The First Astronomers - How Indigenous Elders read the stars
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The First Astronomers - How Indigenous Elders read the stars

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Description

The First Astronomers is the first book to reveal the rich knowledge of the stars and the planets held by First Peoples around the world.

Our eyes have been drawn away from the skies to our screens. We no longer look to the stars to forecast the weather, predict the seasons or plant our gardens. Most of us cannot even see the Milky Way. But First Nations Elders around the world still maintain this knowledge, and there is much we can learn from them.

These Elders are expert observers of the stars. They teach that everything on the land is reflected in the sky, and everything in the sky is reflected on the land. How does this work, and how can we better understand our place in the universe?

Guided by six First Nations Elders, Duane Hamacher takes us on a journey across space and time to reveal the wisdom of the first astronomers. These living systems of knowledge challenge conventional ideas about the nature of science and the longevity of oral tradition. Indigenous science is dynamic, adapting to changes in the skies and on Earth, pointing the way for a world facing the profound disruptions of climate change.

'This book marks a profound paradigm shift in our understanding of Indigenous scientific traditions, how they are transmitted, and their relevance to life today.' - Professor Marcia Langton, University of Melbourne.

Author bio:

Duane Hamacher is Associate Professor of Cultural Astronomy in the School of Physics at the University of Melbourne. He earned graduate degrees in astrophysics and the social sciences and has appeared on TEDx, The Story of God with Morgan Freeman, and many other high profile local and international programs. He serves as an expert consultant for UNESCO and works for Indigenous elders in the Torres Strait and around the world to document traditional star knowledge for educational programs and public understanding.

The journey continues. Empowering Indigenous entrepreneurs & artists.

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8 Reviews
Reviewed by Pam M.
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I recommend this product
Rated 5 out of 5
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first astronomers

an intriguing and informative read. made me really think about knowledge, and how and where it is held. so easy to underestimate other cultures! thank you

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Reviewed by Susan C.
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I recommend this product
Rated 5 out of 5
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The First Astronomers

I am very excited to receive my book and can’t wait to get into it. I watched The First Inventors and was very interested in how Indigenous Elders read the stars.

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Reviewed by Frani W.
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I recommend this product
Rated 5 out of 5
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The First Astronmoers

I love the stars and the way of the ancients and so glad to absorb myself in this and talk to others about it ⭐️

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Reviewed by Kelli B.
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I recommend this product
Rated 5 out of 5
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Loved this Book

Awesome intro to the amazing knowledge and skills of the First Australians. Highly recommend if Australia’s long interesting history prior to European settlement interests you.

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Reviewed by Helen G.
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I recommend this product
Rated 5 out of 5
Review posted

The First Astronomers. How Indigenous Elders read the stars.

Fabulous book so far. Gripped me from the start. I love that there is a whole community of people involved in the compilation of this book. So important to maintain the knowledge of our ancestors.

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