Grandmother Moon in Seneca Culture

This family friendly talk will be live at Martz-Kohl Observatory and available online via Zoom. You are encouraged to come to the observatory to meet Ja:no’s (Janine) Bowen and to join in what could be a lively Q&A after her talk. Following the talk and Q&A, the observatory will offer tours, and weather permitting, attendees will have the opportunity to experience viewing through the observatory’s telescopes. Dress appropriately for outdoor weather as the observatory domes are not heated or cooled.

In Seneca culture, Grandmother Moon is a revered celestial being, a benevolent guardian who guides Earth’s inhabitants through the seasons and influences natural rhythms. Her consistent presence in the night sky serves as a powerful symbol of the interconnectedness of all living things and the enduring wisdom of generations past. Learn more about the myths and realities of Grandmother Moon with Ja:no’s (Janine) Bowen on August 20, 2025, at 7:30 p.m.

Ja:no, a member of the Beaver Clan of the Seneca Nation, has dedicated her career to revitalizing the Seneca language. In 2002, she began teaching Seneca language and culture to elementary and junior high school students on the Allegany Territory of the Seneca Nation. In 2007, at the request of the Allegany Education Director, Ja:no became a Seneca language instructor at Buffalo State College. In 2015, the Seneca Nation Chief of Staff encouraged her to take on the role of Allegany Language Director. She holds an Ed.M. from the Harvard University Graduate School of Education and an M.P.P. from the Harvard University Kennedy School of Government. In 2020, she embarked on a new journey in education by starting coursework for an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership. Her ultimate goal is to combine her expertise to support indigenous students in their journey to becoming successful individuals, equipped to overcome the unique challenges faced by Native peoples as they navigate the complexities of two worlds.

Ja:no’s Bowen observed a significant gap in understanding among her K-8 students while teaching Seneca language and culture. She noted, “Teaching Seneca language and culture to K-8 students, I quickly realized they had little understanding of the lunar cycle and the profound role the moon plays in our culture.” This realization prompted her to make a dedicated effort to track the Seneca moons and deepen her own comprehension of the lunar cycle.

 

Zoom Meeting

A non-member donation of $5.00 is appreciated but not required for presentations and events.  You can donate on our donation page. Thanks!

Time: August 20, 2025 at 7:30 PM, Eastern Time

Topic: Ja:no’s Janine Bowen
Meeting ID:  881 6700 2516
Passcode: program

Click the “One Clink Link” shown below. When prompted, click “open zoom.us” in the dialog shown by your browser. If you don’t see a dialog, click the blue “Launch Meeting” in the webpage.

One Click Link: Janine Bowen Zoom

Zoom URL: TBD – https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88167002516?pwd=FSuTbDnAJgmmwJHAaEkoyAkq3B1tyH.1

Manual dial-in: +1 646 558 8656
Meeting ID:    832 6581 6439
Passcode: 8130128

Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/knN1Q5yl2