Paper short abstract:

The Karoo region of South Africa is high & dry: ideal conditions for astronomy observations. The indigenous astronomy of the Karoo is disconnected from current astronomy activities. A re-connect effort is the Shared Sky Art Exhibition which highlighted indigenous art connected to the night sky.

Paper long abstract:

The Karoo region of South Africa is high & dry: ideal conditions for astronomy observations. Observatories in the region abound, but the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) is different in its size & restrictions. The region where the SKA is located is the traditional home of the |xam people. Their skylore includes names for celestial bodies, weather prediction using the moon, and stories connected to celestial bodies today that can be referenced against narratives collected over a century ago. There is a disconnect between indigenous astronomy of the Karoo and the 'high science' that takes place in the observatories. As well as a disconnect between local people's understanding of development in contrast to the reality of astronomy development projects. The restrictions are on access to the SKA site, the limiting of radio waves, and

SKA Africa has instituted various programs and activities to connect with the local community including providing school bursaries, funding science & math teachers, and building computer labs. Another effort is the Shared Sky Art Exhibition which highlights indigenous art connected to the night sky from South Africa and Australia (the SKA sister site). This presentation highlights the efforts to connect indigenous Karoo astronomy and the people living in the region to the Square Kilometre Array.