Phyllis Bardeau facts for kids

Phyllis Eileen Williams Bardeau (born April 2, 1934 – died September 1, 2023) was a special person from the Seneca Nation. She was an author, a teacher, and someone who wrote dictionaries. She was famous for her important work with the Seneca language, especially creating Seneca language dictionaries.

Her Life and Work

Phyllis Bardeau was born on April 2, 1934. Her birthplace was the Allegany Indian Reservation in Cattaraugus County, New York. She grew up speaking the Seneca language. Her grandmother taught her on a farm in Coldspring, New York. Later, after she got married, she moved to the Cattaraugus Reservation.

Teaching the Seneca Language

In 1951, Phyllis Bardeau started teaching the Seneca language. First, she taught a class for adults. Then, she taught at the high school in Gowanda, New York. She loved helping others learn her language.

She went to the State University of New York at Buffalo. In 1994, she earned a master's degree there. She also became a teacher at the university. She created a plan for Seneca language classes. These classes started being offered in 2019.

Working on Dictionaries

Phyllis Bardeau worked hard to make the Seneca language easier to write. She helped to make the Seneca syllabary (a writing system) more standard. This means she helped make sure everyone wrote the language the same way.

She also worked with another expert, Wallace Chafe. They created an English–Seneca Dictionary together. This book helps people learn words in both languages.

Returning Home

In 1990, she moved back to the Allegany Reservation. There, she continued her important work. She wrote, researched, and kept records of the Seneca language. She also helped support programs that teach the Seneca language.

Phyllis Bardeau passed away on September 1, 2023. She was 89 years old. Her work helped keep the Seneca language alive for future generations.