First Astronomers: How Indigenous Elders read the stars

First Nations Elders around the world maintain knowledge of the stars that we can learn from. This knowledge helps us better understand our place in the universe. Duane Hamacher's book, Guided by Six First Nations Elders, reveals the wisdom of the first astronomers and challenges conventional ideas about science and oral tradition. Indigenous science is dynamic and adapting to changes in the skies and on Earth, pointing the way for a world facing climate change.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 01 March 2022
Publisher: Allen & Unwin

Our eyes have shifted from the skies to our screens, and our gaze has lost its direction towards the stars. We no longer rely on celestial observations to predict the weather, anticipate the seasons, or plan our gardens. Unfortunately, many of us cannot even glimpse the Milky Way. However, there is a valuable lesson to be learned from the wisdom of First Nations Elders worldwide who possess a deep understanding of the stars.

These Elders are skilled observers of the night sky. They impart the belief that everything on Earth is interconnected with everything in the sky, creating a harmonious reflection of nature. How does this cosmic connection work, and how can we gain a deeper understanding of our place in the universe?

Join us on a captivating journey led by six First Nations Elders, as we explore the wisdom of the first astronomers. Through their insights, we challenge conventional notions about science and the enduring power of oral tradition. Indigenous science is a dynamic and adaptable system that responds to changes in the skies and on Earth, offering valuable guidance for a world grappling with the profound disruptions of climate change.

This book represents a significant shift in our understanding of Indigenous scientific traditions, their transmission methods, and their relevance in our modern lives. It sheds light on the rich tapestry of knowledge that has been passed down through generations, providing a profound perspective on the interconnectedness of all things.

In the words of Professor Marcia Langton, University of Melbourne: "This book of enormous scope offers a groundbreaking perspective on Indigenous scientific traditions. It is a testament to the enduring power of oral tradition and the richness of Indigenous knowledge systems."

Nobel Laureate in Physics Brian Schmidt adds: "This book provides a glimpse into Indigenous ways of reading landscapes reflected in the night sky through ancient processes of inquiry. It is a wonderful combination of scholarship and poetry."

Dr Tyson Yunkaporta, author of "Sand Talk," praises it as "a wonderful combination of scholarship and poetry." Dr Annette S. Lee, a Lakota astrophysicist, describes it as "beautiful, engaging, and startlingly profound."

Alan Duffy, Professor of Astrophysics, concludes: "This is a beautiful, engaging, and startlingly profound book. It is a must-read for anyone interested in the stars, the Earth, and our place in the universe."

Weight: 420g
Dimension: 234 x 154 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781760877200