Indigenous astronomies, explained Hilding, are "the astronomies and the knowledges of the peoples of the land." Astro-colonialism is a term used to describe these connections, he said.The origins of astro-colonialism, explained Hilding, stretch back in time. Hilding has been outspoken about the issue and about the need for Indigenous consent of telescopes and astronomy facilities on Indigenous lands. In the end, it's just a matter: of we have to respect Indigenous rights first and worry about thirty meter telescopes later. "In the end, it's just a matter of: we have to respect Indigenous rights first and worry about thirty meter telescopes later."

Source: CBC News January 08, 2021 17:20 UTC