Support the Return to Onʌyoteʔa·ká· Ways of Life

Tsi’twatahsáoha’ means “where it begins”

This program brings to life a vision shared by Oneida language speakers, Elders, and 13 Moons staff. It creates an immersive learning space where language, land, and family life reconnect, and where babies, youth, parents, and caregivers hear and speak the language every day.

This project is rooted in the idea that language grows best in a home environment, in daily tasks, in cooking together, and in the presence of Elders.

It is separate from our regular land-based programming, but deeply connected through shared teachings, cultural continuity, and intergenerational learning.

Your support strengthens land based learning, youth leadership, language revitalization, and community healing. Every contribution helps us:

Teach young people our language and songs

Rebuild relationships to land and water

Provide opportunities for youth to learn their roles and responsibilities

Create safe cultural spaces rooted in Oneida teachings

Offer programming that keeps our ways alive for future generations

With your contribution it helps with speaker honoraria, materials, food for cooking sessions, travel, childcare, and the creation of safe, home-like learning spaces.

Why It Matters - Endangered Language

With only nine first-language Oneida speakers left in the world, and just six who can teach, our work ensures that these teachings continue to live in our young people. When children know their name, their clan, and the responsibilities they carry, they walk in a good way and help heal the community. Strengthening them strengthens our nation from the inside out.

The Urgency of Revitalization

There are only nine remaining fluent Oneida speakers in the world. Only six are able to teach. They have shared their time and expertise, but finding long-term funding to support their work is challenging.

“How much did it cost the government to do away with my language? Put that dollar amount back into to it" - James Antone (Fluent Oneida speaker and teacher).

Language immersion is the only proven way to create fluent speakers. Research confirms that living and learning with speakers every day produces the strongest results for long-term fluency.