Oneida Indian Nation Homelands (January 6, 2022) – The Oneida Indian Nation announced today the release of its fourth Oneida language-learning children’s book, The Tale of Two Teams, based on the Haudenosaunee legend that teaches every living creature is significant and has a purpose.

The Tale of Two Teams is made available through the continued collaboration with Madison-Oneida BOCES. The book, written by the Oneida Indian Nation Language Program, is illustrated by William Burns (Lakota-Sioux), a graphic media artist working in the Oneida Indian Nation’s communications department.

In development for over a year, the new book utilizes a rebus format, which allows any person to pick up the book and learn specific Oneida words by the end of the story using pictures, color, and phonetics right in the middle of the sentences. The book features both the Oneida text and the full English translation.

“Preserving our language is a top priority for the Oneida Indian Nation and continuing this book series allows us to introduce the Oneida language to new generations of Oneida Indian Nation Members and their families, as well as to the broader community,” Oneida Indian Nation Representative Ray Halbritter said.

The Nation’s Language Department is committed to promoting and reinvigorating the Oneida language throughout the community. The magnificent artwork in The Tale of Two Teams will be entered for national awards as well, with hopes to reach a wider audience and to recognize illustrator William Burns. The book was also recorded by Nation Member Brooke Thomas (Wolf Clan) in English and by Language Instructor Mary Blau (Turtle Clan) in Oneida. (Click the highlighted links to be directed to each video.)

The partnership between Madison-Oneida BOCES and the Oneida Indian Nation has enabled the Nation to provide its Members with educational resources to introduce and amplify the language in the community so it can continue to be accessible.

FOR MEDIA USE: To download an image of the book cover, click HERE.

About the Oneida Indian Nation

The Oneida Indian Nation is a federally recognized Indian nation in Central New York. A founding member of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy (also known as the Six Nations or Iroquois Confederacy), the Oneida Indian Nation sided with the Americans in the Revolutionary War and was thanked by Congress and President George Washington for its loyalty and assistance. Today, the Oneida Indian Nation consists of about 1,000 enrolled Members, most of them living in Central New York. The Nation’s enterprises, which employ more than 4,750 people, include Turning Stone Resort Casino, YBR Casino & Sports Book, Point Place Casino, The Lake House at Sylvan Beach, Maple Leaf Markets, SāvOn Convenience stores, RV Park and three marinas. Proceeds from these enterprises are used to rebuild the Nation’s economic base and provide essential services, including housing, health care, and education incentives and programs, to its Members.

Media Contact:
Joel Barkin
315.361.8173
jbarkin@oneida-nation.org