Speakers: Cathy LeBlanc & Dave Chapman
Topic: In Search of the 13th Mi’kmaw Moon
t = This Saturday, November 8, 7 p.m.
R = Avonport, 475 Bluff Road
Summary:
Longtime RASC member Dave Chapman is teaming with Acadia First Nation member Cathy LeBlanc to present “In Search of the 13th Mi’kmaw Moon.” (Cathy is also a seasonal cultural interpreter at Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site.)
This presentation is a progress report on a joint project by Cathy and Dave to investigate the traditional time-keeping customs of the Mi’kmaw nation, before contact with Europeans. Much of this knowledge—handed down by oral tradition—has been lost over the ensuing four centuries. Today, thanks to research by Cheryl Bartlett and others at Cape Breton University, the names of the moon-times have been resurrected and applied to the 12 months of the Gregorian Calendar—but there is more to the story!
In this talk, Cathy and Dave will present what they have discovered so far, using a research method known as “Two-Eyed Seeing,” whereby the traditional teachings guide the astronomical investigation and the astronomical facts are used to interpret the traditional teachings. This joint presentation by Cathy and Dave is sure to be memorable—don’t miss it!
Note
If the main parking lot is full when you arrive, park next door (#465) and take the path that begins next to the garage. Bring a flashlight to help illuminate the path.
Roy will have the 2015 Natural History Calendar (Blomidon Naturalists
Society) at Saturday’s MAG meeting.
The calendar has a complete tide table for Minas Basin (times and
ranges), astronomical highlights for the year, and much more
information. Produced in Nova Scotia by volunteers, all $ received
support the Blomidon Naturalists Society. Calendars are $15 per copy.
Buy one for yourself, and a few more as unique Christmas gifts.