aatotankiki myaamiaki (2024)

Tribal code

Ask Donna

What actually matters in this document.

Text

M I A M I

N A T I

N E W S

aatotankiki myaamiaki

Myaamia Publications – Vol. 18, No. 3, Win ter 2024-25 – Section A – News – Noošonke Siipionki Myaamionki

neehaapiikasiciki ‘the healing

threads of Myaamia Ribbonwork’

exhibit in the newly renovated

MHMA Gallery

Read more on 1B

MYAAMIAKI NEWS

HISTORY & CULTURE

COMMUNITY

MYAAMIA CENTER

neehaapiikasiciki ‘The heal- Tribal Member takes im- The Miami Awakening: A

3A ing Threads of Myaamia mersion trip through Okla- Linguist’s Perspective 2D

homa 2C

Ribbonwork...’ 1B

...Recapping the 2025 WinNeepwaantiinki: Stories from

ter Gathering 4A

Myaamia Revitalization 4D

‘Writing a new Winter Story’ 3B Seed between the lines! 3C

aacimwita akima

‘The Chief ’s Report’

EEMAMWICIKI

meehtohseeniwinki ašiihkionki ‘Living on the Land’ 1E

New Year’s Celebrations

Across Myaamionki 3E

Aatotankiki Myaamiaki - News, Vol. 18, No. 3, 2024-25

aatotankiki myaamiaki

MIAMI NATION NEWS is published by the Sovereign Miami Tribe of Okla-

The Chief’s Report

Stomp Dancing, Storytelling, and 4A

“The Healing Threads of Myaamia

Ribbonwork”: Recapping the 2025

Winter Gathering

This publication is printed in Stigler, Oklahoma by Stigler Printing. Publication

design and layout is done in-house by the Miami Nation Cultural Resources Office staff. Requests for special articles or publication of community information,

including births, deaths, marriages, family news, anniversaries, etc., are welcomed

and encouraged.

Submissions to the Myaamia

Heritage Review Committee

(MHRC)

Job Openings

Miami Nation Cultural Resources Office

P.O. Box 1326

Miami, OK 74355

918-541-1300

Email: mtocro@gmail.com

Editorial Staff:

Julie Olds, Joshua Sutterfield, Doug Peconge,

Meghan Dorey, Nate Poyfair, Jordan Poyfair,

Karen Baldwin, Bobbe Burke, Madalyn Richardson.

Submission Requirements:

Photos: Photos submitted electronically should be saved at a resolution of 300 dpi,

sized at standard 4x6 or larger, and saved in jpg, tif, or pdf formats.

Obituaries, Birth Announcements and other time sensitive submissions will be

amended to show past tense text unless the family submitting the information expressly requests the text remain unaltered.

Advertisements: Enrolled citizens of the Miami Nation who are business owners, artists or crafts persons, etc. are eligible to receive free ad space once per year.

Allotted ad size is 5” x 5” and should be sized at 300 dpi and saved as a jpg, tif or

pdf file. Ad layouts, or links to download such from your Dropbox or other cloud

storage site, should be emailed to mtocro@gmail.com.

MIAMI NATION ELECTED

OFFICIALS

MYAAMIA CITIZENS STAY

CONNECTED VIA INTERNET

Chief: Douglas Lankford

Second Chief: Dustin Olds

Secretary Treasurer: Donya Williams

1st Councilperson: Tera Hatley

2nd Councilperson: Scott Willard

Miami Nation Website,

www.miamination.com

MIAMI NATION HEADQUARTERS

Physical/Shipping Address:

3410 P Street NW

Miami, OK 74354

918-541-1300

Mailing Address:

P.O. Box 1326

Miami, OK 74355

Facebook:

“MYAAMIAKI Miami Tribe

of Oklahoma”

“Aatotankiki Myaamiaki”

Public Page, listed as “Miami Nation

Events”

MHMA Page, Listed as

“Myaamia Heritage Museum &

Archive”

TRIBAL CITIZEN IDENTIFICATION

AND ENROLLMENT CARDS

The Miami Tribe of Oklahoma Tribal Citizen/

Member Identification and Enrollment Card card

allows for the inclusion of a photograph of the

Enrolled Citizen/Member and also allows the

inclusion of a Myaamia name. Tribal citizens who

wish to obtain the new card should contact Tera

Hatley, Member Services Manager, at thatley@

miamination.com or by phone at 918-541-1324.

TRIBAL MEMBER ADDRESS UPDATES:

Contact Tera Hatley at thatley@miamination.com or by phone

918-541-1300.

Section A: News

homa for our enrolled citizens. Aatotankiki Myaamiaki is distributed by mail and

made available for download from the Miami Nation’s website. A single copy is

mailed free of charge to each tribal household. College students living away from

home may request a copy be mailed to their campus, or off-campus, address.

MYAAMIA PUBLICATIONS

Aatotankiki Myaamiaki - News, Vol. 18, No. 3, 2024-25

Section B: History & Culture

Renovated MHMA opens at

Winter Gathering with new

Ribbonwork exhibit

aacimwita akima

‘The Chief’s Report’

Akima Eecipoonkwia

Chief Douglas Lankford

Art and Sewing on Šaapohkaayoni 2B

Mended, at the First Americans

Museum

wiintanto wiintaakani ‘You read a 4B

book!’

