Learning Through the Music of Our People

Home , Oneida language, Voice of an Angel

An Oneida Language Resource

Written by: Darriene Martin Davis Jacobs

Singers: Joanne Shenondoah Lo•t^t Honyust Janice Ninham

Language translations by: Joanne Shenondoah Lo•t^t Honyust Janice Ninham

ISBN # 978-1-989431-06-1

Published by Turtle’s Back Publishing A division of the Ontario Native Literacy Coalition

This Employment Ontario project is funded by the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario and through the Canada-Ontario Job Fund Agreement.

The views expressed in the publication are the views of the Recipient and do not necessarily reflect those of the Province. “The Government of Ontario and its agencies are in no way bound by the recommendations contained in this document.”

LEARNING THROUGH THE MUSIC OF OUR PEOPLE

Acknowledgements

She:kon

Thank you to Heritage Canada, Aboriginals Peoples’ Program, Aboriginal Languages Initiative component.

This project has been made possible in part by the Government of Canada. Ce project a été rendu possible en partie grâce au gouvernement du Canada.

Indigenous language literacy and learning is an integral component of the ONLC programs as they are the foundation of Indigenous identity. This language song booklet is done in the Oneida language and includes three songs—a traditional song, a children’s song and a contemporary song, all used by the Lotinosho:ni .

I would like to first thank our summer students (2019), Darienne Martin and Davis Jacobs who worked together with a collaborative effort to organize, write and design this booklet. Thank you to our translators and singers, Joanne Shenondoah, Janice Ninham and Lotunt Honyust. Also thank you to Shane Powless of Thru the RedDoor.

This learning language song book has a cd that will accompany it.

Language learning is meant to be fun, enjoy!

Nia:wen, Michelle Davis, CEO ONLC

LEARNING THROUGH THE MUSIC OF OUR PEOPLE

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction ...... 4 The Forms of Music...... 6 Oneida Iroquois ...... 8 Moccasin Dance/Kayowa ...... 9 Jambalaya ...... 14 Instruments Used ...... 16 About The Singers ...... 18 About The Authors ...... 21 References ...... 23

3 LEARNING THROUGH THE MUSIC OF OUR PEOPLE INTRODUCTION By Darienne Martin Many Indigenous communities have their histories founded on the wisdom that has been passed down for generations. Our ancestors were able to pass down our culture, history, and spirituality through oral communication. The remarkable yet terrifying aspect of oral communication is the lack of written sources one can find. Due to this lack of written resources along with various other reasons, many communities were not able to maintain their languages and could not continue the cycle of passing on knowledge. Those communities that did maintain their languages thrive as they continue to teach the youth the importance of giving thanks, the meaning behind our traditional ceremonies, and continue to speak their native language.

The Ontario Native Literacy Coalition’s goal is to introduce the concept of indigenous language literacy to communities across Ontario. We do this in hopes to revitalize some of these languages so parents are able to teach their children. We accomplish this by attaching a CD within our books Learning Through the Music of Our People. This CD contains a children’s, traditional, and a contemporary song. Additionally, we write out the lyrics in both English and the native language. We have previously written these books 4 LEARNING THROUGH THE MUSIC OF OUR PEOPLE with the Mohawk, Cayuga, and Anishinaabe language. This year our focus is Onondaga, Oneida, and Cree.

There are many reasons as to why we incorporate songs in our books. One important reason is that there are various ways individuals learn. Online resources state that there are several types of learning. There’s “visual, aural, verbal, physical, logical, social, and solitary." (Learning-styles-online.com, 2018) We use five of these styles (visual, aural, verbal, social and solitary) so various types of learners can expand their knowledge. Another important reason is that singing is a healthy way to express oneself. When individuals sing, they release emotions that have been weighing on them. A journal article titled “A World of Music Through Community Singing” by Nick Page states that “Because at its core, singing is the vocalization of emotions, the sounding of the heart.” (pg. 73). This shows that singing releases emotions within one’s heart. This can help individuals get through tough times or to express their happiness. Page continues, “… For most societies joining together in song is central to its identity and being. And in most of these cultures, it is not a few who sing, everyone sings. It brings the people power: It unites them and connects them to their past, living traditions kept alive through this verb we call singing.” (pg. 73). This quote closely ties in with various indigenous communities. Singing brings the community

5 LEARNING THROUGH THE MUSIC OF OUR PEOPLE together, it is a way that we give thanks to the creator for the life around us.

