Designed by Annette S. Lee (2007), the Native Skywatchers initiative seeks to remember and revitalize Indigenous star and earth knowledge. The overarching goal of Native Skywatchers is to communicate the knowledge that Indigenous people traditionally practiced a sustainable way of living and sustainable engineering through a living and participatory relationship with the above and below, sky and earth.
We aim to improve current inequities in education for native young people, to inspire increased cultural pride, and promote community wellness. We hope to inspire all people to have a rekindling or deepening sense of awe and personal relationship to the cosmos-terrestrial and celestial.
For seventeen years we have been leading indigenous astronomy revitilization efforts starting with our own communities, Ojibwe and D/Lakota. We invite you to join our effort in 'building community around the native star knowledge'.
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Native Skywatchers - Indigenous Ecosystem Learning -YEAR 2
A three-year grant awarded by the Heising-Simons Foundation supports four Native Skywatchers co-learning cohorts! Indigenous-based, youth serving, K-12 narrative change at the intersection of SCIENCE | CULTURE | ART . With our partners, Native Skywatchers creates deep dive experiences in STEM learning and identity. Year 1 - We are Stardust; Year 2 - Soundscapes; Year 3- TBA ... More info
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Native Skywatchers - Spirits Dancing...a Night Sky Experience
A one-year Minnesota State Arts Board grant that supports a team of Indigenous Minnesota artists to produce culture-based, art-infused stories embedded with relationship to earth and sky. A large-scale intermedia digital night sky production will premiere at the Mille Lacs Museum on Friday, May 31, 2024, 7 pm ct. More info!
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Native Skywatchers - HSF - Intercultural Maya University - Year 1
A Native Skywatchers - Heising-Simons Foundation Experiential Learning cohort...a deep dive in STEM learning and identity led by Milagros Varguez and team based at the Intercultural Mayan University, Quintana Roo, Mexico. Year 1 - We are Stardust; Year 2 - Soundscapes.. Year 3- TBA ... More info
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Native Skywatchers - HSF - Little Singer Community School - Year 1
A Native Skywatchers - Heising-Simons Foundation Experiential Learning cohort...a deep dive in STEM learning and identity in collaboration with Nancy Maryboy, David Begay, and Teacher Tom Tomas of Little Singer Community School in partnership with the Indigenous Education Institute (IEI). Year 1 - We are Stardust; Year 2 - Soundscapes.. Year 3- TBA ... More info
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Native Skywatchers - HSF - South High School - Year 1
A Native Skywatchers - Heising-Simons Foundation Experiential Learning cohort...a deep dive in STEM learning and identity with the Dance Program and All Nations Program at South High School in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Led by Nancy Nair and Carmin Gavin-Vanegas. Year 1 - We are Stardust; Year 2 - Soundscapes.. Year 3- TBA ... More info
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Native Skywatchers - HSF - Volcano School of the Arts & Sciences - Year 1
A Native Skywatchers - Heising-Simons Foundation Experiential Learning cohort...a deep dive in STEM learning and identity with Ke Kula ʻAmakihi Community-Based Education (CBE) Program, at the Volcano School, Volcano, Hawai'i. Led by Kumu Barbara Sarbin and Kalepa Baybayan (in memoriam). Year 1 - Ocean Voices, Sea and Stars; Year 2 - Soundscapes. Year 3- TBA ... More info
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Native Skywatchers - Indigenous Ecosystem Learning - YEAR 1
A three-year grant awarded by the Heising-Simons Foundation supports four Native Skywatchers co-learning cohorts! Indigenous-based, youth serving, K-12 narrative change at the intersection of SCIENCE | CULTURE | ART . With our partners, Native Skywatchers creates deep dive experiences in STEM learning and identity. Year 1 - We are Stardust; Year 2 - Soundscapes.. Year 3- TBA ... More info
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Native Skywatchers - Kapemni Dance Bell Museum
Experience the Magic... Kapemni Dance Animation at the Bell Museum! Join us for a storytelling motion media dance performance featuring Indigenous astronomy with immersive, experiential, interactive animation projection art, and sky and Earth soundscapes. Kapemni Dance team! | Sat. May 20, 2023 LIVE SHOWS ONLY at 2 and 3 pm ct ...More info
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Native Skywatchers - Kapemni Dance Voyageurs Conservancy
Kapemni Dance Animation in partnership with Voyageurs National Park ... Spring Thaw ... A Unique Community and Fundraising Event... ...good food, silent auction, insightful speakers .... and a live performance by the Kapemni Dance team! Thurs. April 27, 2023 at 7 pm ct ...More info
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Native Skywatchers - Turtle Island Skywatchers-Stories of Us!
