The Cultural Outreach program developed by the Oneida Indian Nation is designed to give students from surrounding schools a way to learn about the Oneidas from the viewpoint of Oneidas.

The program is divided into two components: Culture/History and Education. When students arrive at the Nation, the group is divided into two groups. One group will stay at the Shako:wi Cultural Center, and the other group will go to the Oneida Indian Nation's Cookhouse.

Each component of the program lasts approximately one hour. After the hour at each location, the groups will switch locations so that each group receives the full impact of the program.

The Oneida Nation welcomes all school groups and businesses to take part of this unique program. If a group cannot travel to the Oneidas a presentation can be given on site.

To schedule a visit call 1-315-829-8801.

Culture and History

• This group will learn about the culture and history of the Nation through lecture and a tour of the center.

• Kandice Watson (Wolf Clan), director of Education and Cultural Relations, will have the children sit down for a discussion about several aspects of the Oneidas' lifestyle.

° Explanation of the Shako:wi Cultural Center log cabin design
° Explanation of the meaning of the word Shako:wi
° The joining together of the five original Nations will be discussed, as well as the Tuscarora's acceptance into the confederacy in 1722
° The Great Law of Peace is explained
° Lacrosse and it's meaning to Oneida people, why it is known as the Creator's Game
° Musical instruments of the Oneida Indian Nation
° Differences in the lifestyles of Oneidas before and after contact
° For hands-on learning, students will be able to hold a warclub, sweetgrass braid, birch bark rattles, and a large piece of birch bark, and they will also be able to try a full-size corn pounder

Education
• This component of the program is geared more toward teaching the students about the Nation through storytelling and activities.

° The students are taught how to make a cornhusk doll, and will learn the legend behind the doll's design
° A short Oneida language lesson is done where the children will learn the Oneida words for turtle, wolf, and bear, and how to count to five