Seneca was one of the first Iroquoian languages to be documented by the French Jesuit missionaries, in the 17th century, along with the Wyandot (Huron) and Algonquin languages. It is still practised today in three communities in western New York State, but only by a handful of native speakers, which is why it is so urgent to preserve it.

In the 1980s, Esther Blueye, a cultural custodian of the Seneca community of Tonawanda, decided to document her language. Although she died before she could publish her work – a 1,000-page manuscript – Jamie Jacobs was able to take over this invaluable document. In association with the Rock Foundation, he put together a two-volume publication for teachers and language learners, to facilitate the transmission of this language. 

In his presentation, Jamie Jacobs will address the history of this language's documentation, its gradual decline, and the current efforts to ensure its survival.  He will also talk about the projects he is working on, which bring hope for the future of this language and the culture linked to it.