Support Liv Bigtree's Kanien'kéha Language Journey

Liv Watyana’li:yo Bigtree is Onyota’a:ka (People of the Standing Stone), Turtle Clan, from Ioskóhare (Schoharie Valley). Bigtree’s Onkwehón:we name, Watyana’li:yo, translates to “She puts down a good track,” or “She puts down her good tracks.” Allowing and following her intuition is an innate part of who she is. She grew up in Onondaga, where she was raised by strong Onkwehón:we (Original Beings) women. As a young Onkwehón:we life-giver, she is an empowered member of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, passionate about cycle-breaking, healing, and rematriation. Her openness to inner and outer guidance led her pathway away from home and colonial systems. Shortly after the birth of Skywoman’s Forever Farm, Liv moved to Ioskóhare with the intention of devoting her time and energy into the rematriation of the ancestral lands of the Kanien’kehá:ka (Mohawk or People of the Flint). Over the course of the past 2 years, she’s poured her blood, sweat, tears, and love into the ever-evolving vision unfolding at Skywoman’s Forever Farm–co-creating a vision rooted in doing what is necessary to return to and embody our Original Instructions as Onkwehón:we (Original Beings). A core piece to manifesting this vision is to create a community that is fully immersed in Kanien’kéha (Mohawk Language).

The Wahianiióntha Tsi Iohonstiakán:ien (Hanging Fruits on the Old Land) Language Program began in April of 2024, though it is most definitely in its beginning stages. This past winter, Liv applied for a Kanien’kéha language immersion program, with an intention rooted in continuing to assist with the rematriation at Skywoman’s Forever Farm. For the academic year’s of 2024-2026, Liv will be a full-time student at the Ratiwennahní:rats Adult Immersion Program in Kahnawà:ke (a Kanien’kehá:ka Reserve in Quebec, CAN).

As it stands, Watyana’li:yo is an enrolled Oneida Nation member that is not receiving any Oneida Nation financial support for her language learning because the Oneida Indian Nation of NY doesn’t support students studying in so-called Canada. Being a full-time language immersion student comes with challenges. Being a full-time Kanien’kéha student comes with an additional set of challenges. Besides school supplies, Bigtree is responsible for her own room and board. She is doing what she can to secure the support needed to ensure her success in the Ratiwennahní:rats Program. This GoFundMe was created with the intention of securing much needed funds to assist her in her language journey over the course of the next 2 years.

Niá:wen Kowa (a grand thank you) to all who contribute to Liv’s journey. Your support contributes to Liv’s intentionality for thinking about our future generations, keeping a good mind, and to help ensure that Onkwehón:we (Original Beings) continue to keep their language alive.