About the Program
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.
Why This Is Needed
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.