Celebrate the Seasons with us... Wetu-Ziigwan-Spring Equinox Online Gathering - The birds are back and so is Spring! Join the Native Skywatchers team for a sharing of art-based story and unique digital content .... also updates from the We are Stardust team! Mon. March 20, 2023 at 7 pm ct ...More info
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Native Skywatchers - We are Stardust - Special Needs Youth
In collaboration with Mankato Area Public Schools Native Skywatchers - We are Stardust is happening for Mankato Special Needs Youth. From the Pleiades to Pulsating Stars... from spin drums to painted feathers... there's a jumping in opportunity for all! Winter - Spring 2023
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Native Skywatchers - Calling All High School Students!
Native Skywatchers-Voyageur National Park Summer Camp - This is an incredible opportunity to camp under the stars this summer...Paddle the sacred waters, return to the land. Save the date! July 2023 Engagement and leadership...
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Native Skywatchers - Kapemni Dance Animation Performance
Native Skywatchers-Kapemni Dance Performance - supports high school dance students at South High School to lead narrative change through movement, visuals, and audio in a multi-dimensional, experiential, live production. Upcoming Spring Performances Apr. 27 and Mar. 20, 2023 More information coming soon...
Click here to learn more
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Native Skywatchers - Winter Solstice Event
Join us for the passing of the torch from the last day of fall to the first moments of winter! Welcome Ojibwe Biboonkeonini-Wintermaker constellation and D(L)akota Mato Tipila-Bear's Lodge constellation and more! Biboon, Waniyetu, Winter Solstice Event, Wed. Dec. 21, 2022, 7 pm cst | View recordings here
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Native Skywatchers - Ocean Voices, Sea and Stars
Volcano School of the Arts and Sciences, partner with Native Skywatchers in an interdisciplinary digital narrative multimedia production learning cohort grades 2-8, led by Kumu (Educator) Barbara Sarbin and team. Fall 2022. Read more details. See their productions! Here!
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Native Skywatchers - We are Stardust - Mankato
Native Skywatchers in an innovative partnership with Greater Twin Cities United Way-Purpose Driven Paychecks and Community Education-Mankato Area Public Schools expands a Science-Art-Culture pathway for American Indian students centering Indigenous culture and positive identity development. Supports students through a culturally affirming learning experience, then progresses to hire them as after school leaders for middle school students. Led by Educator Elaine O. Hardwick. Summer 2022. Read more and see a highlights reel here!
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Native Skywatchers - Fall Equinox Event Everyone welcome...
Join us for the passing of the torch from the last day of summer to the first moments of fall! Welcome Mooz Ojibwe constellation and Keya D(L)akota constellation and more! Dagwaagin, Ptanyetu, Fall Equinox Event,Thurs. Sept 22, 2022 | More info
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Native Skywatchers Educator & Community Workshop Summer 2022 - Indigenous STEM and Wellness
Join us for an exciting, action-packed, two-day livestream event! Indigenous Knowledge Holders, scholars, Indigenous scientists, scholars, and educators at the forefront of Indigenous STEM and Indigenous Astronomy revitalization movements will share their work and perspectives. Niibin, Bdoketu, Summer Solstice Event, June 18 & 19, 2022, 9 am to 1:30 pm cdt | More info
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"Winter Solstice Livestream"
Join us for a Biboon, Waniyetu, Winter Solstice Event 2021... Educators share their Native Skywatchers projects as an inspiration for all! Tuesday, Dec. 21, 2021 from 7- 8 pm cst = 3 - 4 pm hst. Everyone welcome...Here is the zoom webinar link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82971369188
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"We are Stardust - Summer 2021 Educators"
Join us for a Video Production Premiere... Educators share their stories to inspire all, we are stardust! Friday, Sept. 24, 2021 from 7- 8 pm cdt. Everyone welcome... More
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"Native Skywatchers-Making Spirit, Making Art, Making Shadow Puppets"
This creative project weaves together art, culture & science in a way that will engage learners to create art in relation to the earth, sky, & cosmos. Play with light, color, motion, and shadow. Let your imagination soar! Try it out ... More
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We Are Stardust: Native Skywatchers & Starry, Starry Night - SIP-UC-Santa Cruz
Participate in an Indigenous, Interdisciplinary, Science-Art-Culture research project that will engage high school learners and educators in practicing 'Two-eyed seeing'. Focused on an idea that is shared by both Indigenous Science and Western Science... We Come from the Stars! We are Stardust! More | Flyer