In brief, these songbooks are meant to reunite indigenous peoples with their native language. We want to help guide those around us to rediscover their passion for the culture and to feel connected with those around them. We hope to inspire those around us and help the culture to thrive once again. FORMS OF MUSIC

Throughout the Lotinosho:ni culture there are multiple ways to use the language of song for different purposes. Song is used in Ceremony, and for socials where the purpose is to gather, dance and have fun, or contemporary songs mixing both mainstream and the language of the Mohawk together.

Ceremonial songs - Music is used for forms of healing and giving thanks, among other things. These songs were given to the Lotinosho:ni specifically for ceremonial purposes or medicine rituals and have been passed down through the generations. These ancient songs continue to be used throughout the Drawing by Russell Davis communities of the Lotinosho:ni territory.

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Social songs - These songs are used in the social aspect, in gatherings big and small that bring people together for the purpose of not only dancing and socializing but as well as to have fun and meet new people. Social songs consist of traditional songs used for many generations and of new songs composed and sung in Lotinosho:ni languages.

Children's songs - Children’s songs are used as amusement or to calm an infant or child and may have a learning message within the verses. Children's songs may be traditional songs passed from one generation to the next or they may be contemporary mainstream songs translated into Songs are often passed down Lotinosho:ni languages. Many of to younger generations these songs are used in the school setting and are an excellent recourse for learning traditional languages.

Contemporary songs – Contemporary songs are mainstream songs translated into Lotinosho:ni languages and are used to express culture through the new forms of music such as rap, blues, rock n roll, etc. It mixes both the language and different styles of music.

7 LEARNING THROUGH THE MUSIC OF OUR PEOPLE These different types of music involving the traditional language of the Lotinosho:ni are all used to express something, whether it be expressing thank you for a certain something, expressing your language through a new style or just having fun and dancing.

ONEIDA IROQUOIS Oneida Iroquois is a child’s lullaby that is composed by Joanne Shenandoah.

Sundow Sundow Ohwelas – Kunolounkwa Sleep, sleep my little baby – I love you Ne’tsi So’:tsi Sik sat dee – Konolounkwa You are a good child – I love you

Sundow Sundow Ohwelas – Kunolounkwa Sleep, sleep my little baby – I love you Sundow Sundow Ohwelas – Kunolounkwa Sleep, sleep my little baby – I love you

Ne’tsi So’:tsi Sik sat dee – Konolounkwa You are a good child – I love you

8 LEARNING THROUGH THE MUSIC OF OUR PEOPLE Ne’tsi So’:tsi Sik sat dee – Konolounkwa You are a good child – I love you Repeat (x2) Sundow Sundow Ohwelas – Kunolounkwa Sleep, sleep my little baby – I love you Ne’tsi So’:tsi Sik sat dee – Konolounkwa You are a good child – I love you

MOCCASIN DANCE Kayowa

Moccasin Dance (Kayowa) is a social dance song that is sung at Socials and Sings. It can be sung by two or more singers and the instruments used are a water drum and horn rattles. This song is sung for anyone, therefore, anyone could sing this song and anyone could dance this song. Singers will, at times, compose their own verses of songs that relate to their territory.

9 LEARNING THROUGH THE MUSIC OF OUR PEOPLE The following New Moccasin Dance songs was composed by Lotunt Honyust from The Oneida Nation of the Thames Territory. This New Moccasin Dance contains 1 vocal and 3 songs. Song #1

Kʌh nukwá This direction

Yetsyakawenú over there where she comes from

Né kwi né the one

khenolúhkwa’ I love her

Kayowe Kayowe Kayowe he ya

Kʌh nukwá This direction

Yetsyakawenú over there where she comes from

Né kwi né the one

khenolúhkwa’ I love her

Kayowe Kayowe Kayowe he ya

Kʌh nukwá This direction

10 LEARNING THROUGH THE MUSIC OF OUR PEOPLE Yetsyakawenú over there where she comes from

Né kwi né the one

khenolúhkwa’ I love her

Kayowe Kayowe Kayowe he ya

Kayowe Kayowe Kayowe he ya Song #2

S(e)watsyakʌ ́ You all try hard twatalo’shú we are all friends

Teswanúnyak you all dance

Kayowe Kayowe Kayowe he ya

S(e)watsyakʌ ́ You all try hard twatalo’shú we are all friends

Teswanúnyak you all dance

Kayowane Kayowane Kayowane Kayowane Kayowane

S(e)watsyakʌ ́ You all try hard

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twatalo’shú we are all friends

