Native Science and the Cosmos

Abstract

This essay presents perspectives of the history and traditions as it relates to the collective visioning of the night sky by Native Peoples of the Americas. Perspectives of cosmology, relational philosophy, and the cosmic journey as viewed through “Native Eyes” are presented. These perspectives have been drawn from numerous sources to create an overview of the nature of Native Astronomy. Each example presents a window into the world of Native Astronomy and is intended to give the reader an interpretive overview of the rich and extensive heritage of this area of Native Science.

In this chapter I have used only researched examples from previously published works on Native astronomies. There are many examples that are still intimately related with ceremonial life of certain groups of Native American tribes that exist whose need for cultural privacy I have tried my upmost to honor and respect.

Portions of this chapter have been adapted from a talk given at the Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe, New Mexico on January 23, 1989, which formed the basis for a chapter in previously published work: Cajete, Gregory A. (2000). Native Science: Natural Laws of Interdependence. Santa Fe: Clear Light Publishers.

The terms Native Science, Native Astronomy, Indigenous Peoples are capitalized to add emphasis and to convey an active and evolving identity. (The term Native or Indigenous is used as the larger inclusive group term while Tribal refers to specific contexts, both terms are capitalized as an honorific designation. The term Native American is used when referring specifically to a Tribe which resides in the United States).