The Song of the Stars: Starry Skies, Anishinaabe Stories, Scientific Insights, and More!

The Song of the Stars: Starry Skies, Anishinaabe Stories, Scientific Insights, and More!

Since the earliest days of human memory, countless generations have turned their eyes to the skies in wonder, drawing patterns, understanding the stars’ connection to cycles and events, and carrying their stories and teachings forward to subsequent generations. The Song of the Stars offers a unique journey through the skies, linking us to generations of ancestors who marvelled at the same stars we still gaze upon today. The book brings together Anishinaabe cultural teachings about the cosmos and the Anishinaabemowin language with scientific insights to demonstrate how both viewpoints can help us foster deeper and more meaningful relationships to the Earth and the cosmos. Robert Animikii Horton, Anishinaabemowin educator, proves that this dual perspective can be a source of awe and wonder, inspiring in us a love of both language and science. Demonstrating how Anishinaabe cultural teachings and scientific insights can complement one another and need not be irreconcilable opposites, The Song of the Stars provides a combination of perspectives that cultivates a deeper understanding of the vast mystery surrounding our place in the universe. “Western science is a powerful tool that can lull us into thinking we have the means to know all there is to know. The Indigenous worldview, however, offers us the results of experimentation over many thousands of years to discover how we should live. By describing the wonders of the cosmos from both perspectives, Robert Animikii Horton provides us a window into the richness of both methodologies, inspiring us to once again look up to feel our proper place in the universe.”―Shirley N. Hager, co-author, with Mawopiyane, of The Gatherings: Reimagining Indigenous-Settler Relations " The Song of the Stars is a captivating and beautifully illustrated book that bridges traditional Ojibwe knowledge and modern astronomy. It offers a rich tapestry of cultural teachings, star stories, and scientific exploration. The inclusion of Anishinaabemowin words gives readers into a deeper appreciation of the language and worldview of the Ojibwe people. This book is both educational and inspiring." ―Andrew Hallikas, Mayor, Fort Frances and former Head of Mathematics and Science, Fort Frances High School “I love this book. Reminding me of Anishinaabe sky knowledge renowned Elder Basil Johnston used to share with me, The Song of the Stars simply illustrates the power of Anishinaabe language, stories, and teachings. This is a beautiful point-of-entry introduction to a vast field that transcends any one discipline, culture, or view.” ―John Borrows, Loveland Chair in Indigenous Law, Faculty of Law, University of Toronto “Robert Animikii Horton’s The Song of the Stars opens our eyes and minds anew to the wonders of the night sky. He shares stories of the cosmos rooted in Anishinaabemowin and infused by the perspectives of his community on Manidoo Ziibi (Rainy River). Stunning illustrations by KC Oster and Horton's lively dialogue with scientific understandings of astronomy enable readers to find new insight and beauty in the constellations, from wherever they stand.”―Pamela Klassen, Professor of the Study of Religion, University of Toronto “Bringing Anishinaabe stories and teachings together with insights from astronomy, Robert Animikii Horton has woven a lovely tapestry in The Song of the Stars . This highly readable little book will be of interest not only to those learning Anishinaabemowin, but to anyone who looks to the skies in curiosity and wonder.”―Constance Russell, Professor of Education, Lakehead University Robert Animikii Horton (Manidoo Baawitigong Anishinaabe and member of the Rainy River First Nations) is a post-secondary Anishinaabemowin educator (Gaa-aazhide-gikinoo’amaaged) at the Seven Generations Education Institute and a professor at Durham College.