Volcan Mountain Foundation

This Saturday, December 12th, at 10:30am, please join the Volcan Mountain Foundation and the Friends of the Julian Library as we welcome Michael Connolly Miskwish to speak on the Astronomy of the Kumeyaay Native Americans.

Explore how the Kumeyaay people utilized rock structures and constellations as tools to predict seasonal change and manage land resources. Mr. Miskwish will share his research on the astronomy of this fascinating people including the terms for celestial events, constellations, observatories and practical uses. He utilizes his degrees in economics and engineering to reintroduce traditional environmental management into modern land conservation.

Like almost every society, the Luiseno and Kumeyaay also watched the sky to determine the seasons and the best time to plant, harvest, gather or hunt different foods. Because the Earth is tilted, the sun is farther south in the sky in winter than summer, making winter days short and summer days long. They marked the winter solstice, the shortest day of the year, with the biggest celebration because the days begin to lengthen afterward, heralding spring. According to one member of the Kumeyaay tribe, "Winter solstice is a key element in most cultures because it's the turning point of the year, it's when new life comes back." This lecture and slide presentation were planned to be held near the Winter Solstice, adding educational value to the upcoming celebrations.

The library is located at 1850 Highway next to the High School. For more information, please contact the library at 760-765-0370 or VMF office at 760-765-2300