What does Eel Clan mean?
At Onondaga, you receive your clan and nation from your mother. So my mother and her mother and her mother were from the Onondaga Eel clan, so I am I. People are very proud of their clan.
What grades do you teach?
I used to teach special education classes, 6th grade, and then 2nd grade. The the past few years I have been the culture teacher at the school.
Do you have a pet?
We have a dog named Nala. When the pandemic started, my kids heard that a neighbor’s dog just had puppies, so they went to their house just to see the puppies. We were very surprised when they came back with a cute fluffy puppy.
What is your favorite sport?
My favorite sport is lacrosse. Before I could walk, I had my first lacrosse stick just like many other boys at the Onondaga Nation. I played throughout high school, college and after. When I met my wife, she introduced me to volleyball. Now I enjoy volleyball as well.
Do you live in a teepee?
The Onondaga never lived in teepees. Long ago, we lived in bark homes called Longhouses. But during the American Revolution, our longhouses were destroyed. Since then we now live in homes such as cabins, one story homes, two story homes.
What is your favorite author?
I grew up reading Sports Illustrated. So I love feeling like I was a part of the game. But today I love authors who make me think and feel. Zora Neale Hurston’s “Their Eyes Were Watching God” and “How to be Perfect” by Michael Schur come to mind.
