Sky Stories: Star Legends of the Haudenosaunee

 **Bring the family for an unforgettable evening under the stars!** 

Long before modern astronomy, the night sky was a living map of history, science, and deep cultural values. Join us at the Martz-Kohl Observatory as we welcome guest speaker **Ja:no’s Bowen** for a captivating journey into the rich oral traditions and star knowledge of the Haudenosaunee (Six Nations).

 **About the Event:**
Through a visual presentation and the art of storytelling, Ja:no’s will reveal how familiar celestial patterns—like the Pleiades—continue to guide, inspire, and pass down generational wisdom. As she notes: “These legends contain cultural values and important reminders.”

 **Meet Our Speaker:**
Ja:no’s Bowen is a member of the Beaver clan of the Seneca Nation and a Faith Keeper of the Cold Spring Longhouse. A renowned educator and advocate, she serves as the Director for the Department of Seneca Language Teacher Support and Community Outreach. Ja:no’s holds advanced degrees from Harvard University and is a doctoral candidate in Educational Leadership, dedicating her career to Indigenous language reclamation and cultural heritage preservation.

 **How to Attend:**

* **In-Person:** Join us live at the observatory! You’ll get to meet our astronomy team, ask questions during the post-talk Q&A, and take a guided tour of the facility.
* **Online:** Can’t make it to Frewsburg? You can stream the entire presentation live via Zoom!

 **Clear Skies Bonus:**
If the weather cooperates, we will wrap up the evening with public viewing opportunities through our large-aperture telescopes!

 **Admission:**
Always free! (Donations are gratefully appreciated and help support our educational programming).

 **Know Before You Go:**
Our telescope domes are not climate-controlled, so please check the forecast and dress comfortably for the local weather!

 **Zoom Links & More Info:**
Visit martzobservatory.org