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Comca 'ac Astronomia'
A Native Skywatchers Collaboration with the Comca 'ac Nation of the Sonora Desert, Mexico. Led by Andrea Medina. | More
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Native Skywatchers Educator & Community Workshop Summer 2021 - Indigenous STEM and Wellness, Our Indigenous North American Voices
Join us for an exciting, action-packed, two-day livestream event! Indigenous North American leaders at the forefront of Indigenous STEM and Indigenous Astronomy revitalization movements will share their work and perspectives. | More Info
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Indigenous Skywatchers- Searching for Earth 2.0 Summer 2021 - an International Research Experience for Undergraduates
Extraordinary collaboration between Native Skywatchers, St. Cloud State Univ., and the University of Southern Queensland. Indigenous students participate in Exoscience Research and Indigenous Astronomy Research Flyer | More Info
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Two-Eyed Seeing: NASA and Indigenous Astronomy for the Benefit of All
Monthly livestream Indigenous-led, community-based, student focused webinars from Oct. 2020 to April 2021. Funded by NASA - Next Gen STEM. Moon to Mars and STEM on Station focus. Annette S. Lee (and Native Skywatchers) recognized by NASA as a STEM INFLUENCER. More | View
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Bonus Event Two-Eyed Seeing: Arabian Indigenous Astronomy & the Stardust Project
Join us on Friday, May 14, 2021 at 10 am pdt, 12 noon cdt for an exciting bonus virtual livestream featuring relationship to sky through two different lenses: Arabian Indigenous Astronomy and the We-Are-Stardust project. ... More | View
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Two-Eyed Seeing: Art, Indigenous Astronomy, & NASA Science - Making Spirit, Making Art
Live (virtual) event, Friday, April 30, 2021, 9 am cdt, 10 am edt, 8 am mdt, 7 am pdt bringing together Art, Indigenous Astronomy and NASA science in a way that will engage K-12 learners and everyone! Art, Culture, and Science from three cultural lenses: Ojibwe, Dakota, and African American/South African... More | View
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Two-Eyed Seeing: Hawai'ian Indigenous Astronomy & NASA Moon to Mars
Live (virtual) event, Friday, Mar. 12, 2021, 9 am hst, 11 am pst, 12 noon mst, 1 pm cst, 2 pm est bringing together Indigenous Astronomy and NASA- Moon to Mars & STEM on Station in a way that will engage K-12 learners and everyone! | More | View Recording
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Two-Eyed Seeing: African Indigenous Astronomy & NASA Moon to Mars
Live (virtual) event, Friday, Feb. 26, 2021 10:30 am cst bringing together Indigenous Astronomy and NASA- Moon to Mars & STEM on Station in a way that will engage K-12 learners and everyone! | More | View
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Two-Eyed Seeing: Navajo (Dine) Astronomy & NASA Moon to Mars
Live (virtual) event, Friday, Jan. 29, 2021 9 am pst, 10 am mst, 11 am cst bringing together Indigenous Astronomy and NASA- Moon to Mars & STEM on Station in a way that will engage K-12 learners and everyone! | More | View
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Two-Eyed Seeing: Mayan Astronomy & NASA Moon to Mars
Live (virtual) event, Thursday, Dec. 17, 2020 6:30 pm pst, bringing together Indigenous Astronomy and NASA- Moon to Mars & STEM on Station in a way that will engage K-12 learners and everyone! | More | View
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Two-Eyed Seeing: D(L)akota Astronomy & NASA Moon 2 Mars
Live (virtual) event, Friday, Nov. 13, 2020 10-11 am cst, bringing together Indigenous Astronomy and NASA- Moon to Mars & STEM on Station in a way that will engage K-12 learners and everyone! | More | View
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New Project...Two-Eyed Seeing: Ojibwe Astronomy & NASA Moon 2 Mars
Live (virtual) event, Friday, Oct. 23, 2020 10-11 am cdt, bringing together Indigenous Astronomy and NASA- Moon to Mars & STEM on Station in a way that will engage K-12 learners and everyone! | More | View
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Indigenous Astronomy Traveling Exhibit
One Sky, Many Worlds: Indigenous Voices in Astronomy, curated by A. Lee, W. Buck & D. Pantalony, produced by Ingenium - Canada's Museums of Science & Innovation and Nomad Exhibits, opening May 2023 | More
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Indigenous Star Knowledge Symposium
Through a recently awarded federal research grant, Ingenium is planning an International Symposium on Indigenous Star Knowledge in partnership with the Institute of Indigenous Research and Studies at the University of Ottawa. A serious of local and international gatherings, on the land and online. A sharing of knowledge between traditional Knowledge Keepers, scholars, and educators, held on Traditional Algonquin Anishinàbe Territory in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
HERE ARE SOME OF OUR FAVORITES:
LIVE (Virtual) SHOW!
