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We are thrilled to finally release our first ever video podcast episode as we host our S2 Episode 10 guests: Teyolihwa:ke (Dominique) & Marsha Ireland who are Turtle Clan from Onyota’á:ka (Oneida Nation of the Thames) as they share their journey with OSL (Oneida Sign Language).
Join us for our first time on YouTube at: https://youtu.be/fTtYGXgz1WQ
Dominique Ireland is an Onyota’á:ka Deaf artist, cultural mediator, and consultant from the Oneida of the Thames Nation and a member of the Turtle Clan. Her Oneida name is Teyolihwa:ke. Deeply committed to her people, language, and culture, Dominique has been actively involved with the youth council of the Association of Iroquois and Allied Indians (AIAI). Trained as a cultural facilitator, she collaborates with Montréal Arts Interculturel (MAI), where she initially served as a consultant supporting accessibility for Deaf communities before beginning an internship in 2024 with the Department of Accessibility and Innovative Practices through the Conseil des arts de Montréal’s CultivART program, under the mentorship of Claudia Parent. Performing under the artist name Hazelique, she has presented work at events such as Sister in Motion, the International Day of the Deaf, the International Cohabiting Symposium of the Observatory of Cultural Mediations, and UQAM’s Rights, Citizenship and Disability Summer School. Her artistic practice in American Sign Language and Oneida Sign Language centers on the cultural significance of sign languages and reflects her lived experience and identity as a Deaf Oneida woman.
Marsha Ireland is a proud Deaf member of the Oneida Nation of the Thames and the Turtle Clan. Her Oneida name is Teyuhuhtakweku. She has dedicated her life to advocacy, education, and the wellbeing of future generations. Marsha is married to Max Ireland, a hearing member of the Bear Clan, and together they have five Deaf Oneida children and fourteen grandchildren, including two great‑granddaughters. She is the creator of Oneida Sign Language (OSL) and has worked tirelessly to revitalize and share the language across Turtle Island. Through presentations, community engagement, and educational work, she supports Deaf First Nations and raises awareness of Deaf Indigenous peoples’ lived experiences. Marsha has been invited to speak with and educate First Nations communities, including offering land acknowledgements and the Oneida Thanksgiving Address in Oneida Sign Language. Recognized by many as an Elder, she considers herself an advocate and educator, working to ensure a stronger, more inclusive future for generations to come.
Miigwech to Indigenous Screen Office for their support of this episode.
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Many people have reached out to ask where they can donate or support revitalization efforts. This link leads to our Link Tree which has a Patreon as well as "Buy me a Coffee" where you can donate to our families cause and initiatives we do to support learning in the home and across our communities. Miigwech