Teswanúnyak you all dance

Kayowane Kayowane Kayowane Kayowane

Song # 3 Kahnawáke’́ on the rapids

Kalihwíshn good messages/business

Ukwehuwé original human

tayutkwá ke’́ they would dance

Kayowane Kayowane

Kahnawáke’́ on the rapids

Kalihwíshn good messages/business

Ukwehuwé original human

tayutkwá ke’́ they would dance

Kayowane Kayowane Kayowane Kayowane

Kahnawáke’́ on the rapids

Kalihwíshn good messages/business

12 LEARNING THROUGH THE MUSIC OF OUR PEOPLE Ukwehuwé original human tayutkwá ke’́ they would dance

Kayowane Kayowane Kayowane Kayowane

Picture by Bill Powless

13 LEARNING THROUGH THE MUSIC OF OUR PEOPLE Jambalaya

Jambalaya is a song composed by Hank Williams Sr. in 1954. His song is translated and sung by Janice Ninham. She is a resident in Oneida of the Thames and a member of the Bear Clan. NɅki`wah Jo akahtaɅ́:ti me-oh-my-oh So long Jo I should go/leave Kethuwe yá:thà tho Kawyhuha`ku Pirogue I’m boating there in the river

LikstɅ́ha` Lukwe’ti:yó me-oh-my-oh My old man he’s a good man

Ayakyatu’ weskwá:te tho Kawyhuháku Two of us should go boating there in the river

Jambalaya Tsye`elo:lú wá:yat kɅ́tsi` Gumbo Jambalaya crayfish pie fish Gumbo

Né tsi`Ʌhitkn`sé:na` Ka`i:kń wahsuta:té because I will see him this night

KwahikɅ́ Ʌyakyatunhú:lɅ́ né:n LikstɅ́ha Really two of us will be happy the one my old man

14 LEARNING THROUGH THE MUSIC OF OUR PEOPLE Ayakyatu’ weskwá:te tho Kawyhuháku Two of us should go boating there in the river

Tsi’ tethutḱnyehse` Lonatu`weskwá:tu At the fairgrounds they are having a good time

Latikwekū Tho nú Lonatnutolyathe’ All of them that’s where they are playing

Yah ni tho te’yaknehse me-oh-my-oh not there two of us there

Ayakyatu’ weskwá:te tho Kawyhuháku Two of us should go boating there in the river

Jambalaya Tsye`elo:lú wá:yat kɅ́tsi` Gumbo Jambalaya crayfish pie fish Gumbo

Né tsi` Ʌhitkn`sé:na` Ka`i:kń wahsuta:té because I will see him this night

KwahikɅ́ Ʌyakyatunhú:lɅ́ né:n LikstɅ́ha Really two of us will be happy the one my old man

Ayakyatu’ weskwá:te tho Kawyhuháku Two of us should go boating there in the river

15 LEARNING THROUGH THE MUSIC OF OUR PEOPLE Repeat INSTRUMENTS USED Water Drum

The water drum is traditionally made from a wood base with a small hole and removable plug to easily add water to it. The top is covered by animal hide stretched over with a band around to hold it taught. A small amount of water is added to the drum and is tipped often to moisten the animal hide to maintain the tone and pitch when struck with a stick carved from hard wood. The water drum is used for ceremonial and social dances, the beat of the drum represents the beat of heart. Horn Rattle

The horn rattle was traditionally made from buffalo horns and have now been replaced with cow horns. The horn is cut into sections, the inside is shaved down and capped at each end with wood and a wood handle is inserted up through the bottom. The rattle can be filled with pebbles, corn or pellets for a clearer sound. Horn rattles can accompany water drums in both ceremonial and social settings.

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Turtle Rattle

The turtle rattle is used specifically for ceremony or medicine rituals. It is made from the entire shell of the snapping turtle with the legs, arms and insides removed. The head is stretched over splints and dried to create the handle. Inside are dried corn kernels to create a distinct sound for the rattle. Other Instruments Used

Other instruments that are used by the Lotinosho:ni to produce music are sticks made from the hickory tree and are struck by the singers sitting on the benches. Bark rattles have been used in the past and some dancers would tie deer hoof rattles around their ankles to create a jingling sound.

There are also some instruments that are used only in medicine rituals such as the gourd rattle, box turtle rattle and the flute, although the flute, in early times, was used to court a woman.

