perhaps planets!) or checking when astronomical twilight begins, Heavens-Above’s astronomy tools have you covered.

​Perhaps the best part about Heavens-Above is how broadly it can be used. It’s accessible and useful to both beginners and experienced observers. For educators, Heavens-Above offers engaging ways to bring astronomy alive. Teachers can generate sky charts to enhance lessons or have students track the ISS and calculate its orbital period. Information on Solar Eclipses can be used in science classes or public library programs to illustrate why an eclipse might only be partial in one location and total in another. For librarians, astronomers, and program coordinators, this site is a goldmine for planning community events. Imagine hosting an ISS viewing party. Heavens-Above can tell you the exact time the Station will pass overhead and where to look. Planning a Mars opposition observation night or a workshop on satellites? Print out Heavens-Above star charts or satellite pass schedules for your location. Even casual sky observers and curious individuals will find value. You can identify that mysterious bright light you saw moving last night, or simply get a heads-up that SpaceX’s Starlink train will be visible at 6 AM tomorrow. Because the site tailors predictions to your set location, it takes the guesswork out. No more wondering if an online timetable is in UTC or meant for another city. Heavens-Above empowers everyone to engage with the sky in an informed way, turning a casual glance upward into a chance for discovery.

The next time you plan a night under the stars, hear about a satellite launch, or get excited for an eclipse, give Heavens-Above a try. Its robust and user-friendly tools will enrich your understanding of what’s happening in the sky above. Whether you’re an astronomer, a teacher, a librarian, or just someone curious with eyes on the sky, this resource will quickly become an indispensable companion in your cosmic explorations.

Two recent stories serve as a powerful reminder: Generative AI must always be fact-checked. Human oversight isn’t optional. It’s essential.

In one story, major newspapers including the Chicago Sun-Times and The Philadelphia Inquirer published a summer reading list with books that didn’t exist. Ten of the fifteen titles were completely fabricated by AI but falsely attributed to real authors like Isabel Allende and Percival Everett. The list, syndicated by King Features, slipped through editorial review and misled readers, damaging trust in both AI-assisted writing and journalism.

​In the other story, covered by the CBC, lawyers are facing disciplinary action for citing AI-generated legal cases that never existed. These “hallucinations” might have appeared convincing on the surface, but were entirely fiction. This highlights how insufficient human oversight over generative AI outputs can put clients, court outcomes, and careers at risk. 

​As the CBC article notes, “AI tools, such as ChatGPT, are not information retrieval devices but tools that match patterns in language. The result can be inaccurate information that looks ‘quite real’ but is in fact fabricated.”

​These incidents highlight a key truth: Generative AI is a supercharged autocomplete, not a database or search engine. It predicts what should come next based on patterns, not understanding. It doesn’t know facts. It guesses.

​That kind of predictive power can be useful, but without proper review, it can just as easily produce elegant and convincing nonsense. If we use AI in our work, we must treat its output as a starting point—something to refine, verify, and build upon—not as a finished product or reliable source. 

​Verification is non-negotiable. Every citation, name, date, and fact needs to be reviewed. The AI might not know better. We must.

I can't believe I hadn't heard of ‘The Canadian Library Challenges Database’ until this year... though perhaps I did in University or at some point in the past. Either way, it never came to my attention when I was actually dealing with a materials challenge. Its scope is broader than I expected, covering not just collection items but also challenges to displays, programs, room bookings, and computer access. After just discovering, I wanted to share to help make library board members, fellow librarians, and anyone with the responsibility of addressing a materials request for a library aware of it. 

The Canadian Library Challenges Database is maintained by CFE-CFLA/FCAB and documents challenges faced by Canadian libraries. Each entry provides the following information about the challenge:

• The specific item challenged.
• The nature of the objection.
• The requested remedy.
• The library’s review process (if available). 
• The official response.

It's an invaluable reference (that is made more useful and comprehensive through our use) to inform and strengthen our responses to challenges, as well as give us an understanding of the challenged landscape in the library world.

