Repost from Hayden Haynes
We’re excited to share the 3rd highlight of the ongoing photo series that honors the 8 Seneca women that are the Name-Holders for each of the 8 Seneca clans of Ohi:yo’, “Beautiful River” (a.k.a. Seneca-Allegany Territory). The title of the series is Howödihsënöwis (She names them).
Rhonda Brooks George b. July 16, 1957 in Gowanda, NY, is the Name-Holder for the Snipe Clan. According to Rhonda, her name is Awigë’oh (no meaning), she was told it was just a name. Her daughter Rae Lynn George’s name is Jowäno’ (something cold over there). They both received their names from Marilyn Schindler at the Newtown longhouse (on Seneca-Cattaraugus Territory). Rhonda is currently mentoring her daughter Rae Lynn on how to be a Snipe-Clan, Name-Holder. In 1978 Rhonda married Ramon George (deceased 1994), and she has resided in Ohi:yo’ since 1985.
“In the year of 1997, I was appointed by Head Women Faithkeeper Marilyn Cooper gëo’ (Turtle Clan) to care for the Hodi’nehsi:yo’ (They’re of the Snipe Clan). She handed to me a stack of orange index cards of the Buffalo Creek Snipe Clan names. I accepted with great honor.” -Rhonda
RESPONSIBILITY OF GIVING NAMES:
The Name-Holders provide names for newborns, and up to one (1) year.
Baby name-giving is held one day before Mid-winter ceremonies, and Green Corn ceremonies.
(Ëshadihsënö:ni’, “They will put back away”):
“When a Snipe Clan member passes the Name-Keeper will reclaim the name and “put it under the pillow” for one year, after which time the name will be available to reuse for another Snipe Clan member.
The protocol for a clan member that has been baptized, is that they must repent before receiving a clan name.”
-Rhonda
This is sometimes loosely referred to is “taking them out of the water”.
CHANGING A CLAN NAME:
“Pre-teens with a baby name, can change to adult names on the Drum Dance Day ceremony, during Mid-Winter ceremony, or during Green Corn ceremony. Adults needing a name can also receive one at this time. Recently, I have been mentoring my daughter Rae Lynn George to be familiar with name giving.
We:so’ Nya:wëh to two proficient Seneca language speakers. Jacky Snyder and Derise Waterman-Whitcomb who have taken the time to help with writings and translations of these clan names.
I encourage families of newborns to learn and teach them our traditions and cultural ways of life. Adults who receive names are also encouraged to learn, and understand the importance of keeping our membership strong. Ögwë’ö:weh (The Real People) is who we are.
My final thought is if you receive a clan name … VALUE IT! USE IT!”
-Rhonda George
Rhonda currently lives in Ohi:yo’ (Beautiful River, a.k.a. Seneca-Allegany Territory). She has four children Rae Lynn, Reggie, Rudi, and Robynn George, and has 20 grandchildren, and 4 great-grandchildren.
Hayden Haynes (Seneca, Deer Clan). Photos taken with SonyA7iv. Necklace: Carved by Hayden & assembled by Randee Spruce (Seneca, Heron Clan). Location: The Seneca Nation Onöhsagwë:de’ Cultural Center.Location selected by Rhonda George.
The text for post has been authorized by the Allegany Snipe Clan Name-Holder, Rhonda George.
Makers of Rhonda’s & Rae Lynn’s regalia are: Robynn George, Keona George, Melanie Abrams, Loni Powless, and Brian Stevens.
The project is supported by the Walker Youngbird Foundation.