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ABOUT THE SINGERS

Joanne Shenandoah Joanne Shenandoah, PhD is one of Native America’s most celebrated musicians with 23 albums to her credit. She has been awarded a Grammy and over 40 other music awards. Cited as an ambassador of

peace and the voice of an angel, she Photo by Jane Feldman has performed at venues around the world including the White House, before his Holiness the Dalai Lama, The Vatican, The White House, Woodstock Madison Square Garden and more. Ms. Shenandoah is a member of the Wolf Clan, Oneida Nation, Haudenosaunee Confederacy. www.joanneshenandoah.com "Shenandoah has become the most critically acclaimed Native American Singer of her time." Associated Press "Tonight I have heard an angel" - Miquel Ruiz (The 4 Agreements). “Shenandoah actually has a deeper, more powerful voice than the Irish thrush Enya” - John Diliberto - Amazon.com

18 LEARNING THROUGH THE MUSIC OF OUR PEOPLE Lotunt Honyust Lo•t^t Honyust Wolf Clan Oneida Nation Has worked at Tsi' niyukwaliho•t^ Learning Centre since 1999 teaching language and culture. Member of Oneida Longhouse Singers, participating in Six Nations Sings. Enjoy traveling to other longhouses through the Confederacy for meetings and ceremonies. Also enjoyed playing and coaching lacrosse. Interested in 18th Century Iroquois Material Culture And tattoo traditions of the Iroquois.

Janice Ninham Janice Ninham is a mother of four, a member of the Bear Clan, and a part of the Oneida of the Thames nation. When she was five years old, she developed an interest in the Oneida language. She learned single words, but couldn’t write or think in the language. When she was twenty and her first child turned four years old, she decided to pick up the language again. She joined language nests, Oneida language groups, and learned about other Oneida speakers. At this time, they had over 100 speakers. She 19 LEARNING THROUGH THE MUSIC OF OUR PEOPLE enjoyed when she was around the speakers, but she wanted to understand what was being said and why. A few years ago, she joined a group of other Oneida language learners under the twatatí group. The group works on the revitalization of the language. From there, she has been able to write and think in Oneida. She encourages anyone interested in the language to take time to learn it because it can feed your spirit and it is something she will not let go of. Today, she is running programs to help teach children the importance of language. She translated and sang Jambalaya by Hank Williams. Yaw^

20 LEARNING THROUGH THE MUSIC OF OUR PEOPLE ABOUT THE AUTHORS Darienne Martin Darienne was raised in Ohsweken, Ontario, more commonly known as Six Nations of The Grand River Territory. She is a member of the Tuscarora Nation and Snipe Clan. In previous years, she has attended Jamieson Elementary, JC Hill and McKinnon Park Secondary School where she received her high school diploma in 2017. She is currently enrolled at the University of Western Ontario where she hopes to achieve her Bachelor of Arts for English. Her dream is to become a writer. She is known for winning the James Bartleman Indigenous Youth Creative Writing Award with her poetry in 2015, placing in the top ten for the Laurier Stedman Prize in 2018 and for playing goaltender for the Brantford Ice Cats for several years.

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Davis Jacobs Davis is an Oneida, Turtle Clan of the Six Nations Grand River Territory. He is 20 years old, a graduate of Hagersville Secondary High School and is a student at St. Lawrence College. Davis has been around the Mohawk language throughout his life and attended Kawenní:io/ Gawení:yo Private School, a Mohawk/Cayuga language immersion school, from grades JK to 8.

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References Haudenosaunee Confederacy, www.haudenosauneeconfederacy.com/ music.html. Accessed 3 Aug. 2017. Learning-styles-online.com. (2018). Overview of learning styles. [online] Available at: https:// www.learning-styles-online.com/overview/ [Accessed 3 Jul. 2018].

Page, Nick. “A WORLD OF MUSIC THROUGH COMMUNITY SINGING.” The Choral Journal, vol. 55, no. 2, 2014, pp. 73–75. JSTOR, JSTOR, www.jstor.org/stable/43917041.

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This workbook is intended to be used with the accompanying cd.

Graphic Designs by Davis Jacobs

Ontario Native Literacy Coalition

P.O. Box 550, 16 Sunrise Court, Suite 407, Ohsweken, ON N0A 1M0

Telephone: 519-445-1539 ~ Toll Free: 1-855-368-3072

[email protected] ~ www.onlc.ca