ABSTRACT

In a classroom at Miner Elementary School in western New York, 19 fi rst graders are clearing their desks in preparation for Ms. Jones’ Seneca language and culture class. Ms. Jones, a member of the Seneca Nation, enters-pushing her utility cart holding all the curriculum materials she needs to teach a lesson about the Seneca language and culture. Th e students turn at their desks to watch her entrance, punctuated by her singing a song to the tune and rhythm of the “Meow Mix” commercial song-all familiar sounds except that she is singing the song using Seneca words to describe the movements of a cat. Th e children sing along with her as she fl oats to the front of the classroom to post her language materials on the board. Th ey all sing the song twice and then they switch to London Bridge, also in Seneca. When they fi nish she turns around to face the students and greets them with Seneca words that translate to: “I am thankful that you are all well.”