The Oneida Indian Nation’s Shako:wi Cultural Center has become a landmark educational center showcasing several items of Oneida culture – from beadwork and cornhusk dolls to hand-made lacrosse sticks and historical artifacts. The Center invites not only the American Indian community to learn more about Oneida culture, but also the local community and visitors to the region as well.
Shako:wi welcomes school groups, local organizations and businesses to take part in the Cultural Outreach program. The program may include informational presentations, social dances, storytelling, craft classes and tours of Shako:wi. Presentations may also be given off site if a group cannot travel to Shako:wi.
Shako:wi recently hosted a group from the Arc of Madison Cortland for a day of crafts and sharing of Oneida and Haudenosaunee history, culture and traditions. During the visit, the guests received a tour of Shako:wi, enjoyed lunch outside and participated in a leather pouch making activity. The Center also set up an information booth at the Madison County Fair. On October 5, Shako:wi staff will be participating in a Story Walk at the Rogers Environmental Education Center in Sherburne, where guests will learn about the indigenous culture and listen to legends and lore inspired by the surrounding nature.
Schools and organizations that have recently participated in the Shako:wi Cultural Outreach program include Colgate University, Hamilton College, Cornell University, Utica College, Vernon Verona Sherrill, Canastota, Hamilton, Tecumseh, Rome, Fayetteville-Manlius elementary and High school, local Girl and Boy Scout groups, the Christian Women’s Society, Rome Historical Society, Oneida County Historical Society, Chenango County Historical Society, Fort Stanwix National Monument and more.
For more information regarding hours of operation or tour details at the Shako:wi Cultural Center, call 315-829-8801 or visit: https://www.oneidaindiannation.com/shakowiculturalcenter/
