Diane L. Schenandoah

Oneida Nation Wolf Clan Faithkeeper,
Haudenosaunee Confederacy 

Diane is a faithkeeper of the Oneida Nation, Wolf Clan of the Six Nations Haudenosaunee Confederacy. She is also a sculptor, published author, singer, and Syracuse University’s first Honwadiyenawa’sek, meaning “the one who helps them.” Through the role, she creates spaces with students to help them enhance their emotional and spiritual wellness.

Raised on the Oneida Indian Territory, Diane was inspired by her artist mother, Maisie Schenadoah, who is a Wolf Clanmother of the Oneida people. She started her art career while attending the Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe, New Mexico, where she received her degree in Fine Arts/3D and Creative Writing. Although she had been an artist throughout her life, Diane became aware that one of her greatest gifts from the Creator was her ability to fashion clay and carve bone and stones into images that reflect her culture. As a Faithkeeeper for the Wolf Clan, the spiritul significance of her work is paramount. Diane also shares Haudenosaunee legends, moral lessons and the importance of the social, spiritual and emotional well being of her people through her art. As a mother of five children, much of her art work consists of mothers and babies.  

For many years, Diane has conducted workshops for the Oneida children, which include creative writing, sculpting and culture presentations. She is highly regarded in the Oneida community. Diane has served as a member of the New York State Foundation of the Arts as well as Board of Directors at the Rome Community Arts Council in Rome, New York.


Relevant Media


The Proven Sustainable Conversation Series is a fiscally sponsored project of the Center for Transformative Action, a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization. Any funding directed towards the Conversation Series will go towards production efforts to ensure the the recorded discussions are diligently captured and meaningfully distributed. This Conversation Series and website are not-for-profit and created with the intent of channeling support directly to the Peoples represented.

Previous
Previous

Dahr Jamail

Next
Next

Sheryll Durrant