- 449 pages
- English
- PDF
- Available on iOS & Android
About this book
"A new book shows that the Northern Dene people of Alaska and Canada have known far more about the stars than an earlier generation of scientists were willing to acknowledge."—The New York Times
Teachings from the stars
Much more than stories about the sky, Indigenous astronomies provide powerful, centuries-old models of knowing, being, and relating to the world. Through collaboration with more than sixty-five Dene Elders and culture bearers across thirty-four communities in Alaska and Canada, In the Footsteps of the Traveller reveals the significance of the stars to Northern Dene life, language, and culture.
At the centre of these knowledge systems is the Traveller, a being who journeyed around the world in Ancient Time before incarnating among the stars. The Traveller constellation is a teacher, a gamekeeper, a guardian, and a practical guide for wayfinding. The Traveller, together with a host of other celestial and atmospheric phenomena like thunder and the northern lights, bridges the divide between earth and sky, instilling balance and instructing people on how to live with each other and their environments.
This study combines interviews, stunning photographs and detailed illustrations of the northern night sky, author Chris M. Cannon's own experiential learning, and a foreword from Chief Fred Sangris of Yellowknives Dene First Nation. Rooted in years of collaborative fieldwork, In the Footsteps of the Traveller leads the way to deeper understandings of Northern Dene astronomical knowledge.
Frequently asked questions
- Essential is ideal for learners and professionals who enjoy exploring a wide range of subjects. Access the Essential Library with 800,000+ trusted titles and best-sellers across business, personal growth, and the humanities. Includes unlimited reading time and Standard Read Aloud voice.
- Complete: Perfect for advanced learners and researchers needing full, unrestricted access. Unlock 1.4M+ books across hundreds of subjects, including academic and specialized titles. The Complete Plan also includes advanced features like Premium Read Aloud and Research Assistant.
Please note we cannot support devices running on iOS 13 and Android 7 or earlier. Learn more about using the app.
Information
Table of contents
- Cover
- Contents
- Illustrations
- Foreword
- Acknowledgements
- Introduction
- Chapter 1: The Traveller Constellation Part 1
- Chapter 2: The Traveller Constellation Part 2
- Chapter 3: Stellar Time-Reckoning, Weather Forecasting, and Wayfinding
- Chapter 4: The Sun, Moon, and Eclipses
- Chapter 5: Beings of the Atmosphere Part 1
- Chapter 6: Beings of the Atmosphere Part 2
- Chapter 7: Knowing, Being, and Relating
- Appendix A: Northern Dene Names for the Traveller
- Appendix B: The Cosmic Hunt in Northern Dene Cultures
- Notes
- Bibliography
- Index