Central Wisconsin News

The Wisconsin Science Festival is set to take place from October 14-20, with events planned across the state and at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. This year's festival focuses on agriculture, offering a variety of activities for people of all ages to explore science and the arts.

The festival will kick off with a lecture on food sovereignty by Misty Cook, author of "Medicine Generations: Natural Native American Medicines Traditional to the Stockbridge-Munsee Band of Mohicans Tribe." The talk will be held at the Dreyfus University Center on October 14 at 4:30 p.m.

Throughout the week, several family-friendly events are scheduled. On October 15 at 5:30 p.m., the Olson Museum will host "Junior Science Bison Night," where attendees can learn about bison history and view a specimen. A "Bison Story Time" session will follow on October 17 at 10 a.m., featuring stories, songs, and crafts related to the American bison.

On October 19 at 2 p.m., the DUC Theater will screen "Bring Them Home: Aiskótáhkapiyaaya," a documentary about efforts by members of the Blackfoot Confederacy to reintroduce wild buffalo to their reservation. The film highlights cultural and economic benefits for the community.

"Hinkigowi, We Feast Together" is scheduled for October 20 from 3-6 p.m. at the Central Wisconsin Environmental Station. This event aims to deepen participants' understanding of Native foods and their own local food identities. It requires paid registration due to its focus on sharing meals sourced from Native food producers.

Also on October 20, at 2 p.m., Blocher Planetarium will present "The Sun, Our Living Star," an immersive show exploring our nearest star's impact on Earth.

All week long, Bound to Happen Books in Stevens Point will feature books about Native American agriculture and foodways as part of a curated showcase.

For more information or to find events by zip code, visit www.uwsp.edu/wi-science-festival or www.wisconsinsciencefest.org/events/.