The 2026 Seneca Language Summit was held at the Seneca Allegany Resort and Casino in Salamanca, NY from May 26th-27th. Seneca Language Teacher Support and Community Outreach (SLTSCO) brought together Seneca language learners, teachers, speakers, and community members from the Seneca Nation, Six Nations of the Grand River, and the Tonawanda Seneca Nation to build relationships and discuss hopes for the future. Breakout group conversations at the 2026 Seneca Language Summit centered on topics such as barriers to language learning, creating more community buy-in, hands-on engagement for beginners, incorporating cultural arts into language learning, and fostering healing through language reclamation.
All SLTSCO staff played a vital role in hosting the 2026 Seneca Language Summit. From coordinating and planning, to presenting and welcoming guests Ja:no’s—Janine Bowen; Director, Taylore Swain; Language Reclamation Coordinator, Gayë’jöh—Sherisse John; Online Learning Specialist, Niya’sgë:ö’— James Crane; Digital Media and Website Developer, and Community Outreach Educators Daëdzö:n—Jordan Ball, Dewata’se:’—Kelsey Lay, Döëdzae’—Vern “Duey” Longboat, Kiersten Kennedy worked together to make this summit a success. SLTSCO held their first summit last year. They chose a summit over a conference to center on problem-solving and networking. The purpose of the Seneca Language Summit is to engage in dialogue, acknowledge collective challenges, build solutions, and network.
Summit participants shared ideas, laughed together, and encouraged one another.
Seneca Nation Official Newsletter staff spoke with Taylore Swain, Language Reclamation Coordinator for (SLTSCO). She was asked why her program initiated the Seneca Language Summit and future goals for the program.
Taylore: The reason we have the summit is to get Seneca Language learners together, because many programs are scattered across multiple departments, buildings, and territories. Overall, we’re all here to learn the Seneca language and teach the language. We want the language out in the community, so we all have a role in carrying it on to next generation. It’s important to gather and get together. Many language-based programs have similar ambitions, but need to come together to plan, execute and share ideas based on curriculum, activities, and community involvement. Our goal is to help our learners and speakers who are already in Seneca Language programs.
I am pleasantly surprised by how many people came! I can’t believe so many people made the commitment to come share and learn Seneca language. I hope that next year we can get more community members involved. I know it’s intimidating, but this is for everyone. We had a Seneca language only room for advanced proficient speakers along with sessions that relate to beginners or people who don’t know the language. We want their feedback also. We want everyone’s feedback so that we can help our community learn.
Although it can be intimidating, it’s amazing to hear the language. We always aim to provide a welcoming atmosphere. Everyone who has spoken in Seneca here has translated. No one will leave you in the dust, confused or make you feel left out. Resources from all the Seneca Language departments were here on display. You can come here and know where to go, wherever you live and find Seneca language classes and education. Each Seneca Language department listed everything that they offer for all levels of learning. It is a good place to start with resources and education. You must start somewhere, please come and see what our Seneca Language Summit offers next year!
I’m still learning and picking up the language and I’m still very nervous about using it in front of everybody. I want to focus on using more Seneca language in front of everyone for next year, that’s my personal goal.
Why did you attend the 2026 Seneca Language Summit?
Jacky Snyder: I came today hoping to inspire somebody. We need Seneca Language Teachers in the local school system in Cattaraugus. Lakeshore High School does not have a Seneca Language teacher for grades K-12. Our community is fortunate to have so many people who can speak and it’s important to share the knowledge. It’s been 10 years since the inaugural Seneca Immersion program graduation and new classes have graduated in that time, but we are still short on teachers and instructors for school aged children. What can we do or fix to get Seneca Language learners to teach in school systems and community programs?
Michelle Miller: At after-school recreation at the Allegany Community Center, we have Faith Keeper School students that speak Seneca language regularly. I have one little girl that I’ve told her to not use English with me at all and it helps me use Seneca language more. I’m speaking more at home. It’s just like everybody’s been saying – “just use it!” If it’s a little bit, use what you have. I tell people that all the time, too. I feel like I can get the other 59 kids to start using a little bit or playing games. I wanted to get that fire under me to use, because listening to Damien, listening to everybody, I understand more than I give myself credit.
Seneca language programs and departments represented included: Agwadeyësta’ Do:gë:h, Deadiwënöhsnye’s Gëjóhgwa’, Ëyetinëtšinéhshö’ Immersed Learning Nest, Faithkeepers School, Honötaonih Hënödeyësdahgwa’ , Language Program at the Cattaraugus Education Department, Language Program at the Early Childhood Learning Center, Language Program at the Seneca Arts and Learning Center, Seneca Language Teacher Support and Community Outreach, and the Stanley Huff Heritage Center.
SLTSCO Resources:
Here is an app for learning useful words and phrases in the Seneca language (Onöndowa’ga:’ gawë:nö’)! Spread the word! Speakers and teachers, please contact James (Jimmy) Crane or Ja:no’s Bowen if you notice any errors. We will compile items needed for a future update.
For iPhones and iPads, look for Speak Seneca in the App Store:
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/speak-seneca/id1573140911
Android devices link HERE!
Kindle devices link HERE!
For more information visit https://senecalanguage.com/.
