Conference · 2019
SCAAS 2019 Conference on Cultural Astronomy in the Greater Southwest
- Dates
- April 24 - 28, 2019
- Venue
- Native American Cultural Center, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ
- Theme
- Land and Sky in the Cultural Sciences of the Greater Southwest
Overview
We are excited to organize our next Society conference to be held at the Native American Cultural Center of Northern Arizona University. For this conference we are planning to invite scholarship through papers and presentations addressing the development of science within native cultures to give us a broader perspective of how the science of a native tribe’s astronomy fits within a broader “cultural classification system” or Cosmovision. We will continue to focus on the integration of land and sky into a cultural landscape with an emphasis on astronomy lore, ethnobotany, climate patterns and resource management in an ever changing world. We believe it essential that native voices be heard in the discussion and learning about native sciences. Native people and researchers interested in participating at the conference are asked to follow the Conference Presenters Information link on this page.
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Daily Schedule of Events
Forum on Native American Traditional Knowledge
Our conference will open with a Native Drum Ensemble and a short Native American ceremony and blessing, followed by Mrs. Ann Marie Chischilly, Director of Indigenous Tribal Environmental Professionals and Member of the United Nations Committee on Native Rights. She will be speaking on cultural intellectual property, and legal and appropriate use of tribal cultural information. Educators, students, elders and traditional experts from the Flagstaff area will gather in a forum of presentations, demonstrations, and discussion on traditional knowledge contained in cultural practices. These activities include a wide array of different native practices from different regional tribes. The day is sponsored by the Applied Indigenous Studies Program and the GeoFamily Foundation. A traditional Native American lunch is included.
Conference Registration and Reception at Embassy Suites Hotel, Flagstaff, AZ
Field Research and Paper Presentations
The conference will present a more customary day of field and research presentations by native sky-watchers, SCAAS members, students, anthropologists, archaeologists, and the public research community. Feedback will be available in an interactive format from Native American teachers and educators, respected elders and keepers of traditional knowledge, and your fellow conference participants so that we can hone our skills in the appropriate interpretation and presentation of information related to Native American cultural practices.
Public Outreach Event – Lowell Observatory
Join the conference and the public for an evening of special presentations sponsored by the acclaimed Lowell Observatory. SCAAS members and invited guests will receive a brief guided tour of the observatory. Open to all conference participants and the general public will be a program by Navajo Verna Tallsalt, a recognized expert on Navajo astronomy. We are also working with a Hopi sky-watcher to also present. Dinner available for purchase at Lowell.
Forum on Native Education and the Role of Traditional Knowledge
We begin with Mrs. Melodie Lopez (Hopi/Navajo/Puebloan/Mexican) Director of Indigenous Strategies, LLC, Board Member of Native Education Alliance, Vice-President of Arizona Indian Education Association and Founder of WARRIOR native experiential program. She will address the role of traditional knowledge in native schools. We are working to pull together two different panel discussions on how traditional knowledge can stimulate better native education. After our sponsored lunch, we are hosting regional middle and high school cultural teachers and principals at predominantly native schools, education oriented college native students, and conference participants who will be tasked with interpreting and transcribing the knowledge shared in presentations to augment educational curriculum that also meet state education standards. This day is sponsored by Northern Arizona University President Dr. Rita Cheng, Vice-President for Native American Initiatives Dr. Chad Hamill and the Geo-Family Foundation.
SCAAS Awards Dinner
We will be holding a catered dinner for conference participants at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Flagstaff. The dinner will feature a cash bar, Southwest layered dip appetizer, Chicken Parmesan buffet with salad and garlic bread, plated Eggplant Parmesan as the vegetarian option and dessert. We will be having an evening program that includes award presentations and a distinguished speaker.
Continued Presentations on Traditional Cultural Knowledge
Regional native science practitioners share their traditional knowledge, as culturally appropriate, on a wide range of subjects. Additional cultural astronomy research, and working with cultural teachers will be held. A discussion forum assessing the conference the future will be held.
We begin with breakfast followed by tours of the research programs at the Museum of Northern Arizona. Additional field trips to be announced in the near future.
Additional Conference Events
- Native Drum Ensemble will open our conference and provide musical education and entertainment on April 24.
