Joining O’odham Young Women for a Night of Stargazing

3 June 2025

NSF NOIRLab staff who work at U.S. National Science Foundation Kitt Peak National Observatory, or participate in events on the Tohono O’odham Nation, joined the 6th Annual Wecij U’uwĭ Hemapai Young Women’s Gathering in May for a night of sharing stories, stargazing, and connecting astronomy to the Himdag, or O’odham way of life. 

The event’s mission is to “empower young O’odham women by reconnecting to their O’odham identity, with vision and guidance to stand strong in their strength, self love, and self respect.” Throughout the 4-day event, participants enjoyed wellness workshops, playing traditional games such as the women’s game Toka, making traditional clay ha’a (pottery) and more. 

NOIRLab staff were invited to join the event for an evening to engage and connect with young women ages 10 to 17 years old from the Nation. In return, the staff provided a stargazing experience for the participants, viewing objects such as Mars and star clusters. Participants also enjoyed an astronomy activity that connected the life cycle of a star to the Himdag.

This is the third year NOIRLab has been invited to participate. The staff who attended this year were Jacelle Ramon-Saubera, Sadie Carmen, Reynese Maldonado, Sara Logsdon, Alice Jacques, Laura Rogers and Lori Allen.

Kitt Peak National Observatory sits atop I’oligam Du’ag (Manzanita Shrub Mountain). Astronomers are honored to be permitted to conduct scientific research on the sacred mountain located in the homelands of the Schuk Toak District within the Tohono O’odham Nation. We honor their past, present, and future generations, who have lived here for time immemorial and will forever call this place home.

Contacts

Jacelle Ramon-Sauberan
Tohono O'odham Nation Education Development Liaison
NSF NOIRLab
Email: Jacelle.Ramon-Sauberan@noirlab.edu

Justine Schaen
Education Specialist
NSF NOIRLab
Email: Justine.Schaen@noirlab.edu