Tlingit Moon & Tide - Alaska Native Knowledge Network - University ...

Chapter 2
Dis: The Moon in Tlingit Culture
Introduction
In this introductory unit, students will experience Tlingit
history and knowledge, a knowledge system that developed over
a span of at least 8,000 years (Matson and Coupland 1995).
Students will listen to a traditional story about the moon as it
relates to the world. They will be introduced to Tlingit cultural
symbolism by making moon masks. In addition, they will apply
scientific inquiry and observation and draw conclusions from
their observations.
This chapter includes three lessons: (1) Tlingit Myth Box of
Daylight, (2) Observing the Moon, and (3) Measuring Time. At
least two activities accompany each lesson plan.
As a teacher you must have some familiarity with Tlingit
culture. There are several references listed at the end of this
book. There are also several excellent curriculum materials that
provide background information and activity ideas on the
moon.
Students will:
• Explore Tlingit ways of knowing through art and stories
• Make a Tlingit style moon mask
• Predict moon phases
• Observe changes in the moon
• Understand the moon cycle
Standards
This unit covers Native, state, and federal standards. Students
will experience a sense of place when they listen to the
Box of Daylight video and understand the Tlingit beliefs in how
light was brought to the world.
Cultural curriculum standards addressed include
(Alaska Native Knowledge Network 1998):
A.4: Respect knowledge from different cultural traditions
C.1: Utilize local language
C.5: Use cultural knowledge and state standards
Chapter 2—Dis: The Moon in Tlingit Culture • 9