Eewikiaani weehki aalhsoohkaani 6B

‘Writing a New Winter Story’

Community Resources

Section C: Community

Community is a common thread

for Brittainy Spitznagel

toopeeliyani‘You accomplished it!’

keešhtooyankwi ‘We make it!’

waanantakhšinka ‘Lying quietly’

peenaalinta ‘One who is born’

Tar Creek Apprenticeship

Program (TCAP) this summer!

Bobbe Burke: Oxford Citizen of

the Year & Years

Fires of Altadena

Seedswap traditions grow at CREO

Scholarships and Back-to-School

Funds

Section D: Myaamia Center

National Breath of Life Archival

Institute for Indigenous

Languages wins international

award for helping tribes keep their

languages alive

The Miami Awakening: A

Linguist’s Perspective

Reflections from the Association

of Tribal Archives, Libraries, and

Museums Conference

Neepwaantiinki: Stories from

Myaamia Revitalization

Myaamia Center receives $2.1

million grant from the Mellon

Foundation to expand National

Language Program for Indigenous

Communities

Section E: Eemamwaciki

Meehtohseeniwinki ašiihkionki

‘Living on the Land’

peepoonki!‘It’s wintertime!’

New Year’s Celebrations Across

Myaamionki

Cultural Corner

Eemamwiciki Events

aya, aya ceeki eeweemilakakoki – greetings

to all my relatives! Pipoonwi oowaaha noošonke siipionki– winter is here, and our Oklahoma

homeland, along with most of the midsection

of the country, is in the midst of a major winter storm. With brutal sub-zero windchill predictions, I am looking forward to spring. Though

this cold makes it hard to imagine the song of ciinkwia akookaki (the spring peepers), which we

typically begin hearing as early as mid-February

here in Oklahoma, let alone the coming of ciinkwia (thunder) in the spring storms.

This winter has been busy with travel. On

February 5th, Myaamia Center Director Daryl

Baldwin, Tribal Citizen Dr. Nichole Prescott, and

I traveled to Atlanta, GA, to meet with the Miami

University Foundation Board. Dr. Prescott is a

foundation board member, and together, we gave

a presentation on the significant relationship between the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma and Miami

University.

On February 7th, Miami University announced that the Myaamia Center had received

a $2.1 million grant from the Mellon Foundation

to expand the work of the National Breath of Life

(BOL) Archival Institute for Indigenous Languages. The institute is based in the Myaamia

Center and is co-directed by Myaamia Center Director Daryl Baldwin and Gabriela Pérez

Báez, associate professor of linguistics at the

University of Oregon. The institute supports Indigenous communities interested in using archival documentation to revitalize their languages.

The funding is the most significant external grant

received by the Myaamia Center to date.

On February 10th, I traveled with our elected Leaders to San Antonio, TX, for the quarterly

meeting of the Miami Nation Enterprises Board

of Directors held at Nations Cabinetry, a Miami

Tribe company. Following the meeting, we received a plant tour and learned about several innovations implemented in the facility, making it

safer and more productive.

On February 22nd, I traveled with our Cultural Resources Office team to the First Americans Museum (FAM) in Oklahoma City for a

special viewing of the exhibit “Mended: The

Language of Myaamia Ribbonwork.” The unique

exhibit tells the story of how garments once separated from the Myaamia people returned home

and have become a significant part of our revitalization journey. The exhibit is a partnership

between the FAM and our Myaamia Heritage

Museum & Archive. It will only be on display at

FAM until March 16th, and I highly encourage

those within driving distance to make the trip to

see the special objects on display. (See the article

on page …)

On February 23rd, I was overwhelmed to finally get to see the new exhibit in our recently

renovated Myaamia Heritage Museum (MHMA),

titled “neehaapiikasiciki: The Healing Threads

of Myaamia Ribbonwork.” I want to say to every Myaamia citizen, if you can travel home between now and July 2026 to see this exhibition,

do try to make the trip. Our MHMA team, with

MHMA Manager Meghan Dorey at the helm,

and MHMA Curator of Exhibitions Morgan

Lippert, have curated a tremendous exhibition

of Myaamia objects with Myaamia ribbonwork

from the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the

American Indian, and the Cranbrook Institute of

Science, and including Myaamia clothing and

objects from our own archived collection. This

is the first significant presentation of historic

Myaamia ribbonwork exhibited in Miami, OK

for our citizens. It has been carefully, and beautifully curated for our learning and enjoyment.

Pyaako – come and see! It will be worth your

effort in ways you cannot imagine. Mihši neewe

neehi mayaawi teepi to Meghan and the team –

many thanks and very well done!

Regarding the MHMA, Tribal citizens and

guests will immediately notice the major remodeling work throughout the first floor of our

museum building at 28 N. Main in Miami. Our

museum exhibition area is fully updated with

new flooring, lighting, and display cases, and

our Miami Nation Gift Shop was also remodeled

and updated. A new, large community room will

also be the exhibition area for our upcoming 4th

Bi-Annual Eugene V. Brown Memorial Art Show

opening in June 2025.

We celebrated our 28th annual Myaamia Winter Gathering events on January 24th and 25th

with lots of great food, storytelling, dancing, and

visiting. This year we took advantage of our new

Prairie Sun Event Center for some events, and

of course our Nation’s Council House, located

in our Oklahoma homeland, was filled to the

brim with citizens and guests for this favorite of

community events. Photos and information are

included in this edition.

On February 15th the Cultural Resources Offices hosted a gathering celebrating the beginning of the Myaamia New Year. CRO Cultural

Education Director Joshua Sutterfield, and other

CRO team members provided a great evening of

entertainment and cultural education. I truly enjoyed the Myaamia games, indoor putt-putt golf,

face painting, live band and pizza. We celebrate

our lunar new year each year. As marked in our

annual lunar calendar, our new year began on

February 1st.

