Al George, elder singer of the Onöndowa’ga:’ (Seneca) Nation, shares his knowledge about the traditional social dances known as Earth Songs.

He tells about the importance of social dance, how he learned to sing, the importance of Seneca language, and the political importance of remembering Native language, ceremony, and song. He also sings songs from Old Moccasin Dance and Corn Dance (which on the Allegany territory is a social song, not ceremonial).

In conversation with Seneca singer and faithkeeper Bill Crouse, Sr., and musicologist Andrew Cashner, PhD

Recorded March 12, 2024, at the Seneca Nation Education Department, Ohi:yo’, Allegany Territory of the Seneca Nation (Salamanca, NY)

Video produced by Andrew Cashner for the project The Earth Songs of the Seneca Nation, supported by a Fellowship for Digital Publication from the National Endowment for the Humanities

https://www.senecasongs.earth

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