Repost from Silver Creek Central School District FB
On December 18th, the Seneca language high school students took a field trip to the Cattaraugus Area Office of the Aging AOA located on the Cattaraugus Reservation. Ms. Tahamont has been wanting to do a public service field trip to visit with the elders for awhile now and it finally worked out this year. Ms. Tahamont and AOA’s, Raven Lay worked together on setting everything up.
Ms. Tahamont’s Seneca 2, 3, 4 and Ms. Smith’s Seneca 1 classes worked on making beaded ornaments to give to the elders. The Seneca 1, 2 and 3 students shared some ësgänye songs and all of the students sang Jingle Bells in the Seneca language. The students worked really hard in preparation for this exchange. The elders also gave a gift they made, a Christmas tree with a candy cane in the middle. Fun was had by all playing Bingo, shuffleboard, card games, board games and playing pool.
The elders were very vibrant and lively and some even shared stories of their childhood and what it was like growing up. Tommy Stevens had even some of our quietest students engaged in the activites. One elder, Marky Jimerson, could be heard speaking Seneca and Japanese. He shared some language with a few of the students. We ended it by sharing lunch together. Even the bus driver Mr. G, came in and participated. The students were very receptive to this learning experience.
They all said they enjoyed the trip and wanted to come back again next year and stay a little longer. We look forward to making this an annual experience. Nya:wëh we:so’ to Raven and Beth Lay, the AOA staff and all of the elders for welcoming us in to their space and having a good time. #BKP #SCCARES
