Northern Lights

Students will:

• See the Northern Lights as the Dene see them: smell, sounds, movement, colour. (K-6)

• Know that the Dene belief is that the Northern Lights are a living force: unusual colours and patterns can indicate omens good and bad. The Lights can be made to dance or to go away. (K-6)

  • Dehcho: Red indicates war. Clapping, rubbing fingernails together or whistling can make the Lights dance.

  • Dogrib: They must not be whistled at. The Lights are attracted to the noise and movements of animals such as caribou herds and dog teams.

  • Sahtu: One is not supposed to whistle when the Northern Lights are low.

  • Lutsel K'e: They can bring danger to people. The Lights are related to fire and to people. They are sometimes referred to as caribou fire.

  • Sahtu: If you inhale the smell you won't live long.

• Know that when the Northern Lights are low they smell really bad and if you inhale, you can die.

• Know that it is a belief of the Dene that Northern Lights eat clouds, and therefore cause cold weather.

Experiences:

• Listen to elders' stories about the Lights and what they mean to the Dene. (K-6)

• Know the story about the five hunters in the Hay River area who died because the bells on their dog harnesses caused the Northern Lights to come really low. Even though they lay flat beside the sleds they still inhaled and they perished.

• Hear personal stories about the Northern Lights.

• Have students record when Northern Lights appear and the weather conditions under which they appear

Students will:

• Know that the Dene view the Northern Lights as things which have enabled the Dene to find their way and to hunt in the dark times. (K-3)

• Know that generally the dancing Northern Lights are viewed as beautiful and make the Dene happy about life. (K-3)

• Know that the Northern Lights act like moonlight and enable travel at night. (K-3)

Experiences:

• Exchange stories about what one sees and what one can do when the Northern Lights brighten the sky.

• Draw the Lights to relay the feelings created.
• Resources:
  • NWT Department of Education Information Bulletin for teachers
  • Yellowknife Films, movie titled Northern Lights