I recently learned about the concept of “Two Eyed Seeing” through an article in the magazine Sky News magazine which I receive as part of my membership in the Royal Astronomical Society( RASC) . Readers were told about “a duo in Nova Scotia who work together on Mi’kmaw Moons , a learning and teaching project that connects Moon cycles, visual astronomy and Two Eyed Seeing.” The duo, Dave Chapman , a long time member of the RASC and Cathy Leblanc, a member of Acadia First Nation, have been partnering in putting on public presentations which have been well received and attended. In fact, Chapman commented that people are “hungry” for these kind of projects which are living examples of Two Eyed Seeing. So what exactly is “two eyed seeing”? The concept is generally defined as learning to see from one eye with the strength of Indigenous knowledge, culture and ways of knowing and from the other eye with the strength of western science, knowledge and ways of knowing. And then… and here is the most important part – learning to use both these eyes together for the benefit of all!!
Inspired by what I had read, I signed up for a webinar (offered by the RASC) on Two Eyed Seeing and how it is applied to science and astronomy outreach in—guess where? —Hawaii ! The webinar was very informative and although there was no mention of the Mauna Kea situation, I am hopeful that this approach, already being applied to education and outreach in the astronomy sector in Hawaii (which is in fact, a major industry for the Island ) , will be a guiding principle when the working group begins their discussions.
M.A.N.
Hi Mo, greetings & salutations:).
You must be ecstatic about Elon’s success & NASA acknowledging there’s been unknown craft hovering about for decades. Bingo. There’s so much we’ve yet to discover, given we’ve been around for what, 50,000 years, as compared to a bang that occurred 10 billion years ago? That’s a whole lotta time in between. Lol, that’s an understatement. The odds of life elsewhere be greater than that of a primary creator. Figure the Egyptians had it sorted anyways. They recorded flying craft, and how ‘bout those pyramids, huh? Built to impossible tolerances. Who and how? Anyways, here’s to a close encounter of the third kind. Cheers!
(If you haven’t guessed, some hints. Made it to the Hendrix monument in Renton back in ‘16. Took my youngest & popped by Cobain’s too. Did Ireland since we last spoke. Saw the stone but no smooching. Dublin was an Amsterdam add on).
It must be an age thing but I’m completely stumped! You would think that the reference to Hendrix would have triggered something –Amsterdam and Ireland…hmmm… A.H. ?
Re: re reference to Elon Musk. He is brilliant and I would never underestimate his contribution to space exploration and travel, especially in regards to the development of re -usable rocket boosters. But I worry that he is moving too quickly, especially in his desire to get to and “colonize ” ( a very negative word these days ) Mars — knowing his determination – he might even get there before NASA! I think that he needs to be a bit more reflective on the ethics of populating another planet. )
Thanks for reminding me to post my latest newspaper column as it deals with this topic in particular. Once I figure out how to do that 🙂
I think any scientific initiative that incorporates Indigenous knowledge and culture with western science will contribute to the knowledge of all that get exposed to it in both areas. It will also do much to bridge the gap between the two in the eyes of the general public. And let’s face it, the more opportunities there are to introduce Indigenous knowledge there are, the better. This culture has much to offer if given the chance.
Oh I couldn’t agree more:) I love this concept and there is so much to be gained by combining both perspectives. The world needs more of this–especially during these difficult times. Who knows what kind of doors –or portals:) –could be opened ??
Yes, I agree that this culture has much to offer if given the chance and wouldn’t it be great to see more Indigenous youth in STEM ( Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) programs?