Native Constellation Storytelling

January Native Constellation Storytelling for Winter Skies: Lowell Observatory and Grand Canyon Conservancy Partner in Second Livestream Event

[Flagstaff; Grand Canyon, Arizona] – Lowell Observatory and Grand Canyon Conservancy are proud to announce the second installment of “Native Constellation Storytelling for Winter Skies.” This unique and culturally enriching livestream event will take place on January 11 in collaboration with Grand Canyon Conservancy, hosted by Lowell Observatory’s Public Information Officer and Historian, Kevin Schindler, in conversation with Gerald Dawavendewa, a Hopi artist and author.

Gerald’s artwork includes “Codex Taawa”, a series of illustrations inspired by ancient imagery that explores the cosmos of the Hopi people. Each piece highlights a part of the Hopi tradition, stories, or knowledge. For the Hopi, the night sky is an astronomical calendar with all of its elements used to set ceremonies, rituals, seasons, events, and measures of time. The Hopi people have observed and measured the movements in the sky to create a complex guide to assist them with existing in this world, known as Tuuwaqatsi ― the Fourth World. Through his artwork, Gerald hopes to share his culture, and educate the public about the rich heritage of his Native tribes, and promote a greater understanding of the Native world.

“Native Constellation Storytelling for Winter Skies” offers a unique chance to immerse in the captivating narratives of Native constellations. Traditionally, these stories are shared exclusively within Native tribes during the winter season when these constellations are visible. Participants will have the opportunity to engage and request live views of deep space objects as Lowell Observatory broadcasts from its Giovale Open Deck Observatory (GODO) in Flagstaff, AZ using a 14” PlaneWave telescope. It’s important to remember that certain stories are sacred and exclusive to tribal members; hence, not all inquiries about these narratives may be addressed.

Gerald Dawavendewa, the featured Hopi artist and author for the event, expressed, “This collaboration with Grand Canyon Conservancy and Lowell Observatory offers a unique platform to share the celestial stories and knowledge passed down through generations in my tribe. Our constellations are not just patterns in the sky, but narratives that have guided our way of life, our understanding of time, and our connection to the universe. It’s an honor to present these stories to a wider audience, hoping to foster deeper appreciation and understanding of Hopi culture and its intricate relationship with the cosmos.”

“We are excited to partner with Lowell Observatory for another virtual stargazing event. This series provides an opportunity to hear directly from our tribal partners – the people who call Grand Canyon home and who have been here since time immemorial – and to explore the night sky from a new perspective,” says Mindy Riesenberg, Director of Marketing and Communications at Grand Canyon Conservancy.

The Native Constellation Storytelling for Winter Skies livestream event will be live on January 11, 2023, at 8pm MST. Lowell Observatory and Grand Canyon Conservancy invite the public to join and interact on the livestream: [link] and Grand Grand Conservancy’s social media channels.

What:
A free live stream event offering a rare opportunity to delve into the night sky storytelling of Indigenous constellations, art, and culture, presented in collaboration with Lowell Observatory and Grand Canyon Conservancy.

Where:
YouTube link: https://www.youtube.com/live/1JJ3q9GwYNU?si=m19HmvarwyLlPpT3
Facebook event: https://fb.me/e/4aMlhtC4w
LinkedIn event: https://www.linkedin.com/company/grand-canyon-conservancy
Twitter (X) event: https://twitter.com/GCConservancy

When:
January 11, 2024, at 8pm MST

For further information about this event or to arrange interviews, please contact:

Cody Half-Moon
Marketing Director; Lowell Observatory
chalfmoon@lowell.edu

Mindy Riesenberg
Director of Marketing & Communications, Grand Canyon Conservancy
mriesenberg@grandcanyon.org, (928) 863-3878 

About Lowell Observatory:
Founded in 1894, Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff, Arizona, is a renowned nonprofit research institution. It is the site of historic and groundbreaking discoveries, including the first evidence of the expanding universe and the discovery of Pluto. Today, Lowell’s astronomers utilize global ground-based and space telescopes, along with NASA spacecraft, for diverse astronomical and planetary science research. The observatory hosts over 100,000 annual visitors for educational tours, presentations, and telescope viewing through a suite of world-class public telescopes.

About Grand Canyon Conservancy:
Grand Canyon Conservancy (GCC) is the official nonprofit partner of Grand Canyon National Park, raising private funds, operating retail shops within the park, and providing premier guided educational programs about the natural and cultural history of the region. GCC supporters fund projects including trails and historic building preservation, educational programs for the public, and the protection of wildlife and their natural habitat. Grand Canyon Conservancy inspires people to protect and enhance Grand Canyon National Park for present and future generations.