Eds. note: American Indians in Children's Literature is pleased to share this open letter about the upcoming total solar eclipse. Written by Naomi Bishop (Gila River Indian Community), currently serving as President of the American Indian Library Association, we think teachers and librarians -- and parents, too -- will find it useful.
____________________
Dear librarians and teachers,
Eclipse viewing glasses and library programs are big in social media and libraries right now. It is a great opportunity to share STEM programs with the public. However, some cultures view an eclipse differently. While I can’t speak for all cultures impacted, I can speak for some Native American communities. In Navajo culture the shadow that is made by the sun is very important and viewing the eclipse is not encouraged. Many Native American families visit our libraries, attend our programs, read our books and view us as part of their community.
If you decide to host an eclipse program, please be aware that some families might not be receptive. If a family does not want to participate, respect their choice. Please avoid placing children in a position where they need to explain their beliefs or identify themselves as Native American. Give them a safe way to back out, or to decline participation.
If you would like to learn more about Navajo Astronomy there is a great book you can order for your library called Sharing the Skies : Navajo Astronomy by Nacy Maryboy and David Begay.
Sharing the Skies : Navajo Astronomy.
Author: Nancy C Maryboy; David Begay; Indigenous Education Institute.; World Hope Foundation. Publisher: Tucson, Ariz. : Rio Nuevo Publishers, ©2010.
Sharing the Skies: Navajo Astronomy was published by a Navajo scholar and educator. David Begay is one of the founders of the Indigenous Education Institute. He lives on the Navajo Nation and works with UC Berkeley, Space Science Labs in the areas of Western and Indigenous science with support from NASA and the National Science Foundation. Nacy Maryboy is a Cherokee/ Navajo scholar and focuses on Indigenous science and astronomy. She is President and Executive Director of the Indigenous Education Institute. This book was published as a resource for teachers and families. It is a beautiful book and an excellent collection to any library. The authors note in the beginning of the book has this important cultural information:
"Although this book is available year round we encourage teachers to be sensitive to the cultural protocol and use this book primarily during the winter months."
Here are some more resources for teachers and librarians focused on Indigenous STEM programs.
Indigenous Education Tools - University of Washington
Implementing Meaningful STEM Education with Indigenous Students & Families
Teaching STEM In Ways that Respect and Build Upon Indigenous Peoples' Rights
Indigenous Education Institute
The American Indian Science and Engineering Society
Society for the Advancement of Chicanos and Native Americans in Science
I hope this information is helpful and encourages more learning and discussions among educators and librarians. Feel free to contact me with any questions.
Sincerely,
Naomi Bishop, MLIS
Member of the Gila River Indian Community
AILA President 2017-2018
Northern Arizona University Cline Library
Teaching, Research, and Learning Services
Science and Engineering Librarian
