Blog

One of the great traditions of the Onondaga Nation School is Community Give.  It began in 1979 with an 8th grade class who wanted to do something for the elders in the community.  So the class made homemade food and crafts and went to their elders homes to deliver them.  It was such a success that more and more classes wanted to join in the fun. Now so many years later, it … [Read more...] about Community Give

I know that the last two entries have been about food but... The Kindergarten class advertised a bake sale at ONS for Valentines Day. When the Kindergarten teacher at ONS does bake sales, they are usually quite a sweet tooth feast. Today was no exception. Brownies, cupcakes, cakes, candied pretzels, cookies of all kinds, fresh popcorn and so many other sweets that I … [Read more...] about Bake Sale

Thursday was a Corn Soup Dinner at the Cookhouse. Onehogwa' or "Corn Soup" has been served up by the Onondaga forever. It is made from "white corn" which is a type of corn that is only grown among the Haudenosaunee communities. It is so important to us that it is serve it during our ceremonies. So when an invitation is sent out that there is going to be a Corn Soup dinner, … [Read more...] about Corn Soup Dinner

So the day finally came. I am no longer in by thirties but now ... 40! I really can't believe it. When I was an adolescent, I thought that 40 means that you like to watch 60 Minutes and The Lawrence Welk Show. Well I started watching the Lawrence Welk Show ages ago with my daughter but 60 Minutes still doesn't do it for me. But when I did wake up on my 40th I thought of … [Read more...] about The Big 4-0

Midwinter Ceremonies are here! We have been going to the Longhouse every day now for the past 18 days. Giving thanks to the Creator for the gifts that are given to us. These ceremonies that we've been going to have been a part of Haudenosaunee life forever. Getting ready is always the fun part in our family. When we go to Longhouse, we wear our Ongwehonwe or original … [Read more...] about Gia’weñoweñsgo·nah

Welcome to the new year of 2008! At Onondaga we welcome the New Year by visiting year other with shouts of "New Yea! New Yea!" This year was no different as my family and I got our warm clothes on and we headed out with our bags to visit our neighbors. No one remembers when this tradition began at Onondaga, but everyone has great memories of when they were out New … [Read more...] about New Yea!

The Onondaga Nation School celebrated the winter solstice on Friday, the last day of school before winter break. The kids were all very excited for all of the activities planned for them.  The classroom teachers had several different activities to celebrate the shortest day and the longest night including decorating the glass atrium. The kids, mine included, love these … [Read more...] about Solstice at ONS