First Nations Turtle Calendar
First Nations
calendars are
lunar calendars.
This is logical
to peoples who
are closely
linked to
nature.
There are
thirteen moons
in a year. Each
nation has
different
names and
variations of
the thirteen
moons. The
moon cycles
differ from
year to year.
The pattern of scales on a turtles back establishes the
combination of numbers that define the lunar calendar cycle.
There are twenty-eight days that comprise the lunar cycle,
represented by the twenty-eight scales that surround the
edge. The thirteen moons of the lunar calendar are
represented by the thirteen larger scales in the center of
the shell.
Reference:
Ontario Native Literacy Coalition. (2010). Thirteen Moons Curriculum. Retrieved from
http://onlc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/13-Moon-curriculum2.pdf
Activities and Extensions
Look at a calendar of this year. Where are the
thirteen moon cycles? Do they align with the
months of the Gregorian Calendar that we use?
Look at a calendar of the previous or next year.
Are the thirteen moon cycles in the same places
as this year?
Fill in your own turtle calendar. The days of the
lunar cycle go on the outer smaller scales, and
the moons go on the larger scales in the center
Find our which nations traditional territory your
school is located on.
Find out what that nation calls each moon of the
year and put the names on your turtle calendar.
Study the phases of the moon. Add them to your
regular classroom Gregorian calendar.
Research other calendars that have been used by
different peoples around the world historically.
First Nations Turtle Calendar
Name: ______________