Blog

Whether we sat in a language class at the Nation school, or felt her constant presence at our Longhouse, maybe we went to her for guidance, or began a conversation with, “How do you say_ _ _?” We feel the loss of our elder Audrey Shenandoah. During an interview which aired on radio several years ago, I wrote this poem for her. The subject was ‘Women who had an influence in … [Read more...] about Audrey Shenandoah

When I look back on my life and reflect on the times that meant the most, that helped shape me as a person, and that gave me a much wider outlook on life, I can with little hesitation say that the Healing Journey and the people of Ruby, Alaska have had a profound effect on my life. The 2011 Healing Journey for me had a little bit of everything-excitement, danger, good friends … [Read more...] about Ojinoñ hya’ dade nyoñ – Underground veins of water

I was a little intimidated on this sunny Saturday morning, ‘warming up’ among serious runners from around our area. Sean Kirst was there, the Lyons sisters, and of course– Randy Hall.  I had been doing fast walks often and thought this was the one event I want to at least try, after all, my father was a marathon runner.   Once the race started, it didn’t take long for me to … [Read more...] about My “Fun Run”

Twice a year parents come to eat with their children at the Onondaga Nation School, Harvest and Spring Dinners. It’s quite an event. It’s more than a meal it is... … an impressive show of our children’s involvement in Harvest  and Spring Dinner, their fingerprints all over it.  They help the elders, serve food, fundraise money for their class trips, take pictures, clean-up, … [Read more...] about More than a Meal

A few years ago I was sitting in the Longhouse when it was announced that the new chancellor for Syracuse University was going to visit. I was very eager to hear what she wanted to say.  I knew that while at the University of Illinois, Chancellor Cantor worked to change their mascot- Chief Illini.  I was curious to hear her plans for Syracuse University. At the longhouse we … [Read more...] about Promise

My grandpa was larger than life. He was many things to many people. To our community he was a respected Chief who would share his knowledge of the ceremonies and the Onondaga language to those who wanted to learn.  He was Hall of Fame lacrosse player who loved the game.  He would go to every game he could from the men’s games to my high school games (even in the rain).  He … [Read more...] about Fishing with Grandpa

Nixtamalization is the process where corn is cooked in an alkaline solution (hard wood ash in our area) to break down the outer shell, or endosperm. This process comes from Mesoamerica. "Nextli” is a Nahuati word, spoken in Central Mexico, meaning ashes."Tamali" is maize dough. This process works on other grains as well. Not only does this process soften the food and make it … [Read more...] about Cooking with Ashes