Astronomy

National Parks Are Embracing Indigenous Astronomy - Outside Online

Long ago, First Peoples had an understanding of celestial objects that allowed them to make decisions crucial to sustainability. Through storytelling, the people were able to explain that which might otherwise not be understood. The metaphysical existence of the sun, moon and stars was important and relevant to the people in ways that science today portrays on a different level. Long before modern day scientist and technology, First Peoples relied on celestial objects in many facets of life. These lessons will help students understand the importance of the sun, moon and stars to Indigenous people.  BCTF Stories from the Sky FNESC

Click here to read a few origin stories from the K’omoks First Nation explaining how the first people in this area descended from the sky: K’ómoks First Nation

KFN today consists of several formerly separate tribes, both culturally K’ómoks and Pentlatch. The Sathloot (‘sath-loot), Sasitla (sa-‘seet-la), Ieeksen (eye-‘ick-sun) and Xa’xe (‘ha-hey) are all culturally K’ómoks and have their own unique origin stories. The Pentlatch had a similar culture but spoke a distinct language and also have their own unique origin story. These origin stories all tie the tribes’ first ancestors to their respective tribal territories.

Skytellers DVD

The Skyteller’s DVD and resource can be found in our LRC

The following lessons are prepared for a grade three classroom but may be modified to suit other grade levels.

Sky Tellers Lesson Plans:

Please note that these Lesson Plans require use of the kit: “Aboriginal Astronomy Kit” from the LRC.

Constellations Lesson Plan:

Creation (How the earth was formed) Lesson Plan:

Moon Lesson Plan:

Seasons (in a single lesson) Lesson Plan:

The 13 Moons of the Wsanec

https://racerocks.ca/the-13-moons-of-the-wsanec/

The 13 Moons of the Wsanec | Race Rocks Ecological Reserve-

The Activities on each of these Wsanec “Moon Cards” have been designed for students 4-7 but can easily be adapted to fit K-12 curriculum:

School District #63 connection to the 13 Moons of the Wsanec

Other resources:

Cree Turtle Lesson by Brooke Young