The Tribe continues its hard work in Washington, D.C., to secure Congressional approval

of legislation permitting the Tribe to bring a land

claim for loss of historic tribal lands in southeast Illinois. Senator Markwayne Mullin, who

has been a staunch advocate for the Tribe in this

legislation for the past seven years, has agreed

to reintroduce the bill. The legislation grants jurisdiction to the Court of Federal Claims to consider and decide the Tribe’s claim. The Tribe has

many congressional bipartisan supporters on this

bill and hopes to see movement on the bill early

this session. We are committed to continuing our

hard work to get our day in Court.

As you may recall, the Miami Tribe has led

the efforts of the Tribes in Ottawa County to protect tribal interests during the Federal Energy

Regulatory Commission (FERC) relicensing of

the Pensacola Dam operated by the Grand River Dam Authority (GRDA) which has caused

chronic flooding in and around Miami on both

fee land and Tribal trust land.

Following a series of resounding victories

by the City before FERC, GRDA has appealed

FERC’s decisions in the City’s favor back to

the D.C. Circuit. The City contends GRDA has

failed to acquire necessary flowage rights on

land exceeding the limits of its existing flowage

easements by 13,000 acres in or around Miami

flooded by the Pensacola Project.

Those affected by this flooding have been

asked to submit PM&E’s or proposed measures

and plans to “protect, mitigate, and enhance”

operations – meaning things to balance the operations of the Dam in a way to minimize the

operations’ impact on those around it and the environment.

Well-developed PM&Es are vital to ensure

that the next license for the Pensacola dam accounts for the interests of Tribes and others affected by Dam operations. Both the City and the

Tribes are meeting to develop proposed PM&Es

for inclusion in the new license for the Pensacola

Project.

The Tribe continues its work to remodel former storage space in the back of its Headquarters

Building on P St. NW, into a new state-of-theart courtroom. Working with MacCo Builders,

a construction company out of Joplin, Missouri,

the new court space is nearly three-quarters complete. The new space includes a courtroom with

a jury box and a new Judge’s bench large enough

to sit three Appellate Justices for cases appealed

to the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma Appellate Court

- the Tribe’s final level of Tribal Court review.

The space will also house a Judge’s Chamber and

a jury deliberation room. The project is on hold

pending delivery of special-order materials such

as millwork, furniture, lighting, and other interior finishings. Exterior changes to the court space

include a new concrete parking pad and new signage on the road and near the building. We hope

to conclude construction, furnishings, and installation of new audio video recording systems and

security systems by the end of April 2025.

The Tribe’s District Court holds a criminal

docket twice a month and family court and civil dockets once a month, or more frequently as

needed. The Tribe holds trial dockets twice a

year in the fall and spring. The Tribe looks forward to using this new space in its work to exercise the Tribe’s inherent authority on its reservation lands.

We will soon begin planning our National Gathering Week events set for June 23 – 28,

2025. Per our Constitution, the annual meeting

of the Myaamia General Council will be held in

the Nation’s Council House in Miami, OK, on

Saturday, June 28th, 2025. National Gathering

Week is filled with cultural education programming, games, a community lacrosse game, and

our annual Miami Nation Pow Wow. This year,

all National Gathering Week events will be held

on the campus surrounding the Council House,

as we have outgrown the grounds at the Drake

House. Mark your calendars and make plans to

travel home for this week of Myaamia community events.

Nipwaahkaako – wishing you well,

Akima Eecipoonkwia – Chief Lankford

This Year’s Annual Meeting will be held June 28th, 2025

Aatotankiki Myaamiaki - News, Vol. 18, No. 3, 2024-25

Stomp Dancing, Storytelling, and “The

Healing Threads of Myaamia Ribbonwork”:

Recapping the 2025

Winter Gathering

Stella Beerman

Communications Specialist, Myaamia Center

The Myaamia community gathered in Noošonke Siipionki ‘Miami,

Oklahoma’ for the 28th annual Winter Gathering, January 23-25, 2025. This

is one of the major events hosted by the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma, bringing

together Myaamia people to celebrate culture and learn important updates

within the community.

The three-day event featured Myaamia Winter Storytelling, Stomp

Dancing, and the opening of “Neehaapiikasiciki: The Healing Threads of

Myaamia Ribbonwork” at the Myaamia Heritage Museum and Archive.

The weekend started with the museum’s opening reception of the “Neehaapiikasiciki: The Healing Threads of Myaamia Ribbonwork” exhibit.

Myaamia community members

were invited to view the pieces, discuss the exhibit with museum staff, and participate in a

community art project depicting

Myaamia ribbonwork patterns.

After the opening reception, around 70 guests from the

Myaamia Center and Miami University arrived in town for dinner with Tribal leadership at the

Prairie Sun Event Center. Since Entrance to the exhibit. Photo by Karen

2001, the gathering has served Baldwin, Miami Tribe of Oklahoma.

as a unique opportunity for the

Myaamia Center, the Tribe’s research center at Miami University, to invite Myaamia Heritage

students, colleagues, and respected guests from the university to

spend time in Miami, OK, and

participate in Myaamia cultural

activities with the community.

On Friday, community members and their guests met at Prairie Sun Event Center to visit, play Visitors work on the community art

Myaamia games, and eat lunch project. Photo by Karen Baldwin, Miami

after being welcomed by Akima Tribe of Oklahoma.

