Star Lore Art Atchakosuk Wilfred Buck, Edwin Bichetty, 2016

Atchakosuk is an online course on the traditional constellations of the Cree people, one of the largest First Nations in what is now Canada. The course has been put together in 2016 by Wilfred Buck, a science facilitator at the Manitoba First Nations Education Resource Centre, who has published several articles and books on Cree star lore. The descriptions of the Cree constellations have been illustrated by illustrated Edwin Bichetty. On this site, all the names of the Cree constellation are directly linked to a description on our Cree Star Lore site.

Atima Atchakosuk - Dog Stars Ursa Minor

In Cree mythology, some constellations have different meanings, depending on which story is told. In addition, the Cree constellations are not a perfect match to the Greek constellations. Sometimes, they consist of only on star; in other cases, they cover an area relating to several Greek constellations or parts thereof. Click on the pictures for larger images.

Mista Muskwa Bear Big Dipper

Ocik Atchakosuk Fisher Ursa Minor

Tehpakoop Pinesisuk Seven Birds Corona Borealis

Wisakaychak Teacher Orion

Niska Goose Cygnus

Matootisan Assiniuk Sweat Lodge Rocks Pleiades

Atchakos Ahkoop Star Blanket Pleiades

Makinak Turtle Cepheus

Sisikwun Rattle Polaris, Cepheus

Matootisan Sweat Lodge Corona Borealis

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