​With the rise in forest fires becoming a significant concern across Canada, staying informed is more important than ever. Recent years, particularly 2018 (British Columbia wildfires), 2019 (Alberta wildfires), 2021 (Lytton wildfire), and 2023 (Alberta wildfires) have seen record-breaking wildfire seasons, significantly impacting air quality and public health. Currently, Manitoba is experiencing many active wildfires, leading to the closure of many provincial parks. Nopiming Provincial Park has been particularly hit hard, highlighting the need for reliable, timely information. 

One invaluable resource I've discovered and want to share is FireSmoke Canada.

​FireSmoke Canada provides real-time visualizations and forecasts of wildfire smoke across Canada and North America. Its interactive map clearly illustrates the density and movement of smoke, offering valuable insights that can help you make informed decisions about outdoor activities, health precautions, and travel planning.

​Given the increasing frequency and severity of wildfires, FireSmoke Canada is a must-bookmark site. Whether you're sensitive to air quality or simply want to monitor environmental conditions, this tool provides essential, timely data to keep you informed and prepared.

​Stay safe, stay informed, and share this resource to help your community navigate wildfire seasons effectively. 

On May 6th and 7th, I attended the Manitoba Libraries Conference hosted by the Manitoba Library Association (MLA). As an MLA member, I deeply appreciate this gathering. It's an invaluable opportunity to reconnect with colleagues, discover innovative practices, and reflect on my own professional growth. This year was especially exciting as I co-presented a session titled "Demystifying ChatGPT: AI Innovations for Libraries & Digital Repositories" alongside Mike Ellis.

​The conference began with a powerful keynote by Niigaan Sinclair. Niigaan, an Anishinaabe professor from Peguis First Nation, immediately captured my attention with his compelling storytelling and incisive commentary. He contextualized Manitoba’s past and present, thoughtfully reflecting on the Legislative building and the statues toppled in recent years. His point about the absence of Indigenous representation being akin to starting a story at chapter two was particularly impactful. Niigan’s discussion on generational change, highlighted by Manitoba electing Canada’s first Indigenous premier, Wag Kinew, provided insight and perspective. His masterful balance between serious topics, such as residential schools and red dress day, and his use of humour underscored the value of open and straightforward conversations. 

​The first session I attended, “Not Just for Kids: Engaging Adults and Building Community Using Storytime and Music Programs”, led by Austin Matheson and Brittany Lagasse from Winnipeg Public Library, was delightful. It expanded my perspective on adult programming and reminded me of the potential for community-building through creative initiatives like ukulele jams. Given that my previous assistant branch head occasionally serenaded us with her ukulele, this session triggered some memories. 

​After preparing the laptop for my presentation, I quickly assembled a delicious lunch plate, though I had to temporarily stash it behind the projector screen. Despite starting slightly late due to the lunchtime rush, Mike and I had an impressive turnout, with attendees overflowing onto the floor! Mike’s engaging case study on PastFORWARD, Winnipeg Public Library’s digital repository, showcased an innovative AI application in archiving and elicited both laughter and lively participation from the audience. Although time for questions was limited, attendees raised insightful queries about generative AI trained on creative commons materials and the environmental implications of AI. Post-session, I enjoyed meaningful one-on-one discussions about generative AI and potential applications, including possibilities for interlibrary loan systems. 

Afterward, I enjoyed my lunch in the main hall and had an engaging conversation with Trevor, a new connection who shared interests in generative AI, libraries, astronomy, camping, and world travel.

​The afternoon continued with enlightening lightning talks on diverse library initiatives, from updating furniture (“Hold on to Your Seat - Or Don't!”) to enhancing bilingual collections and supporting male caregivers in early literacy programs. These brief yet impactful presentations sparked numerous programming ideas for my own library.

​The day concluded wonderfully with finger foods and mingling, leaving me eager for day two.

​Day two started with the MLA Annual General Meeting, providing a relaxed and productive beginning to the day. It was wonderful connecting with colleagues over coffee, meeting new faces, and exchanging insights.

​The first session of the day, “Nature Programs in a Rural Public Library: Hatching Chicks and Growing Vegetables”, inspired fresh ideas for nature-focused programming. Learning about initiatives like donating produce grown in library gardens reinforced the innovative ways libraries serve their communities.

