Astronomy and Physics Professor Annette Lee was selected to present at the 29th International Astronomical Union General Assembly, the world’s highest professional astronomy conference, in August.
Astronomy and Physics Professor Annette Lee made two presentations on her research and programming initiative, Native Skywatchers, at the world’s most prestigious astronomy conference.
The 29th International Astronomical Union General Assembly was August 3-14 in Honolulu, Hawaii.
“This is the world stage,” Lee said. “They are giving us a seat at the table so that we can give a voice to the native star knowledge.”
Native Skywatchers is an indigenous led initiative to revitalize and rebuild the star knowledge of the Ojibwe and D(L)akota people.
Her first presentation included aiming the work from cultural heritage, such as native star maps, into classroom curriculum while preserving the cultural integrity.
The second presentation was to gain recognition of sacred star sites found in Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota as world astronomical heritage sites through the United Nations Educations, Scientific and Cultural Organization.
Sacred star sites are a geographical place on Earth that has a direct relationship to the native star knowledge. There are specific places on the land that mirror specific constellations in the D(L)akota sky. When the sun moves into that constellation, the people would move to the scared star site and pray.
“Woven into the native star knowledge are important and insightful understandings of astronomical patterns and phenomenon that are too valuable to be forgotten,” Lee said. “This living relationship with the cosmos is a core part of the cultural history and present day heritage of native people.”
The General Assembly brought together more than 3,500 astronomers from more than 72 countries during the two week event.
