Wendy Gonyea, a Clan Mother of the Onondaga Nation, spoke to students about Native American life today and showed various items, including a two-row wampum belt. (Photo by JoAnn R. Walter)
The Owego Apalachin school district hosted an event on Oct. 27 called “Those Who Came Before Us: Archaeology at the Owego Apalachin School Campus” that featured findings of archaeological excavations by the Public Archaeology Facility (PAF) at Binghamton University.
The event, held in the Owego Elementary School (OES) auditorium, was presented to fourth and fifth grade students during the regular school day, and again to the community, which showcased a more extensive program during an evening session.
At the afternoon session for students, PAF project director, Andrea Zlotucha Kozub, focused her discussion on what archaeologists do, the process of finding and researching artifacts, and what was found on the Owego Apalachin School Campus.
To help students better understand, Kozub commented, “We’re not looking for dinosaur bones or gold, but looking for things that relate to people.”
Owego Elementary School students smell and touch braided sweet grass, which was shared at a presentation on Oct. 27.
Kozub described an example of an artifact, such as a stone that had been chipped to make a sharp point, and then explained to students that one use for the artifact would be a tool used for hunting.
Kozub shared an important point, “It’s not what you find; it is what you find out,” and added, “We’re doing this to save some of the past for future generations.”
Kozub pointed out to students that building new buildings following the flood of 2011 actually helped save some of the past found on the campus. Also, Kozub shared that interested students would be able to participate at an archaeology program next summer with details to be announced by the school.
Wendy Gonyea, a Clan Mother of the Onondaga Nation, spoke to students about Native American life today. Gonyea spoke of traditional customs and ceremonies and also showed students a slide show of her home, school, and community near Syracuse, N.Y.
Gonyea opened her discussion by telling students, “We are thankful for everything. The grasses, berries, all of the creatures like birds and deer, even the sun and moon, and the stars that show us the way in the evening.”
“Everything is vital to our way of life,” explained Gonyea.
Gonyea passed around items for students to view, such as a piece of braided sweet grass, considered a sacred plant.
Following the presentation, students were encouraged to ask questions.
The Owego Apalachin Central School District (OACSD) hired the PAF to examine the proposed elementary school construction area, which they excavated during 2012 and 2013. The artifacts that were found date the site to the period 4000 – 1500 B.C. The Owego Free Academy site, which dates to 1500 to 1000 B.C., was excavated by the PAF during the summer of 2015. More than 4,000 Native American artifacts were found on the maintenance facility parcel.
For additional information, visit the school website at oacsd.org or find them on Facebook or Twitter.
I think that this is facinating! Though I no longer live in the land of my youth, I am still deeply rooted in the history and culture of the region. Thanks to my mother Ann (Kunte) Wasneechak, who would take me to the Owego Museum, the original OFA, with pictures of the Native American Students, and to the Cemetery where Sa-sa-nah Loft is buried. As well as our Civil War Heroes lay in honored rows.
SHE taugh me about all the history of the area.
I believe that our children should have a greater appreciation of our history, the history of the region, our Nation, and the sacrifices men and women have made to make this Country Great.
Forder Apalachin resident. Retired Army Officer.