mixed media painting by A. Lee, 2012

Human beings have looked at the stars for tens of thousands of years. Indigenous people have nurtured critical relationships with the stars, from keen observation and sustainable engineering to place-based ceremony, navigation, and celestial architecture. Our relationship with sky is a deeply rooted part of who we are as a species. The Indigenous relationship and knowledge of the sky is exceptional in that it encompasses mind, body, heart, and spirit.

This legacy of our species, connection to sky, is in critical danger. Indigenous communities and Indigenous knowledge systems have suffered great loss, but knowledge and knowledge keepers are still among us. In addition, artificial lights are increasingly saturating our night sky. Will there soon be a generation that has never known the magic and beauty of a dark night sky? As society becomes increasingly reliant, even infatuated with science and technology, we are missing something.

The Native Skywatchers research and programing initiative grounded in Indigenous Knowledge Systems brings to the conversation that part that is critically and urgently needed, the big picture... our part in the Earth-Sky relationship. The Native Skywatchers research and programming initiative is rooted in wellness as we aim to remind every human being that we come from the stars.

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.

For thirteen 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'.