Needs, Wants, and Collective Goals
We concluded our first annual Seneca language summit with an open, collaborative, group discussion on the following question: HOW CAN WE COLLECTIVELY IMPROVE OUR OVERALL LANGUAGE USE AND LEARNING AS A COMMUNITY?
The ideas & topics discussed were:
- Providing positive learning spaces for new learners and second language speakers – allowing one another to ‘be human’ around each other
- Advocating for more schoolteachers as well as for more language and culture in our youth in our community and schools
- Promoting traditionalism & experiencing the seasons
- Encouragement, support, and sharing amongst learners and teachers.
- Development of a Teacher Resource Hub
- Promoting Seneca-only speech spaces
- Development of a language house, coffee spots, group outings
- Take turns hosting language events such as luncheons, in-home studies, family fun nights, potlucks, cooking and meal sharing (all in language).
- Showing people how to effectively use our resources such as the dictionaries, Seneca language app and website, etc. for their learning
- What if: All Language programs under the same roof? -Is it practical? Where Would it be located? Who would it be funded by?
- More child-parent inclusive learning spaces & activities
- Time is not on our side
- Making effective use of our time with our elders
Bye Bye Allegany Language! They Officially Have a New Department Name
Hello Seneca Language Teacher Support and Community Outreach!
The mission of Seneca Language Teacher Support and Community Outreach (SLTSCO) is to provide Seneca language access to the community and professional learning opportunities, including certification support, to Seneca language instructors.