Lankford. After the meal, Meghan

Dorey, curator at the Myaamia

Heritage Museum and Archive,

presented the history and process

of bringing the new exhibit pieces

to the museum.

Meghan explained how many

pieces of Myaamia ribbonwork

were purchased by private collectors in the 19th and 20th centuries

from Myaamia families – only

community

members

to be stored in cardboard boxes, Myaamia

pushed to the back of attics, and enjoying the exhibit. Photo by

forgotten about entirely. Many of Jonathan Fox, Myaamia Center.

these families were facing financial hardships due to assimilationist policies such as forced removals and felt they had to sell their

cultural items to survive. Years

after these collectors passed, their

children found the pieces and sold

them to various museums and institutions. It was truly a special

experience to see these pieces

make their way back home to the

Community members enjoy a game

Myaamia community.

A highlight of the weekend’s of seenseewinki ‘bowl game.’ Photo

activities was listening to Aalh- by Jonathan Fox, Myaamia Center.

soohkaana ‘Winter Stories’ at the

Miami Tribe’s Council House on Friday night. These stories can only be

told in the wintertime, and often involve beings that are treated with special

respect by Myaamia people. Humans also show up in Winter Stories, but in

these stories, humans are not the only beings who can talk and cause meaningful change in the world.

There were eight stories told, including a new story told for the very

first time by Ciinkwia ‘Jarrid Baldwin.’ Keep an eye on future blog posts to

learn more about the process of creating this new story. We also heard two

new storytellers, Ahsapa ‘Jared Nally’ and Awansaapia ‘Elliot Baldwin’ tell

stories publicly to the community for the first time.

The next evening, Saturday, January 25th, the community gathered back

at the Council House for Stomp and Social Dances. The event opened with

a gourd dance before dinner was provided by the Miami Tribe. Stomp and

social dances began after dinner and carried on until after midnight. The

event was hosted by the Miami Tribe, but shakers and callers from different

Tribal nations, including the Wyandot, Shawnee, Seneca-Cayuga, Euchee,

Cherokee, and others joined us to lead their own songs and social dances.

Mihši neewe ‘thank you so much’ to everyone who joined us to participate

in these fun-filled dances!

Kara Strass, Myaamia storyteller, captivates the room with a story. Photo

by Doug Peconge, Miami Tribe of Oklahoma.

Aatotankiki Myaamiaki - News, Vol. 18, No. 3, 2024-25

MIAMI TRIBE OF OKLAHOMA

NATIONAL GATHERING WEEK EVENTS 2025

The 2025 Miami Tribe of Oklahoma National Gathering Week events are scheduled for June 25-28, in Miami, OK. Changes to this

schedule will be posted on the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma Facebook page at MYAAMIAKI Miami Tribe of Oklahoma (private members only

page), and website at www.miamination.com.

NOTICE: ONLY THE MIAMI NATION POW WOW IS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. ALL OTHER EVENTS LISTED ARE FOR MIAMI

TRIBE CITIZENS AND THEIR FAMILIES.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 25 RIBBONWORK KEYCHAINS WORKSHOP (Miami Tribe Community Event - not open to Public)

9:00 a.m. - 3 p.m. - Prairie Sun Event Center - 3411 P. Street NW, Miami, OK

Led by Myaamia citizen Tina Fox. Participants will craft a small, hand-sewn ribbon applique keychain. All materials provided. RSVP to Carrie Harter

at charter@miamination.com. Questions, contact Meghan Dorey at 918-541-7727. Watch for updates on the website at miamination.com or by

phone at 918-541-1300. All ages - must be able to hand-sew independently. Watch the Miami Tribe Facebook page and website for updates. Lunch

provided for attendees.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 25 SEENSEEWINKI ‘BOWL GAME’ MAKING WORKSHOP (Miami Tribe Community Event - not open to

Public)

9:00 a.m. - 3 p.m. - Ethel Miller Moore Cultural Education Center - 5944 S 520 Rd. - Miami, OK

Led by Myaamia citizen Jody Gamble. Participants will create a complete bowl game set to take home and learn to play seenseewinki (plum stone

game). All materials provided. RSVP to Carrie Harter at charter@miamination.com. Questions, contact Meghan Dorey at 918-541-7727. Watch for

updates on the website at miamination.com or by phone at 918-541-1300. All ages. Youth 13 and under must be accompanied by adult. Watch the

Miami Tribe Facebook page and website for updates. Lunch provided for attendees.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 25 OPEN HOUSE - EUGENE V. BROWN MEMORIAL ART SHOW

5:00 p.m. - Myaamia Heritage Museum - 28 N. Main Street - Miami, OK

See Show Announcement in Tribal Newspaper, on Facebook at MYAAMIAKI Miami Tribe of Oklahoma, and in the announcements on the website

at miamination.com. Light refreshments provided. Contact Meghan Dorey at 918-541-7727. Watch for updates on the website at miamination.com

and on Facebook.

THURSDAY, JUNE 26 MYAAMIA FAMILY DAY (Games & Dancing) (Miami Tribe Community Event - not open to Public)

All activities to be held on grounds surrounding Miami Nation Council House - 54515 East 65 Road, Miami, OK

Events: ARCHERY - LACROSSE - TOMAHAWK THROW

Myaamia Community Stomp Dance - Sunset

Events begin at 10:30 a.m. and last all day and into the evening. There are events scheduled for adults and children. Lunch and dinner will be

provided. Bring lawn chairs, hats, sunscreen, and bug spray. Games contact: Scott Willard 417-317-3465 swillard@miamination.com. General contact:

Joshua Sutterfield 918-325-0107 jsutterfield@miamination.com.

