By Donald “Flip” White
Nya:wëh sgënö swagwegoh,
A question that we encounter from time to time, “How does Agwadeyësta’ Do:gë:h support Language revitalization?
Agwadeyësta’ Do:gë:h’s mission statement says, “to collaborate with and connect current Seneca language programs, align organizational partnerships, advocate effective language learning processes and stabilize learning environments to achieve a sustainable, seamless 20 year continuum of language learning.”
We are loaded with dedicated, passionate language talent and a long list of resources; lots of great people doing great things. Rest assured that progress is being made; more young parents are speaking Seneca to their children at home. If these children then interact with their peers in the language, over time a whole generation of young ones will have the ability to speak to each other in Seneca. That is significant progress! It is the hard work and model of these language teachers and activists that will hopefully influence more language use.
Agwadeyësta’ Do:gë:h hopes to assist and encourage the synchronizing of programs together with a collective goal and plan. Individual programs would retain their own objectives but it would be to our advantage if those goals support and contribute to a larger, agreed upon, collective goal. We are stronger together.
Nearly New, the retail branch of Agwadeyësta’ Do:gë:h provides assistance to FKS, a primary partner, but revenues have been used to fund scholarships for language training, certification scholarships for language teachers, the printing of language materials, and supporting our local artists and crafters.
The perpetual teacher training and their language development is crucial to the long-term success of any effort to reclaim our language. More language skills, more language use in the classroom and evolving teachings skills, not bad.
We often receive compliments and thanks for Nearly New and how its’ revenues are used to support our cause. But in taking a closer look, it is you, the community, who donates the merchandise, frequents the store and purchases merchandise. Agwadeyësta’ Do:gë:h is only the conduit. Merchandise is donated and repurposed, these donations serve and fill a community need, dollars generated stay in our community and all of this supports a most worthy cause; that’s a win-win-win-win! So to all of you, nya:wëh. This wouldn’t be possible without your kindness and generosity.
Here’s one for you. Recently, Ga:kwi:yo’ Farm donated the their old Sugar House and used equipment to FKS! That act of generosity is way beyond any of our expectations. FKS will be forever thankful!
Our Advisory Board is currently putting together a policy and process to respond to financial assistance requests for cultural and language projects. We will keep you tuned in.
A shout out goes to Angelina Cogley and Jeff Maybee who have recently become involved with Agwadeyësta’ Do:gë:h. Volunteers are what make our world go round, nya:wëh for all your help.
It is our hope this helps clarify the initial question posed at the beginning of this article. Thank you for your time and consideration.
