Receiving a mission patch is a rite of passage for astronauts—it symbolizes their objective, embraces what got them there, and highlights their personal preferences and personality.
Colonel Jeremy Hansen of the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) has received his patch for the upcoming Artemis II mission. The mission will not only make Hansen the first Canadian to orbit the Moon but it will also make him one of the most traveled humans in history.
“Everything I thought it would be…it’s amazing Henry,” remarked Hansen during the unveiling. “It’s absolutely beautiful work.”
The patch was created by Anishinaabe artist Henry Guimond of the Turtle Lodge, with contributions from Dave Courchene III (Sabe), Leader of the Turtle Lodge in Sagkeeng First Nation (Manitoba). It is a tribute to the Indigenous Peoples, the first explorers. It references the Seven Sacred Laws, a traditional First Nations teaching.
The ball (Earth), represents the Greek goddess Artemis, the twin sister of Apollo and namesake for the set of missions. “She is going to launch her arrow, and the astronauts are going to be riding on that arrow, going to the Moon,” explained Guimond to Hansen.
The dipper represents and the stars represent Hansen and his family. The blue outline of the hexagon represents the spirits of all mankind, while the silver exterior represents the Orion capsule that Hansen will ride in. Grandmother Moon is shown as she is sacred and always connected to the Earth, life, and the seasons.
The symbols of various animals represent the Seven Teachings and the flowing spirits.
- the buffalo represents respect—it gave its entire being for people to live
- the eagle represents love—Indigenous grandmothers say that one of the most powerful medicines we have is love
- the bear represents courage—the mother bear will do everything she can to make sure her cubs are safe
- the sasquatch represents honesty
- the beaver represents wisdom
- the wolf represents humility
- the turtle represents truth
Hansen embraced all Seven Teachings when speaking to Guimond about his Artemis II mission patch.
“This is a big journey going around the moon and I just feel ill-prepared as a human to do it, and am looking for advice,” shared Hansen. “This is represented here in these Indigenous teachings. It is a reminder on how to walk, as I get ready to go on this journey. I am reminded by your artwork on how I need to walk to represent humanity as I go on this journey around the Moon.”