​“Staff Picks: A Fun, Online Readers’ Advisory Program Model for Your Library” provided practical inspiration for an upcoming autumn ‘Staff Picks’ display. A valuable takeaway from this session was the reminder that “tech should be a tool that supports what you do, not dictate it.”

​The session “In Search of the Lost Library”, presented by librarians from the University of Winnipeg, demonstrated creative solutions for addressing discrepancies in catalogue entries. While their final solution didn’t utilize generative AI, their recognition of it as a potential solution brought a smile to my face, aligning with my interest in integrating AI into library workflows.

​Lunch and the awards ceremony, featuring speaker Chimwemwe Undi, were enjoyable and celebratory. Congratulations to all award winners!

​In the afternoon, Sam Popowich’s session, “The Cultural Politics of Libraries”, was particularly thought-provoking. Sam compellingly argued for recognizing libraries as politically active institutions, examining the 'enlightenment' versus 'social control' perspectives on library history. After the session, Sam generously gifted me his book, "Solving Names: Worldliness and Metaphysics in Librarianship", a thoughtful gesture and a read I’ve already begun to enjoy. 

​The final session I attended, “The Burnt-Out Librarian: Moving on From Vocational Awe”, tackled an important yet often overlooked issue. Carolyn and Monique shared personal experiences and offered practical strategies to address burnout, reinforcing the importance of maintaining healthy engagement with our profession.

​If you’re interested in exploring the content from my session, I’ve included two versions of the presentation slides in PDF format: a short presentation version (as delivered at the conference) and a more detailed version for deeper context and explanation. I hope these resources offer insight into our session and inspire new ways to explore the role of generative AI in libraries. 

​Reflecting on these two enriching days, I felt a great sense of community and connection. The Manitoba Libraries Conference reaffirmed my passion for librarianship, highlighted extraordinary work happening throughout Manitoba, and reinforced my belief that librarians and library workers truly do rule.

The digital world is brimming with information—but not all of it is accurate. With AI-generated content flooding our feeds and misinformation becoming more sophisticated, verifying facts has never been more crucial. Whether you're researching for work, keeping up with the news, or simply scrolling through social media, sharpening your fact-checking skills can help you separate truth from deception. Here’s how to sharpen your perception, enhance your awareness, and become a more informed consumer of information. 

1. Research the Author or Organization
A source’s credibility matters. Before trusting information, investigate who is behind it:

• Is the author a subject matter expert?
• Is the organization funded by groups or individuals who could bias their reporting?
• Does the author or organization have a history of accuracy?
• Are they affiliated with a reputable institution?
• Do they have an agenda?

Looking beyond an entity’s website—by checking independent reviews and other sources—can provide a clearer picture by revealing underlying motives and biases.

2. Use Smart Search Techniques
Finding reliable sources quickly depends on how you search. Here are a few techniques to refine your results:

• Use quotation marks (e.g. "digital literacy initiatives") to search for exact phrases.
• Use site:[URL] (e.g. site:ala.org digital literacy) to search within a specific website.
• Use the minus sign (e.g. -fake) to exclude unwanted terms.
• Conduct reverse image searches to verify photos.

3. Verify the Original Source
Many articles cite secondhand sources—but are they trustworthy?

• Track down the original source or publication.
• Check if the claim is accurately represented and contextually sound.
• Check if multiple reputable sources report the same facts.

4. Consult Fact-Checking Websites
Independent fact-checkers help cut through the noise. Some recommended resources include:

• General: Snopes, PolitiFact, FactCheck.org
• Scientific: SciCheck, Science Feedback
• Canadian-Specific: CBC News, MediaSmarts

​5. Pause and Reflect
If a claim sparks an emotional reaction, that’s a red flag. Misinformation thrives on outrage and urgency. Before sharing or believing a story, take a step back and ask:

• Does this seem too good (or too bad) to be true?
• Who benefits if this claim spreads?
• Does this seem intentionally provocative or overly simplistic?
• Have multiple reliable sources verified this?