10:30 a.m. - Beginner Archery Training: Conducted by certified instructors. Open to beginners and novice shooters. Youth Fun Shoot:

Open to children. Non-competitive shoot for fun and to instill proper form and safety skills.

Noon - Lunch

Participants during a stomp dance at the 2025 Myaamia Winter Gathering.

Photo by Karen Baldwin, Miami Tribe of Oklahoma.

1:30 p.m. - ARCHERY COMPETITIONS BEGIN

Novice Challenge: Open to inexperienced shooters. Participants will use equipment provided by the Cultural Resources Office to participate on

an even playing field with other shooters. Awards will be given. One practice round followed by scoring round with shoot offs for ties.

Recurve Challenge: Experienced archers challenge each other’s skills with personally owned recurve bows from a greater distance. ONLY

RECURVE BOWS welcome for this event. Awards will be given. One practice round followed by a scoring round with shoot off for ties. (Shooters

without bows can participate but will use equipment provided by the Cultural Resources Office).

Maamišaahkwaaheetaawi - Lacrosse Shootout: Occurs after Archery Challenge is completed. Awards given for best score out of five

shots at goal in two categories: contemporary stick and traditional myaamia pakitahaakani.

Tomahawk Throw: Non-competition - test your throwing skills. Instruction will be provided. Open to 18 and over for safety reasons. Throwing

open all afternoon in a safe area but only when supervising personnel are present.

Akima

Lankford

welcomes Young

Myaamiaki

‘Myaamia

community members and guests to people’ look forward to hearing

the Winter Gathering event. Photo Winter Stories. Photo by Jonathan

by Jonathan Fox, Myaamia Center.

Fox, Myaamia Center.

6 p.m. - Dinner - Stomp Dance begins at sunset inside dance arena

FRIDAY, JUNE 27 CULTURAL EDUCATION DAY (Miami Tribe Community Event - not open to Public)

Events: COMMUNITY BREAKFAST - LACROSSE GAME - LUNCH - PRESENTATIONS

8:30 a.m. Breakfast at Myaamia Community Center/Dining Hall - 54535 East 65 Road, Miami, OK.

Breakfast at the Myaamia Community Center followed by the community lacrosse game on the game field behind the Cultural

Resources Center. If you have your own pakitahaakani/Myaamia lacrosse stick please bring it, if not we will have sticks on hand

(only traditional sticks will be used for the game.)

10:30 a.m. Community Lacrosse Game on the Myaamia game field - 54505 East 65 Road, Miami, OK.

Pakitahaakani/traditional lacrosse sticks provided, or bring your own.

NOON Lunch at Prairie Sun Event Center - 3411 P. Street NW, Miami, OK.

Lunch will be served after the game in the cool of the new Prairie Sun Event Center located across from Tribal Headquarters at

3411 P. Street. After lunch we will have cultural presentations, and hand out t-shirts to those present.

1:30 p.m. Cultural Presentation followed by t-shirt distribution.

FRIDAY, JUNE 27 24th ANNUAL MIAMI NATION POW WOW - June 27th & 28th

Location: Miami Nation Dance Grounds - 54515 East 65 Road, Miami, OK.

(Located behind the Myaamia Council House)

Contacts: Julie Olds 918-541-3131, jolds@miamination.com and Tera Hatley 918-919-1444, thatley@miamination.com

(Public Event - SEE POW WOW FLIER ON FACEBOOK AT MIAMI NATION EVENTS)

Community members and invited guests prepare to stomp dance in their

ribbon skirts and shirts. Photo by Karen Baldwin, Miami Tribe of Oklahoma.

SATURDAY, JUNE 28 ANNUAL MIAMI NATION GENERAL COUNCIL MEETING

(Miami Tribe Citizens and their Families - not open to the Public)

Location: Myaamia Council House - 54515 East 65 Road, Miami, OK

7:00 a.m. Breakfast will be served at the Myaamia Community Center/Dining Hall

9: 00 a.m. Annual Meeting of the General Council begins promptly at 9 a.m. in the Council House. Miami citizens enter through the doors on

the east side of the building for registration.

Lunch:

Prairie Sun Event Center following close of the meeting - 3411 P. Street NW, Miami, OK.

*Annual Meeting Contacts: Donya Williams 918-541-7274, dwilliams@miamination.com and Tera Hatley 918-919-1444, thatley@miamination.com

Final evening - 24th ANNUAL MIAMI NATION POW WOW (See Pow Wow Flier on FaceBook at Miami Nation Events)

(Public Event - SEE POW WOW FLIER ON FACEBOOK AT MIAMI NATION EVENTS)

IN THE EVENT OF INCLEMENT/THREATENING WEATHER THE CONTACT FOR TRIBAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT IS MIKE

BROWN - Cell: 918-919-1979 Email: mbrown@mn-e.com

NOTE: PLEASE FOLLOW MIAMI NATION EVENTS ON FACEBOOK, AND THE HOMEPAGE AT WWW.MIAMINATION.COM

LODGING INFORMATION FOR MIAMI, OK

Myaamia Heritage students (left to right) Mia Bowles, Mia Hankenson,

and Savannah Strack enjoy the stomp dance. Photo by Karen Baldwin, Miami

Tribe of Oklahoma.

