Oneida Nation documentarian to speak at Cazenovia College commencement on May 14

CAZENOVIA, N.Y. — Cazenovia College graduate Kandice Watson, a Wolf Clan member of the Oneida Indian Nation, will be the special guest speaker the college’s 197th commencement ceremony on May 14.

Watson earned her associate degree at Cazenovia in liberal studies in 1986. She has served as documentarian for the Oneida Nation since 2017.

In that role, her responsibilities include researching the Nation’s history and significant cultural events for posterity, as well as compiling data and providing historical context for Nation member communications. Through her research, Oneida Nation members are able to learn about and develop a direct connection to their past to ensure family histories are told from generation to generation.

Watson has worked for the Oneida Indian Nation in many roles since 1986, when she became a floor supervisor at the original bingo hall on Territory Road in Oneida, one of the Nation’s earliest businesses.

After her education at Cazenovia College, she went on to obtain a bachelor’s degree in mathematics at Utica University and then a master’s degree in teaching from Colgate University.

In 2000, after completing her teaching coursework, Watson was named director of education for the Oneida Nation, overseeing its library and Early Learning Center and the language, youth development, and scholarship programs.

Watson also served as the director of education and cultural outreach while managing the Shako:wi Cultural Center, where visitors can learn about Oneida Nation history.