The SIFT Method: A Fast, Effective Approach
Mike Caulfield’s SIFT method offers a quick way to assess information:

• Stop – Before engaging, consider the source’s credibility.
• Investigate – Look into the author, website, and their reputation.
• Find Better Coverage – Seek out high-quality sources for confirmation.
• Trace the Claim – Follow information back to its original context.

The P.R.O.V.E.N. Method: A Deeper Dive
For more thorough evaluation, use the P.R.O.V.E.N. method:

• Purpose: Understand why the information was created.
• Relevance: Check if the information is applicable. 
• Objectivity: Assess if multiple viewpoints are included. 
• Verifiability: Confirm the information through reliable independent sources.
• Expertise: Confirm the author’s qualifications. 
• Newness: Determine if the information is current. 

Lateral Reading: Thinking Like a Fact-Checker
Instead of staying on one page, open new tabs and check:

• Wikipedia for background on an organization or expert.
• News archives for related reporting.
• Reviews and expert opinions from multiple sources.

​AI-generated content isn’t going anywhere, and misinformation continues to evolve. Developing strong fact-checking habits keeps you informed and protects you from misleading claims.

​Next time you come across a viral story, a surprising statistic, or a claim that seems off, take a moment to verify before you share. The more we question, the better we can navigate today’s information landscape.

​Have a favourite strategy or a trusted source you rely on? Let’s discuss in the comments!

On Thursday, March 27th, I headed to the Lockhart Planetarium at the University of Manitoba. The event, ‘Storytelling of the Stars’, led by Rockford McKay and Dr. Phil Ferguson, immediately brought to mind Wilfred Buck’s ‘Tipiskawi Kisik: Night Sky Star Stories’, which I read last year.

​The evening was filled with connection and recognition—some stories familiar, some new, and many deepened by hearing them aloud beneath a simulated night sky. Just as I’ve gradually learned the names and positions of many IAU-standardized constellations, I’m now doing the same with Indigenous constellations. Repetition, each retelling, roots the stories deeper within.

In many Indigenous traditions, North America is Turtle Island, where the turtle is more than symbolic. The constellation Cepheus represents Makinak—the turtle whose shell is a living calendar: thirteen plates for thirteen full moons, twenty-eight edge divisions for twenty-eight days between moons. Long before our modern calendar, the sky and turtle shell tracked time together. Many will recognize Cepheus as a house due to its brightest stars, but to Indigenous storytellers, Makinak’s shell tells a deeper tale of cosmic rhythm.

The Big and Little Dippers share a corner of the sky and intertwined stories. At the event, we explored Atima Atchakosuk—the Dog Stars. Long ago, humans had no protectors, vulnerable to nightly dangers. Mikun (Wolf) sent two pups to guard us, and later Mischachakanis (Coyote) and Makisew (Fox) followed, sending more dogs. These dogs became our early warning system. The Little Dipper represents their leash, with Polaris as the tether—forever circling the celestial camp, alert and guarding. 

But danger also lurked above. Mista Muskwa—the Great Bear (Big Dipper)—embodies greed and imbalance. The bear demanded constant gifts, becoming violent if refused. Eventually, seven birds--Tepakoop Pinesisuk—were sent to restore harmony. They chased the bear until he fled to the sky, where the chase continues each autumn, the constellation “running" along the horizon. It’s a story of imbalance, of consequences, and of community coming together to restore harmony.

These stories weave together, offering layered perspectives. The dogs are our guardians, while the bear reminds us of the dangers of greed—and the power of collective action. The event summarized these narratives; the book deepened them with details.

One of the most memorable teachings I heard that night and one that I recall often when looking up at the night sky is that we are Star People. Carl Sagan’s words, “we are made of star-stuff”, echoed in Indigenous wisdom. At creation, Misewa (everything that is) received a spark--Achak—from the Creator, animating all things. Thus, stones (Assiniuk) are alive, animate with spirit. Death becomes transformation, not termination.

Our ancestors arrived via Achakos Iskwew (Star Woman), who descended through a hole in the sky marked by the Pleiades--Pakone Kisik—and chose to come to Aski (Earth). I look up at them now not just as a glittering cluster, but as a portal. A reminder of the indigenous arrival story.

