On October 19, during this year’s NIEA convention in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Salamanca City Central School District won the NIEA William Demmert Cultural Freedom Award. This Award “recognizes and honors individuals and organizations, who have made significant contributions to the education of American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian people. Their leadership, passion, and dedication for improving education stand as a testimony to the power and potential of all Native students and serve to inspire new generations of educators.” https://www.niea.org/2023-niea-award-winners
Seneca Language teacher Rachael Wolfe, surrounded and supported by many Native American Service Providers from SCCSD, accepted the award on behalf of the district. Mrs. Wolfe spoke about the changes she has witnessed in the district as an alumni and Seneca Language teacher. From her early memories as a little girl in Seneca School when a small group of Onöndowa’ga students were brought to the basement once every 6 day cycle to learn Onöndowa’ga Gawë:nö, to today where Seneca language can be heard and seen throughout all the buildings and in many classrooms. She expressed her gratitude to the district for creating a place that provides social services, tutoring, counseling, and family liaisons to indigenous students. She mentioned that all students can take Seneca Language and Seneca History courses and will likely learn some indigenous history and culture in other classes while teachers and the Native American Curriculum Team work to integrate indigenous history and culture into all New York State curriculum.
Ja:göh Salamanca! Keep working to uphold the promise.