Vibrant Graphic Novel Universe Comes Alive with Indigenous Science in Digital Immersion Experience

Imagine a captivating, science-infused graphic novel featuring four Indigenous superheroes in a quest to bring back the balance on Earth. Then, imagine being in the middle of the adventure as it bursts off its pages and comes to life as an expansive sensory experience! 

Visitors of all ages are invited to join elemental Indigenous superheroes Aqueous, Embers, Terra and Aireus in Sacred Defenders of the Universe, a new digital immersion experience opening March 23th at TELUS Spark Science Centre. 

Meet the Heroes 

The story follows four Indigenous superheroes that connect with the Earth’s four sacred elements: 

Aqueous, portal keeper of the multiverse, connected to water and the east; Embers, spirit keeper of time travel, connected to fire and the south; Terra, alchemist of sacred geometry, connected to the Earth and the west; and Aireus, keep of star knowledge, connected to the wind and the north.  

Together, the four superheroes seek to bring back the balance on Earth between humility, respect for the land and the excessive destruction of human ego – showing along the way that there is a hero inside all of us. 

The Experience 

Inside the Spark Digital Immersion Gallery, a 3,000 square-foot space transforms into a vibrant floor-to ceiling journey inside a rich graphic novel universe. Through the story, visitors will discover Indigenous science through the Circle of Life, the four sacred elements and directions, and key words in local Indigenous languages. 

Visitors will also interact with the digital story elements themselves, growing plants and mycelium, creating waves and wind with their movements, and igniting their senses with sparks and fire. 

The Creative Team 

This Indigenous story was created by Justin Jack Bear and Earl Benallie, animated by a team of Indigenous and non-Indigenous artists, and produced in partnership with Supply and Demand. Aligning with Spark’s commitment to Truth and Reconciliation, the creative and production teams worked closely with local and national Indigenous communities, as well as the Spark Indigenous Advisory Circle, to connect the story with local Treaty 7 stories and lands across Turtle Island. 

RSVP for the Opening Day Media Event: media are invited be some of the first to experience this new digital  production at a special event on March 23rd at 10 am. To RSVP for this event or book an interview with the  graphic novel creators or Spark creative team, contact media@sparkscience.ca or connect with the media contacts below. 

Learn More About Indigenous Ways of Knowing at Spark: Spark cultivates many ways of knowing and connecting with science, making it more relevant and relatable. Learn more about how Spark incorporates Indigenous ways of knowing into new exhibits, spaces and programs – from the Many Nations, One Voice For Wellness education initiative, to the Blackfoot Skies portable dome theatre movie, partnership with The Moss Bag Project, Spark Indigenous Gathering Place, or past digital immersion shows like Quantum Sandbox. 

The Sacred Defenders of the Universe digital immersion experience opens on March 23rd, running until fall 2023, and is included in general admission or free with a Spark Membership. This unique digital immersion project is generously supported by Prairies Economic Development Canada, the Government of Alberta and Canadian Natural Resources Limited.