Preserving the Onyota’a:ká language
The complex Onyota’a:ká: (Oneida) language is flourishing. From audio posters found in Oneida gathering places, to the use of electronic books and smart phone apps, the Oneida Indian Nation Language Program implements a variety of techniques to help Oneidas regain the language.
The Oneida Indian Nation language program
Nation Members participate in intense language courses to ensure the survival of its indigenous language, Onyota’a:ká:, also part of the preschool curriculum at the Oneida Indian Nation Early Learning Center.
COLLABORATION ENHANCES LANGUAGE LEARNING
The Oneida Indian Nation Language program and Madison-Oneida BOCES (MOBOCES) are developing a curriculum and best practices to ensure all children at the Oneida Indian Nation Early Learning Center are learning the traditional language. With one-year of collaboration already behind them the staff at the Verona school is working on a plan to not only benefit the children, but include current Oneida language learners, teachers and ELC staff on how to bring Oneida to all.
ONYOTA’A:KÁ:
Oneida Indian Nation Member and Language Instructor Mary Blau (Turtle Clan) reads The Legend of How the Bear Lost His Tail in Oneida, which was recently illustrated and translated for a language learning book.
The new book is the first in a series produced in collaboration with Madison-Oneida BOCES.
Oneida Indian Nation published second children’s book to expand language preservation efforts
After the successful release of its first language book, The Legend of How the Bear Lost His Tail, the Oneida Indian Nation continues it’s language preservation efforts in partnership with Madison-Oneida BOCES.
The Robin Legend is entirely illustrated by Oneida Indian Nation Member Chelsea Jocko (Wolf Clan). It tells the story of how the Robin learned to fly again and how it got its red chest. Legends and storytelling are a significant aspect of Oneida culture, which continue to be handed down from generation to generation. Putting these largely oral stories into books will cement their legacies for generations to come. Chelsea is translating the Haudenosaunee legends “Thunder Boy” and “Spring Defeats Winter” while illustrating “How the Chipmunk Got Its Stripes.”
Projects like this are critically important to the Oneida Indian Nation’s vision of a thriving culture and community. These books will ensure the continued survival and preservation of Oneida heritage, language and culture for the next generations. Children’s books especially are a great resource for young students of all backgrounds to dive into other cultures apart from their own.
The Oneida YouTube channel
Learn from a variety of language videos on the Nation’s YouTube channel. See some examples below. The new book is the first in a series produced in collaboration with Madison-Oneida BOCES.
Learn more
Educational resources
A closer look at Haudenosaunee customs directly from Oneida Indian Nation Members.