To book a cabin in the Tribe’s Four Wings Park,

contact Tera Hatley at 918-541-1300,

or by email at thatley@miamination.com

BUFFALO RUN HOTEL - 8414 S. 580 Road, Miami, OK - Phone: 918-542-2900

DAYS INN - 2120 East Steve Owens Blvd., Miami, OK - Phone: 888-942-6215

HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS - 509 Hendley Avenue, Miami, OK - Phone: 918-542-7424

HAMPTON INN - 115 S. Deacon Turner Road, Miami, OK - Phone: 918-541-1500 First come, first booked! Note: No repeat guests from last year

MICRO-TEL - 2015 E. Steve Owens Blvd., Miami, OK - Phone: 918-540-3333

- if you stayed in a cabin last year you are not eligible to book again

this year. We want to make sure others have an opportunity to stay.

Aatotankiki Myaamiaki - News, Vol. 18, No. 3, 2024-25

Opening soon:

Reopened: The Miami Nation Gift Shop

Staff Article

Prairie Sky Market

Last fall, the Miami Nation Giftshop tempoDustin Olds

rarily closed for renovations while the Myaamia

Second Chief, Natural Resources Officer (NRO) Heritage Museum was also undergoing renovations. The space is now expanded to include the

aya! ‘Hello!’ Allow us to introduce Prairie entire area in front of the gallery and reception

Sky Market On The Mother Road. A place like spaces.

none other. A place for Myaamia families and

They also have new merchandise! So be

our neighbors to eat and cook well. And, a place sure to check them out online at myaamiagifts.

to provide a warm Indian Country welcome to square.site or in-store Monday through Friday New expansion of the Miami Nation Gift Shop.

Photo by Kayla Haskins, Miami Tribe of Oklahoma.

people from all over the world who crave the 9am-5pm.

freedom of traveling Route 66.

Come enjoy our deli, which will feature hot

and cold sandwiches, smoked meats, soups, and

some delicious surprises. Try unique treats and

meals ready to take home and warm up.

This market is an integral part of an ambitious generational effort to promote food security on many fronts—local food production and

processing, opportunities for local producers,

relationships that bring the best of other regions to us, independent families strengthening

independent local supply chains, and food that

RENNOVATED & REOPENED

tastes and nourishes as it should because it is

fresh and real. Step by step, we hope you support us in this endeavor. In return, we will strive

Order by phone (918) 544-6049, online at www.myaamiagifts.square.site,

to provide you great service, delicious food, and

or in our newly renovated storefront at 28 N. Main, Miami, OK, M-F 9am-5pm.

an uplifting place to visit.

Our Native roots run deep, and we celebrate

the perseverance which has this all possible by

bringing you products made by not only us but

other tribes. Prepare to be amazed by the vast

array of great foods made by indigenous nations

who are flourishing in this century by offering

the world traditional products with contemporary elements. We warmly welcome all to try

foods which have long been mainstays in our

tribal communities.

Please check Prairie Sky Market on Facebook regularly for updates and additional information. We will be open soon, and can’t wait to

see everyone!

the

LOCAL

NOW OPEN!

CALL US AT 918-541-1400

Aatotankiki Myaamiaki - News, Vol. 18, No. 3, 2024-25

Submissions to the Myaamia Heritage Review Committee (MHRC)

Miami Tribe of Oklahoma

Official Announcement

The mission of the Myaamia Heritage Review Committee is to provide feedback to organizations or individuals publishing or disseminating historical or cultural information about

the Miami Tribe to protect the sovereign Miami

Tribe of Oklahoma and all Tribal citizens from

the harmful impact of misinformation.

The creation of the Myaamia Heritage Review Committee (MHRC) has made available

a committee of nine appointed individuals consisting of tribal citizens, Miami Tribe of Oklahoma employees, educators, and scholars. The

primary focus of the Committee is to review

and provide feedback for all publications and

other dissemination of information from Tribal

and non-Tribal individuals, entities, and organizations producing publications or media containing information about the Miami Tribe and

its history, culture, language, or citizens. This

process will require them to submit their work

for a thorough review by the Committee to re-

ceive any official comment or approval from

the Tribe before publication.

The Committee’s secondary focus is reviewing existing publications and media containing

information on the Miami Tribe’s history, culture, and language. Information regarding the

accuracy of the content in these published works

will be provided to the community through the

Nation’s news publications, websites, community blogs, social media accounts, or at community gatherings to protect the sovereign Miami

Tribe of Oklahoma and all Tribal Citizens from

the harmful impact of misinformation.

To request a review, please fill out the request

form found at miamination.com/myaamia-heritage-review-committee/ and return via email to

mtomhrc@miamination.com

MHRC

MYAAAMI A H E R I TAGE R E VI E W C O MMI T T E E

Directions for submission:

1. Fill out and submit the form to

mtomhrc@miamination.com

2. Please include, if possible, entire file

materials required for a comprehensive

review through secure methods of sharing

3. Please wait for a return contact from

mtomhrc@miamination.com with further

instructions and an estimated time frame

for review.

4. Please note that review times may vary

greatly depending on demand and size of

projects. Any published materials that have

not completed the review process will not be

considered officially reviewed by the MTO

MHRC or the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma.