Polaris—the North Star—is called Kiwtin, the Going Home Star. Fixed in the sky, it guides those lost or returning home. The two bowl stars in the Big Dipper (Great Bear’s hind legs) consistently point toward it, an ancient navigational aid. Kiwtin is a  foundational reference point for navigating the night sky.

Orion, known to many as the Hunter, carries another powerful Indigenous story. Orion is Mistapew, a giant spirit-being resembling a Sasquatch or Sa’be, embodying strength and honesty—one of the Seven Sacred Teachings. In ‘Tipiskawi Kisik’, the tale unfolds through Tikoom, whose seven uncles disappeared during a hunting trip, captured by a giant trading in spirits. Their spirits were placed in seven stones, foundational to the first sweat lodge--Matootisan. Each stone holds a sacred teaching, a fragment of spirit, and a tale passed down generations.

Throughout the evening the Seven Sacred Teachings emerged repeatedly:

• Respect
• Truth
• Wisdom
• Honesty
• Courage
• Love
• Humility

These teachings are reflected in the stories—whether it’s the loyalty of the dogs, the danger of unchecked ego in the bear, or the wisdom of using the stars as a compass.

I had first encountered these teachings while walking the Bimose Kinoomagewnan (Walk of Teachings) trail in Pukaskwa National Park. Seeing them mirrored in the sky makes them feel even more eternal. As above, so below.

​From ‘Storytelling of the Stars’ and revisiting ‘Tipiskawi Kisik’, I’m reminded that astronomy transcends charts and data. It is ancestral, emotional, and spiritual.

​Constellations are not mere configurations of light. They are maps of memory. Guardians of wisdom. Bridges between worlds. 

​And as we lift our eyes to the sky, we are reminded:

​We are not separate from the stars.

​We are made of them.

Note: These stories are shared as I heard, read, and remembered them. Your understanding or stories might differ, or my interpretations might not fully match your own. I welcome corrections, perspectives, or stories via email or comments below.

This past weekend, something rare and quietly extraordinary unfolded in the skies above northeastern North America: a partial solar eclipse at sunrise — and with it, the eerie illusion of a ‘double sunrise’ or ‘devil’s horns’. 

​​​​​​​​Generated with DALL·E.

​For those who were in just the right spot — places like eastern Maine, coastal New Brunswick, or the Gaspé Peninsula in Quebec — the Sun didn’t rise as a single glowing disc. Instead, two crescent-shaped horns of sunlight crept above the horizon, side by side, separated by the shadow of the Moon. This fleeting illusion is called a ‘double sunrise’, and it’s the result of a rare alignment where a partial solar eclipse begins (or reaches its peak) at the exact moment the Sun is rising.

​A partial solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between Earth and the Sun but doesn’t cover it completely. Instead, it obscures only a portion of the Sun’s face. When this happens at sunrise, the Sun emerges with a large chunk ‘missing’. And in cases like March 29, 2025 — when the Moon covered 80–90% of the Sun in those regions — only the far edges of the Sun remained visible, appearing like two separate horns of light on the horizon. 

Because for this to happen:

• A partial solar eclipse must occur,
• It must align precisely with sunrise,
• And you have to be in a very specific region of the world to witness it.

When all three conditions align, you get a visual phenomenon that feels both celestial and surreal — a kind of cosmic sleight of hand.

Photos shared on social media captured the moment brilliantly. The first image below, taken by Fabrizio Melandri in Monticello, Maine, shows the textbook ‘devil’s horns’ silhouette — sharp, symmetrical, and surreal. The second set of images, taken by Colleen Logan on the Atlantic coast of Canada, shows the Sun’s eerie progression through cloud-fringed treetops.

For more about how solar eclipses work — and where this one was visible — check out:

• NASA’s Eclipse Portal
• NASA SVS Map of the March 29, 2025 Partial Solar Eclipse

​If you missed it, don’t worry — part of the joy in these events is knowing how rare and serendipitous they are. And when the skies do offer up a gift like this, it reminds us to keep looking up.