Hebrew University of Jerusalem professor gives talk at ARI
Wayne Horowitz, professor of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, presented his research
linking ancient Babylonia with the Northern sky and local oral traditions at the Aurora Research
Institute (ARI) Thursday, Feb. 8.
Samantha McKay/NNSL photo
Horowitz’s presentation focused on the question of whether the Sumerians, also known as
ancient Mesopotamians, saw the Northern lights in 2100 B.C..
Horowitz argued the Sumerians saw the Aurora borealis. Specifically, Gudea, the ruler of
Lagash, saw the Northern lights more than 4,000 years ago, but did not know what he was
seeing.
Horowitz said some of his research in the Inuvik region is focused on collecting stories from
elders about their experiences and explanations of the Aurora borealis to get a better
understanding of the history of ancient Middle Eastern ideas about the Northern lights.
Horowitz has been visiting the Inuvik region since 2012 as part of his research into experiences
and oral traditions of the Aurora borealis, which he completes in partnership with the Gwich’in
Tribal Council.
Students on Ice scholarship applications due March 1
Scholarship applications for the 2018 Students on Ice (SOI) Arctic Expedition are due March 1.
Shirley Manh, one of the expedition managers, said this is the 18th annual expedition put on by
SOI in the eastern Arctic and western Greenland.
The expedition lasts two-and- a-half weeks and will take place from July 23 to Aug. 7. This year
125 students from all over the world will take part in the journey alongside staff and Arctic
experts.
Applicants from Northern communities such as Inuvik have the opportunity to participate in a
special pre-program that adds an additional two-and- a-half days to the expedition.
Manh said she hopes students are inspired and empowered to make positive change after
participating in the program.
“We hope that it will be an inspiring journey that changes something, anything, about their
perspective on the Arctic,” Manh said. “We hope it inspires them to become an Arctic
ambassador to represent a very unique and special place on the planet.”
Manh said the program aims to teach students about the Arctic from the perspective of people
who call the Arctic home.
“It is important to see the Arctic from the eyes of people who have always been there,” Manh
said.
Special Assembly postponed
The Gwich’in Tribal Council announced Monday, Feb. 12 that the Special Assembly on Self-
Government will be postponed.
The assembly was to be held in Fort McPherson Feb. 13 and 14.
“In respect of the Blake, Koe and Lennie families and the community of Fort McPherson,
leadership of the Gwich’in Tribal Council has decided to postpone the 2018 Special Assembly
on Self-Government,” the announcement reads.
According to a news release from the Yukon Coroner’s Service, a 22-year- old man was killed in
a two-vehicle collision Sunday, Feb. 11. The accident occurred on the Dempster highway near
Fort McPherson.
According to the announcement, the special assembly will be rescheduled for a later date.