The documentary “Wilfred Buck” delves into the journey and wisdom of Indigenous ‘star guy’ from Winnipeg

Wilfred Buck, a Cree elder and astronomy expert, is the star of Lisa Jackson’s new documentary, “Wilfred Buck.” Known as “the star guy,” Buck has spent years gathering Indigenous knowledge passed down through generations and connecting it to modern science. He uses an inflatable planetarium to teach communities about Cree, Anishinaabe, and Lakota constellations, bridging the gap between ancestral tales and scientific understanding.

In the documentary, Buck shares his journey from surviving addiction, systemic oppression, and the ’60s Scoop to becoming a keeper of Indigenous knowledge. His story is one of resilience and resistance against colonization, as he passes on wisdom that was almost erased by history.

Director Lisa Jackson, a Toronto-based Anishinaabe filmmaker, was inspired to make the film after hearing Buck speak at an Indigenous astronomy presentation. She describes the film as a blend of science, creativity, and emotion, challenging the Euro-western instinct to compartmentalize knowledge.

“Wilfred Buck” opens in select theatres in Vancouver, Saskatoon, Regina, and Toronto, with festival screenings at the Yorkton Film Festival and Whitehorse’s Adäka Cultural Festival. The documentary combines dramatic recreations, archival footage, and Buck’s present-day work to create a compelling narrative of reclaiming Indigenous identity and knowledge.

Jackson’s unique storytelling style, which blends genres and formats, brings Buck’s story to life in a way that is both educational and emotionally resonant. Through Buck’s journey, viewers are invited to explore the interconnectedness of science, culture, and history, challenging the conventional narratives of colonization and division.