- Keynote Speaker – Melodie Lopez (Hopi/Navajo/Pueblo/Mexican) will be assisting us throughout the conference and giving a keynote address on the role of traditional knowledge in native education.
- SCAAS Business Meeting – Date and time to be announced
- “Ongtupqa” (meaning Salt-or Grand- Canyon) will provide us with an evening of traditional Hopi music at the Native American Cultural Center.
Past event
Native American Presenter Information
Native cultures have traditional ways of knowing and passing knowledge from one generation to another. Within that knowledge is an understanding of how nature works, i.e. science. Yet native children rarely learn the native science of their culture. Our effort is to have people of different cultures share about their practice and the science within. Native college students, cultural teachers from native schools, native university professors and other people interested in cultural science will listen and learn. Native students may ask to learn more from the presenters while cultural teachers may seek the presenters help in developing activities for their students to better understand their own cultural heritage.
Who should apply to present: Native people who practice a craft or skill that involves scientific knowledge. Practitioners who live within or willing to come to Flagstaff should apply for April 24. Those living a long distance from Flagstaff, apply for April 27. Conference cannot guarantee money for travel expenses; however, we have some funds available. Please see cover letter for conference specifics.
Skills we are looking for: Traditional knowledge related to plants, farming, astronomy, pottery, water management, tool-making or geometric pattern design. Presenter is responsible for all needed materials and products related to an accepted presentation may be sold at specified times. This is NOT an art fair.
What does presenter get in return: One day free registration for April 24 or 27 with lunch and refreshments, special rate for registration to entire conference and letter from SCAAS asking that you be paid by your employer for your time at the conference. Presenters and attendees will also meet other native people who share their practice and or interest.
To apply, download the Traditional Expert Application Form below. Please fill it out and return to Bryan Bates by email at president@scaas.org. Please have your application to Bryan by January 28, 2019. We will be in contact with you in February or March about your program. Additional information is available for download below.
- Native Expert Introduction (PDF)File not yet recovered
- Cultural Preservation Office Invitation (PDF)File not yet recovered
- Native Sciences Flyer (PDF)File not yet recovered
- Traditional Expert Application (MS Word)File not yet recovered
- Traditional Expert Application (PDF)File not yet recovered
Past event
Call for Participation
In an attempt to broaden our audience and influence, the Society is reaching out to and engaging with native peoples of the Greater Southwest about their native science. Our 2019 conference will shift the focus from solely reporting on our research to learning more about the traditional knowledge of the people whose astronomical practices we want to understand. We want to bring to the conference native practitioners of traditional skills and the science that lies within that skill. While this may go beyond our standard conference style, perhaps it will enable us to better understand the “cultural classification of knowledge” and the context of astronomical knowledge within different cultures of the Greater Southwest, past and present. Our second day will feature presentations by researchers on their cultural astronomy projects. Presentations may be scheduled by cultural groupings (tribal affiliation), so as to provide continuity in perspectives and native commentators. Anyone who wishes to participate should submit the attached application form. Each applicant should state: 1) the context of your research, 2) basic research results and 3) how information derived from the activity might have been used by or was of value to their culture. Applications should be submitted to conference@scaas.org. The deadline for application submission is January 20, 2019.
- Program Submission Form (MS Word)File not yet recovered
Past event
Call for Papers
We are seeking presentations by researchers on their cultural astronomy, archaeology and general anthropology research projects. Paper presentations can be on a variety of issues related to anthropology and cultural astronomy. We are most interested in presentations that relate closely to the development of science or traditional knowledge among Native American cultures, past and present, but are also interested in presentations on current field research, landscape archaeology, the value of ethnographic research and the application of research results to Native American education. Each applicant should state: 1) the context of your research, 2) basic research results and 3) how information derived from the activity was used by or was of value to Native American cultures. Applications should be submitted to conference@scaas.org. Please distribute this announcement to your friends, co-workers, academic institutions and supporting archaeological or anthropological research organizations. The deadline for application submission is February 15, 2019.
- Call for Papers Submission Form (MS Word)File not yet recovered
Past event
Registration (closed)
The 2019 conference is a four-day event starting on Wednesday April 24, 2019 and ending on the evening of Saturday April 27, 2019. Optional field trips and a special tour of the Museum of Northern Arizona will be held on Sunday April 28, 2019 for registered conference participants. All conference registrations include daily beverage service, morning and afternoon refreshments, and lunch. All-inclusive registrations include the conference awards dinner. The awards dinner can be purchased separately. A very limited number of two-day conference only registrations will be made available for our guests. The two-day conference only registration is good for Thursday April 25, 2019 and Friday April 26, 2019 only. Daily admissions may be opened in April on a space available basis.
