Skʌna Nʌyotyelʌhake’ (We will have Peace) Language Preservation Program

Like many Indigenous communities, Oneida Nation of the Thames in Ontario is facing a language crisis.

With only 23 fluent first-language speakers remaining – all over the age of 65 – the community knows that time is running out to pass down their language to the next generation. Most of these speakers are limited in their ability to serve as teachers, making it even more urgent to create a plan to preserve their language.

In response to this crisis, Oneida Nation is launching Skʌna Nʌyotyelʌhake’ (We will have Peace), a 52-week language program aimed at turning five community members into Oneida Language Protectors. Through an intensive, full-immersion curriculum, participants will work closely with two fluent speakers to learn the language in-depth and gain the skills to teach others. The goal is to ensure that these Language Protectors can carry the knowledge forward and become the next generation of teachers, helping to rebuild a strong language foundation within the community.

With support from the Indigenous Reconciliation Fund (IRF), the Oneida Nation will be able to provide part-time salaries for two language speakers who will serve as teachers for a full year. 

The dream of the Oneida Nation is to see their language spoken again by children, families, and future generations. By helping community members become Language Protectors, they can continue to be Onyota’a (Oneida) and make sure that their culture and identity will endure. The Oneida Nation is determined to preserve their language, just as their ancestors did before them, so that the love, strength, and resilience of their people will be felt for generations to come.

Diocese of London