12.2 Aboriginal Knowledge of the Solar System

Interconnected Universe

Interconnection is a central belief of many First Nations, Inuit and Metis

This mindset reflects people who are aware that everything in the universe is connected. It also reinforces that everyone and everything has a purpose, is worthy of respect and caring, and has a place in the grand scheme of life.

Aboriginal knowledge often uses knowledge gained from other realms. When everything is interconnected, the spiritual realm is as much a source of knowledge and truth as the physical realm.

Connections, Darlene Gait

The Moon

Like many ancient cultures aboriginal people divided the year based on lunar months.

Each cycle from new moon to full and back to new moon was given a name based on the important events of that time of year.

The Coast Salish people relied heavily on fishing and other resources from the sea, so an understanding of the tides in relation to the moon phases was very important

http://www.racerocks.com/racerock/firstnations/13moons/13moons.htmImages from book The Saanich Year

Text From the Sign:Welcome to WEN,NÁ,NEĆ - "Facing Saanich""When I was growing up, I was taught that the Creator gave us the land, the waters, the air and every living thing on earth to look after ... if we look after this, it will take care of our needs today and for generations to come." - Late Elder Ray Sam, TsawoutThirteen Moon CalendarThe name WEN,NÁ,NEĆ describes these special lands which face south to the peninsula. Nature was so rich here that it supported the WSÁNEĆ (Saanich) culture year-round for thousands of years. This sign, featuring the  WSÁNEĆ  (Saanich) thirteen moon calendar*, is a joint project of the SȾAUTW; (Tsawout [say-out]) First Nation and Salt Spring community. Elders taught us that nature provided for food, medicine, clothing, tools, transport and building materials, beauty, and cultural, guidance. The names are written in both English and SENĆOŦEN [sen-cho-then] - the language of the Saanich people. 

Constellations Constellation: A specific area in the night sky where

the stars are in a recognizable pattern

Most of the constellations and patterns in the sky are described based on greek mythology. Orion the hunter, Cassiopeia the Queen, Signs of the

Zodiac

The aboriginal people of North America also used stories and myths to describe the patterns seen in the sky

Muin and the Seven Bird Hunters http://youtu.be/3IYpP_pTF08