Paper 13094-47
Paper 13094-47
Astronomy’s relationship with the lands and communities of Maunakea
19 June 2024 • 12:10 - 12:30 Japan Standard Time | Room G403/404, North - 4F
Abstract
Astronomy is at a turning point in its history and in its relations with the Indigenous peoples who are the generational stewards of land where several of our main observatories are located. The controversy regarding the further development of astronomy facilities on Maunakea is probably the most significant and publicized conflict about the use of such land in the name of science. Thousands have stood in resistance, elders were arrested, and the community is divided. Astronomy’s access to one of its most emblematic sites is at risk. This situation challenges our professional practice, the projects we build on Indigenous lands, and our relationships with the people who live within these lands and with society in general. This paper attempts to share the perspective of the authors on the historical events, including the very recent past, through the lens of our understanding and opinions; to provide transparency, with humility, into our process of introspection and transformation; and to share our hopes and ambitions as leaders from Maunakea Observatories for the future of astronomy in Hawaiʻi, as advocated by the Astro2020 report.
Presenter
Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope Corp. (United States)
Jean-Gabriel Cuby is a senior astronomer working on instrumentation and galaxies and quasars at high time redshift. He was responsible for one of the first two instruments installed at ESO/VLT, worked for over 10 years on various instrument projects for the ESO/ELT project, was director of the Laboratoire dʻAstrophysique de Marseille (LAM), contributed to various aspects of ESA's Euclid mission and is now executive director of the Canada-France-Hawaiʻi Telescope.
Christine Matsuda leads community relations and transformation strategy for the Maunakea Observatories in Hawaiʻi. A decade of experience in issues management, crisis communications, community engagement and public relations continues to prove that the more challenging the issue, the more complex the misunderstandings probably are between the people involved. Christine has learned that listening, building commonality, and storytelling with authenticity are cornerstones of how we can advance as a community, together.