"We are Stardust - Identity and Light”

A Native Skywatchers Collaborative Research Project

This project lives at the intersection of Science-Art-Culture - Team members include: Nancy Maryboy-Dine/Cherokee elder, David Begay-Dine elder, Tom Tomas-Science teacher, Albert Brent Chase-Culture & language teacher, Wilphina Becenti-Culture & language teacher in collaboration with Annette S. Lee.

As described by Mi’kmaw elders: Etuaptmumk or Two-Eyed Seeing is learning to see from one eye with the strengths of Indigenous knowledges and ways of knowing, and from the other eye with the strengths of Western knowledges and ways of knowing, and to use both these eyes for the benefit of all. (Bartlett, Marshall and Marshall 2012, 336)

Fifth and sixth graders at Little Singer School in the Navajo nation in Winslow Arizona participated in their science class (6-10 students). Collaborators include Dr. David Begay and Dr. Nancy Maryboy. The "We are Stardust" project is a process of discovery for learners to understand the common denominators of the Universe that interconnect us all - All Our Relations, a term used in Dine' that represents k'e, relationships. The project braids together culture, arts, and science with a personal connection. Students learned about the cycle of stars, details about our star, the Sun as a natural system, and the formation of the solar system. Albert Brent Chase, the LSCS Dine' Language and Culture teacher has been teaching our 5th-6th grade students about their dynamic relationships to the stars and Universe in profound ways. Students used Oculus VR headset for study, and Tilt Brush to draw.

"Little Singer Community School, Winslow, Arizona, Navajo Nation"

"Student work, Google Tilt Brush, Little Singer Comm. School"

Little Singer Community School, is located on the Navajo Nation near Winslow, ,Arizona. Little Singer Community School is a tribally controlled Navajo grant school located on the Little Colorado River Basin in the far southwestern region of the Navajo Reservation. "It is our vision to help students develop a positive self-image and unlimited life-long opportunities. The Diné language and culture aids students ability to walk with confidence in the Diné and western society, through the Diné concepts on nitsáhákees, na’hat’aa, Iina, and sih hasin. Our education program focuses on learning and higher level thinking skills. The wisdom and tradition of the Diné culture and language is taught by a combination of elders, parents, and staff. Little Singer Community School stakeholders, past and present, reaffirm the dream of Little Singer to have school and family come together to bring a bright future for children."   

"Mr. A.B. Chase's Classroom, Little Singer Comm. School"

"Front entrance, Little Singer Community School, AZ"