This conference is a unique opportunity for people to interact with Native American students, elders, educators and keepers of traditional knowledge. Interest in the conference is very high and we expect registrations to fill rapidly. SCAAS members receive discounts and advanced access to registration. Remember to go to the iTunes and Google Play stores to download our app so you can track your membership and event registration. Search for Wild Apricot for Members.
Registration for Society members opens on January 16, 2019 and extends through April 20, 2019. You will need a paid SCAAS membership to login and access the SCAAS member discount and advanced registration. Please visit our “Join Us” page and become a member today. Student memberships require full time enrollment and must be approved before you can register for the conference. SCAAS donor memberships support the Society and receive complimentary conference registration. Registration for nonmembers begins on February 6, 2019 and extends to April 20, 2019.
Conference Registration Fees
| Registration | Fee |
|---|---|
| 4-day All-inclusive for SCAAS members | $166.00/person |
| 4-day All-inclusive for nonmembers | $180.00/person |
| 4-day Conference Only for SCAAS members | $126.00/person |
| 4-day Conference Only for nonmembers | $140.00/person |
| 2-day Conference Only for SCAAS members | $72.00/person |
| 2-day Conference Only for nonmembers | $80.00/person |
| SCAAS Award Dinner (no discounts) | $40.00/person |
SCAAS Conference Hotels
The organizers have made arrangements with the Embassy Suites Hotel and the Econolodge University in Flagstaff, AZ for discounted rates for the duration of our conference. Both hotels are located adjacent to and within easy walking distance of the Native American Cultural Center at Northern Arizona University. You must be a registered conference participant to receive the discounted hotel rates.
All discounted hotel reservations must be made by March 24, 2019.
Embassy Suites Hotel
Nestled in the heart of Flagstaff, Arizona, the Embassy Suites by Hilton Flagstaff hotel is located one mile north of the I-17/ I-40 Interchange and is adjacent to Northern Arizona University (NAU). Our all-suite Flagstaff hotel provides a free made-to-order breakfast every morning and a complimentary Evening Reception with drinks and light snacks. Your discounted hotel registration includes basic free WiFi and parking. The highly discounted hotel rate is $135.00 per night plus applicable taxes for the nights of Wednesday April 24, 2019 to Saturday April 27, 2019. Rooms are available with one King bed or two Queen beds. If desired, discounted room rates are offered for the nights of Tuesday April 23, 2019 and Sunday April 28, 2019 based on availability. To make reservations for these nights, please contact Embassy Suites Director of Sales Keele F. Smith.
Econolodge University
Located next to the Embassy Suites, the Flagstaff Econolodge University has easy access to the conference venue and features free basic WiFi and parking. A complimentary Deluxe continental breakfast is included with your stay. Rooms are available with one King bed or two Queen beds.
Conference Room Rates (plus applicable taxes)
| Day | Date | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Tuesday | April 23, 2019 | $52.00 |
| Wednesday | April 24, 2019 | $52.00 |
| Thursday | April 25, 2019 | $52.00 |
| Friday | April 26, 2019 | $52.00 |
| Saturday | April 27, 2019 | $78.00 |
| Sunday | April 28, 2019 | $42.00 |
Additional nearby hotels:
| Hotel | Phone |
|---|---|
| Drury Inn & Suites | (928) 773-4900 |
| Hilton Garden Inn | (928) 226-8888 |
| Doubletree by Hilton | (928) 773-8888 |
| La Quinta Inn | (928) 556-8666 |
| Budget Host Inn | (928) 779-3631 |
| Budget Inn | (928) 774-5038 |
| Howard Johnson by Wyndham | (928) 774-3381 |
| Days Inn | (928) 774-5221 |
For more information please contact us at conference@scaas.org
Downloads
- Native American Teachers and Counselors Information (MS Word)File not yet recovered
- Native American Speakers and Counselors Registration Information (MS Word)File not yet recovered
- Mail In Registration Form (PDF)File not yet recovered