(YELLOWKNIFE) September 27, 2016 – “All cultures see the same sky, but not in the same way,” says Dr. Wayne Horowitz. The Gwich'in narrative of "The Boy in the Moon" has been documented in the Gwich'in communities now in the Northwest Territories, Yukon, and Alaska, almost from the time of “contact” in the mid-19th century.
Learn about “The Boy in the Moon” at Ledge Talks: The Knowledge Series on Wednesday, September 28, 2016 at 7:30 pm in the Great Hall of the Legislative Assembly building as Dr. Horowitz presents updated research into the cultural context of the narrative, using evidence from early visitors to the North, anthropologists, and elders from the contemporary Gwich'in communities. What emerges is a new view of “The Boy in the Moon” and his place in traditional Gwich'in lore.
Dr. Wayne Horowitz is an archeologist and professor in the Department of Assyriology at Jerusalem’s Hebrew University. His particular focus is studying Mesopotamian astronomy, particularly the cosmology behind their interpretation of the night sky. To expand his understanding, and to provide a comparative context, he has been working with Gwich’in elders to learn about their cosmology of the night sky. With his research he hopes to understand how much of a culture’s astronomical tradition is universal and shared by all cultures.
There will be time for questions and discussion following the presentation. Media and the public are welcome. The proceedings will be webcast via the Legislative Assembly website: www.assembly.gov.nt.ca
Ledge Talks: The Knowledge Series is a forum for a wide variety of speakers to present current ideas, science, traditional knowledge, and issues relevant to the Northwest Territories and beyond. Ledge Talks will also showcase research done by the many GNWT employees who are making substantial contributions to the world’s understanding of the North.
For more information, please contact:
Vera Raschke, Legislative Librarian
Legislative Assembly of the NWT
P: 867-767-9132 ext. 12056 or toll-free 1-800-661-0784
F: 867-873-0207