5. Until the review process is complete,

no submitted materials are considered

reviewed with the voice of the Miami Tribe

of Oklahoma, and any and all recognitions

and acknowledgments in disseminated

materials are considered invalid. If

you have any questions, please contact

mtomhrc@miamination.com

MTO continues to make progress on MTOPD swears in

courtroom remodel

new officer

Miami Tribe of Oklahoma

MTO Police Department

The Miami Tribe of Oklahoma continues to

remodel the former storage space in its headquarters building into a new, larger, state-of-theart courtroom. The new District Court space features a large judge’s bench, witness stand, juror

box, jury deliberation room, and judge’s chambers. The latest audio-video recording equipment MTO courtroom remodel. Photo by Madalyn

Richardson, Miami Tribe of Oklahoma.

and all new furniture will be installed.

Outside the court entryway, MacCo Builders,

the Tribe’s general contractor, will construct an

attractive canopy to protect against inclement

weather. A new concrete parking area for court

visitors has also been completed. The area outside will be finished with landscaping, lighting,

and new signage. The project should be completed in late May or early June.

The Tribe received funding for this project

through a Department of Justice Coordinated

Tribal Assistance Solicitation (CTAS) Grant.

Miami Tribal Police Officer Corey Miller

#903 was sworn in for duty February 27th by

Judge Scott Goode. Corey will be attending the

CLEET academy April 1st - July 18th. We are

glas to have him joining our force.

Official Announcement

MTO Officer Corey Miller being sworn in by

Judge Scott Goode. Photo by Whitney Johnston,

MTO courtroom remodel highlighting the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma.

judges bench. Photo by Madalyn Richardson,

Miami Tribe of Oklahoma.

MEAT PROCESSING

Get your cabin for

this summer’s events!

MTO courtroom remodel. Photo by Madalyn MTO courtroom remodel. Photo by Madalyn

Richardson, Miami Tribe of Oklahoma.

To book a cabin in the Tribe’s Four Wings Park, contact Tera Hatley

at 918-541-1300 or at thatley@miamination.com

Richardson, Miami Tribe of Oklahoma.

MTO Officer Corey Miller being sworn in by

Judge Scott Goode. Photo by Whitney Johnston,

Miami Tribe of Oklahoma.

Aatotankiki Myaamiaki - News, Vol. 18, No. 3, 2024-25

M I A M I

JOB OPENINGS

Myaamia Center Hiring for Three Staff Positions in 2025

As a tribally-directed research and educational development

center embedded within the 50-year relationship between the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma and Miami University, the Myaamia Center

serves the needs of the Myaamia people, Miami University, and

partner communities through research, education, and outreach that

promote Myaamia language, culture, knowledge, and values.

The Myaamia Center is also home to the National Breath of Life

Archival Institute for Indigenous Languages, which works with endangered language communities to build capacity around methods

in archives-based research for community-directed revitalization

efforts.

As the Myaamia Center continues to support technologies and

resources for this work, the executive team is hiring for three new

staff positions; a Coordinator of Application Development, an Application Software Developer, and a Digital Archivist.

The team is looking for individuals motivated to support the

ongoing development of a wide range of projects that serve both

the Miami Tribe’s revitalization efforts and the growing needs of

the National Breath of Life communities.

If you or someone you know is interested in the preservation

of Indigenous languages and cultures, desires to work in a tribally

directed environment, and is looking for a place to apply creativity and innovation, please contact Daryl Baldwin (baldwidw@miamioh.edu) to learn more about working at the Myaamia Center.

Learn more about each position:

Coordinator of Application Development:

We are looking for a creative individual who enjoys engaging

with end users and software developers to lead the development of

application software for educators and researchers for the Myaamia

Center.

Application Software Developer III:

We are seeking someone who loves to design, develop, and

modify applications; enjoys new and exciting challenges; and desires an engaging experience within a thriving university community.

Digital Archivist:

The Digital Archivist will work with various digital and physical materials generated and obtained by the Myaamia Center and

the National Breath of Life Archival Institute for Indigenous Languages. These primarily consist of language, cultural, and historical materials that need to be digitally repatriated for community-directed curation, preservation, and dissemination. This position

requires extensive collaboration with archives across and outside

the U.S. that possess holdings related to Indigenous communities

while also working closely with communities that partner with National BoL to develop community-curated archives.

Miami Tribe of Oklahoma and Miami Nation Enterprises

Employee Positions

If you are interested in working for the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma or Miami Nation Enterprises, contact us below or look online.

Miami Tribe of Oklahoma

Charla Gibson, Human Resource Officer

cgibson@miamination.com

(918) 541-1364

https://www.miamination.com/employment/

Miami Nation Enterprises

Donna Smith, Director of Human Resources

dsmith@mn-e.com

(918) 541-2100

https://www.mn-e.com/careers

N A T I

N E W S

iiši-mihtohseeniwiyankwi

aatotamankwi

Myaamia Publications – Vol. 18, No. 3, Winter 2024-25 – Section B – History & Culture – Noošonke Siipionki Myaamionki

Renovated MHMA opens at Winter Gathering with new

ribbonwork exhibit

Morgan Lippert

Curator of Exhibitions and Programming, MHMA

After 18 months of being closed due to renovations, the Myaamia Heritage Museum & Archive (MHMA) opened its doors on Thursday,

January 23 of Winter Gathering to share with the

community its newest exhibit neehaapiikasiciki:

The Healing Threads of Myaamia Ribbonwork.