Ojibwe Astronomy & NASA Moon to Mars
Join us for a 60 m live show featuring the Native Skywatchers Ojibwe Team-members: Carl Gawboy, William Wilson, Jeffrey Tibbetts, Jim Knutson-Kolodzne, and Annette S. Lee. Weaving together Indigenous Ojibwe Astronomy & NASA science this event will offer insights from both world-views.
Friday, Oct. 23, 2020
10 - 11 am cdt
View!
LIVE (Virtual) SHOW!
D(L)akota Astronomy & NASA Moon to Mars
Join us for a 60 m live show featuring the Native Skywatchers D(L)akota Team-members: Janice Bad Moccasin, Ida Downwind, Ramona Kitto Stately, Jim Knutson-Kolodzne, Annette S. Lee, and James Spotted Thunder. Supporting partners: Dakhóta Iápi Okhódakičhiye, MN Indian Education, and We Are Still Here Minnesota. Weaving together Indigenous D(L)akota Astronomy & NASA science this event will offer insights from both world-views.
Friday, Nov. 13, 2020
10 - 11 am cst
SYMPOSIUM
Indigenous Star Knowledge Gathering
On the land and online. Organised by Ingenium, the Instit. of Indig. Research & Studies-Univ. of Ottawa, hosted by Algonquin Anishnaabeg. Fall Equinox: Protocols before Knowledge, Seasonal and regional themes. Invited speakers include: Shawn Wilson & Stuart Barlo; Wilfred Buck, Nancy Maryboy, David Begay, Anita Tenasco, and Annette S. Lee. September 21, 2020 (7 p.m. Est Ottawa, Canada); September 22, 2020 (9:00 a.m. Lismore, Australia)
Mon. Sept. 21, 2020, (6 pm cdt)
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RESOURCES...
like Native Star Maps
Tangible, high- impact resources like native star maps, planispheres, storytelling videos, lesson plans, children's book, artworkt, etc. to communicate Indigenous Astronomy with high quality and interdisciplinary strength.
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WORKSHOPS...
learn & share
Annual summer Native Skywatchers workshop since 2010. Here is a chance to really dig deep into what Indigenous Scientific Knowledge really looks like, and feels like. Science-focused, Art-focused, or combination, everyone welcome!
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EVENTS ...
like webinars & conferences
Check out this page to see webinars, seminars, and conferences that our Skywatchers facilitators are involved in and also Indigenous Astronmy related presentations. Lot's happening, don't miss out!
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EXHIBITS...
...like "One Sky, Many Worlds-Indigenous Voices in Astronomy"
An international traveling exhibit led by A. Lee, W. Buck, D. Pantalony, featuring Indigenous Star Knowledge from around the world - Ojibwe, D/Lakota, Ininew, Mi'kmaw, Algonquin, Africa, Maori, Aboriginal Australia, Maya, Hawaiian, Dine, Dene, and Gwich'in...! Opening May 2022
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MEDIA...
...like NPR-Science Friday
"Relearning The Star Stories Of Indigenous Peoples: How the lost constellations of Indigenous North Americans can connect culture, science, and inspire the next generation of scientists." Interview by C. Taylor, Featuring the work of W. Buck and A. Lee, Nov. 2019
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INTERVIEW...
...American Association for the Advancement of Science
The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), Engaging Scientists in the Science and Religion Dialog Project (DoSER)....spoke with a diverse range of practicing scientists and science communicators about engagement activities with religious communities. These scholars span a range of backgrounds, ... but their engagement activities share some common themes – in particular being strategic, being respectful, and being human.
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