The Oneida Nation Clans By Chantelle Kuchta This

The Oneida Nation Clans By: Chantelle Kuchta

This book is dedicated to my children Natané & Hyson. I hope you both grow to know about your culture. Kanolukhwá– I love you

The Oneida Nation Clans By: Chantelle Kuchta

The Oneida Nation is also known as The People of the Standing Stone. On¯yote>a=ká 1

The clans were created to make sure there was an equal amount of loyalty between Nations and equal responsibilities between families. 2

Can you guess which animal made each of these tracks? 3

Ohkwa=l$ Othahyu=n$ A>no=wál The 3 clans of the Oneida are the Wolf, Turtle and Bear. 4

Our clan identity is passed down through Onulhá– Mother 5

Clan mothers are the elder woman of each clan and are known as the counselors for their people, but have many different responsibilities. They are to listen and inform the Chiefs, as well as pick the new chiefs that will lead their people. 6

The characteristics for each clan come from years of listening to many elders tell stories about them, also known as our oral tradition. 7

Kutilyo’sh&ha Animals Kalutésh&ha Forest Our clans were established by our elders, on early mornings while they walked through the forest. What different kinds of animals do you see in this forest? 8

Members of the Wolf Clan are known to be leaders, and for being the great teachers. 9

They are Pathfinders and are to guide their community in the way the creator. 10

The turtle represents the Earth. In which comes from the Oneida Creation Story. 11

Members of the Turtle Clan are keepers of the information. They are also responsible for 12

The Bear Clan members are fair, strong and have courage. They have the knowledge of the medicine plants on earth. 13

They are keepers of the medicine and being healers, similar to doctors. They keep their friends and families well. 14

Glossary: Page 1: On¯yote>a=ká - Oneida ( Oh-nee-yo-de-ah-gah) Page 4: Othahyu=n$ –Wolf (Oh-ti-yon) Page 4: A>no=wál-Turtle (Ut-no-wal) Page 4: Ohkwa=l$- Bear (Oh-kwal) Page 5: Onulhá- Mother (Oh-noo-ha) Page 8: Kalutésh&ha- Forest (Ga-lun-den-sooha) Page 8: Kutilyo’sh&ha- Animals (Goon-dee-lee-yo-sooha)

References: http: //gradesix. mrpolsky. com/iroquoisconfederacy/clansystem. html https: //oneida-nsn. gov/our-ways/our-story/clan-systems/ https: //oneidalanguage. ca/oneida-culture/oneidalanguage-clans/

About the Author: Chantelle Kuchta I am a member of the Oneida Tribe, as well as Polish. I grew up in Green Bay, Wisconsin and did not grow up knowing too much about my Native American culture. It interested me when I was young in school, therefore as I grew older, I wanted to embrace my Native American side a bit more. I began going to a youth service in school that, assisted Native American students during their schooling. They also had an after school program, where we were able to learn about the Oneida culture. I currently work as a Librarian at the Oneida Community Library and get to teach children about the culture daily. I am still learning new things everyday about my Oneida culture. My goal is to allow my children to grow up, to know their culture and be proud to be who they are. I wrote this book to introduce children to the Oneida culture at a young age and allow an easy understanding of the importance of our clan concepts.