Skaˀnikú·lat is a 501(c)(3)
non-profit and Indigenous women-led organization rooted in the values of peace, strength, and a good mind.
We are focused on reclaiming the Oneida language and culture through education, outreach, and advocacy within three core areas of programming including:
Oneida language-medium education
Oneida cultural wellness
Oneida language and cultural resource development, outreach, and advocacy
What does Skaˀnikú·lat mean?
‘skaˀnikú·lat’ (pronounced ska-knee-goo-lat) translates “one mind” in the Oneida language and is a traditional, ancestral, historical, spiritual, and cultural value representing strength, a good mind, trust, safety, unity, peace, respect, responsibility, relationship, and reciprocity. It is said this principle was given to us by the Creator and to be used as a way for us to live within peace, balance, and harmony with one another, the environment, and all of Creation.
Skaˀnikú·lat, Inc. was founded in June 2023 and is an Indigenous women-led nonprofit organization based in the Oneida, Wisconsin. Skaˀnikú·lat is rooted in the values of peace, strength, and a healthy mind. We are dedicated to restoring community wellness through the revitalization of the Oneida language, culture, and traditional knowledge systems.
Our name, Skaˀnikú·lat—meaning "one mind" in the Oneida language—reflects our belief that true transformation happens when we move in alignment with each other, our ancestors, and the natural world under the context of respect, responsibility, and reciprocity. Rooted in the our original teachings and ways of being, our work uplifts Indigenous self-determination, sovereignty, collective care, and generational healing.
We lead initiatives that cultivate Oneida language proficiency, cultural leadership, and wellness. Our core programs include Teshakonatnʌtshotalhu (Oneida Language Medium School), and Shakotiwʌnakéhtskwas (adult immersion cohort program), along with various intergenerational community learning opportunities. We also create curriculum, digital content, and resources grounded in Oneida worldview.
Skaˀnikú·lat is not just an organization—it is a movement to rematriate knowledge, reclaim our voice, and reimagine futures guided by Indigenous excellence and brilliance.
Get Involved
Advocate - Advocate for Native language rights, funding, and policy
Spread the Word - Share our work with your networks
Connect - Volunteer and collaborate with us
Give - Donate to sustain our programs
Participate - engage in our programming, classes, workshops, and training opportunities