The First Astronomers
The First Astronomers: How Indigenous Elders read the stars
Duane Hamacher
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.
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.
'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
'A ground-breaking book of enormous scope.' - Brian Schmidt, Nobel Laureate in Physics
'A glimpse into Indigenous ways of reading landscapes reflected in the night sky through ancient processes of inquiry.' - Dr Tyson Yunkaporta, author of Sand Talk
'A wonderful combination of scholarship and poetry.' - Dr Annette S. Lee, Lakota astrophysicist
'Beautiful, engaging, and startlingly profound.' - Alan Duffy, Professor of Astrophysics
Dimensions: H 23.4cm x W 15.3cm
ISBN: 9781760877200
Publisher: Allen & Unwin
Publication Date: 1 Mar 2022
Format: Paperback / softback
Number of Pages: 304
More from Aboriginal art and culture
View all from Aboriginal art and culture
Nyoongar DictionaryRt. Rev. Bernard Rooney OSB, Emeritus Abbot of New Norcia The book includes a ...
Nyoongar DictionaryRt. Rev. Bernard Rooney OSB, Emeritus Abbot of New Norcia The book includes a comprehensive dictionary of the Nyoongar language focusing on what is now known as the northern dialect. Divided into two sections, NyoongarEnglish and EnglishNyoongar, the dictionary is the result of the author's own grassroots experience of Nyoongar as a spoken language and offers the fruits of his extensive research into the available written sources. These sources include published dictiona...
$13.50
Noongar Boodja Waangkan: Noongar First WordsJayden Boundry, Illustrated by Tyrown Waigana Wandjoo...
Noongar Boodja Waangkan: Noongar First WordsJayden Boundry, Illustrated by Tyrown Waigana Wandjoo Noongar boodja - welcome to Noongar Country! Noongar is the language of the Noongar nation and is spoken by 14 different groups across the south-west corner of Western Australia. Written in Noongar and English, this fully illustrated collection of first Noongar words includes family, plants, animals, emotions, colours, numbers and more, with an audio link guide for pronunciation. ‘… a great way f...
$24.95
Mulganai: A First Nations Colouring Book
Mulganai: A First Nations Colouring BookEmma Hollingsworth Let Emma Hollingsworth, aka Mulganai, ...
Mulganai: A First Nations Colouring BookEmma Hollingsworth Let Emma Hollingsworth, aka Mulganai, take you on a journey through Country. For Indigenous peoples and allies alike, Emma invites you to discover the places she grew up – Second Beach, Cardwell, Lockhart, Budgebulla – the stories that she was told by her ancestors, and the animals, people and plants that bring her world to life. Featuring 45 artworks to colour paired with stories and descriptions in Emma’s own words, 'Mulganai' is th...
$24.95
Reconciliation Memoirs with Richard Walley
Reconciliation Memoirs with Dr Richard Walley OAMWritten in collaboration with Victoria Laurie Ea...
Reconciliation Memoirs with Dr Richard Walley OAMWritten in collaboration with Victoria Laurie Each year, Reconciliation WA produces the memoirs of a long-standing champion in the reconciliation movement. This year they sat down with Dr Richard Walley OAM to present his Reconciliation Memoirs, written in collaboration with Victoria Laurie. Dr Walley is a Noongar man and respected Elder, musician, and cultural leader who has been instrumental in the reconciliation movement in Australia. Dr Wal...
$19.95