A project almost two years in the making, neehaapiikasiciki builds upon the ribbonwork exhibit Visitors admiring a pair of early 1800s Myaamia

at Miami University’s art museum in 2020, which leggings made of deer hide. Photo by Jonathan

closed shortly after opening due to the COVID-19 Fox, Myaamia Center.

pandemic. It features historical Myaamia ribbonwork pieces on loan from the Cranbrook Institute

MHMA staff also provided a Post-it note feedof Science and the National Museum of the Amer- back wall for guests to reflect on their experience

ican Indian, as well as never-before-exhibited with the exhibit, and here’s what one had to say:

19th century ribbonwork and silverwork that the “Crediting myaamia women brings them closer to

Tribe acquired from auction in 2022. While using us--remembering this work is their voice has brought

these objects to tell the

healing and inspiration to

history of ribbonwork,

me as a myaamiihkwia.”

neehaapiikasiciki also

For those who were

tells the story of ribbonunable to see the exhibwork revitalization with

it at Winter Gathering, A community member with Chief Francis

pieces from Myaamia

don’t worry! neehaapii- Godfroy’s leggings. Photo by Karen Baldwin,

artists Dr. Scott Shoekasiciki is an 18-month Miami Tribe of Oklahoma.

maker, Kara Strass, Kaexhibition

and

trina Mitten, Julie Olds,

will be open until

and Megan Sekulich.

July 3, 2026. VisThe exhibit’s openitors who have aling reception was a great

ready seen the exsuccess, with communihibit can also look

ty members and guests MHMA’s newly renovated gallery space. Photo by forward to two

from across the coun- Karen Baldwin, Miami Tribe of Oklahoma.

additions coming

try coming together to

later this spring:

celebrate the Tribe’s

a pair of 19th cenreunion with the histortury Myaamia ribical ribbonwork. When

bonwork leggings

asked for her thoughts

from the Camillus

on the exhibit, tribal

Bundy family and Community members and guests during the

member Kelli Huth said

a ribbonworked reception for neehaapiikasiciki. Photo by Karen

this: “I traveled to Winbandolier bag, a Baldwin, Miami Tribe of Oklahoma.

ter Gathering this year

collaboration of

with thoughts about the

Myaamia artists

significance of commuScott Shoemaknities tied together by

er, Kara Strass,

love and resilience. The

Jared Nally, Loexhibit

demonstrated This 19th-century Myaamia wearing blanket is gan York, George

these ties in a fun and one of many items the tribe acquired through Ironstrack,

Kathe Healing Threads of Myaamia Ribbonwork

unique way by mixing auction in 2022. Photo by Karen Baldwin, Miami trina Mitten, and

the precious creations Tribe of Oklahoma.

Megan Sekulich.

of our ancestors with

Both of these obthe fabulous pieces of contemporary artists. I jects are currently on display at the First

came home not only with a deeper appreciation Americans Museum in Oklahoma City in

of the hard work and time that goes into creating their exhibit Mended: The Language of

ribbonwork, but also of the efforts of Myaamiaki Myaamia Ribbonwork, which runs until Neehaapiikasiciki exhibit design. Design by

Madalyn Richardson, Miami Tribe of Oklahoma.

to breathe ongoing life into this culture.”

March 16th.

neehaapiikasiciki

the Healing Threads of Myaamia Ribbonwork

an Exhibit at the Myaamia Heritage Museum & Archive

JANUARY 2025

to JUNE 2026

Miami, Oklahoma

Aatotankiki Myaamiaki - History & Culture, Vol. 18, No. 3, 2024-25

Mended, at the First American’s Museum

This Year's National Gathering Workshops

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 25:

RIBBONWORK KEYCHAINS WORKSHOP

Miami Tribe Community Event - not open to Public

9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Prairie Sun Event Center, 3411 P. Street NW, Miami, OK

Led by Myaamia citizen Tina Fox.

Participants will craft a small, hand-sewn

ribbon applique keychain.

All materials provided.

All ages. Must be able to hand-sew independently.

SEENSEEWINKI GAME-MAKING WORKSHOP

Miami Tribe Community Event - not open to Public

9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Ethel Miller Moore Cultural Education Center, 5944 S 520

Rd., Miami, OK

Led by Myaamia citizen Jody Gamble.

Participants will create a complete bowl game set to take home

and learn to play seenseewinki 'plum stone game.'

All materials provided.

All ages. Youth 13 and under must be accompanied by adult.

RSVP: Carrie Harter at charter@miamination.com.

Questions: Meghan Dorey at 918-541-7727.

Watch the Miami Tribe Facebook page and website for updates.

Lunch provided for attendees.

CREO Beaver Week: Betcha five bucks you can’t fit a myaamia dollar into your wallet!

Claudia Hedeen

Cultural Education & Wellness Coordinator, CREO

CREO staff Dani Tippmann and Claudia Hedeen process roasted beaver

for future use. Sliced and shredded meat is weighed and vacuum-packed

before freezing. The product is gifted or added to future community

dishes. Photo by Doug Peconge, Miami Tribe of Oklahoma.

In our language, amehkwa not only refers to beaver but also to our word

for dollar. The beaver pelt became so important during our early trading with

Europe, it was integrated into our culture and language to represent currency.

Myaamia history with amehkwaki ‘beavers’ has not solely been one of

trap, trade, and consume. The flooding created by beaver dams was sometimes welcomed; extended wetlands could ease travel by reducing portage

distance between waterways. But present-day roads, housing, and farming

can be compromised by the oversaturation.

All beavers acquired by the CREO have been trapped due to nuisance

flooding caused by their instinctive behaviors. Through this opportunity,

myaamiaki can explore new relationships with the land as natural resources change. Beyond appreciating the meat for nourishment, we can process

pelts, cartilage, and fat for multiple uses.

For the last two years, the CREO has launched a special feature week to

honor our past and present relationship with these animals. Fun facts and

photos are shared on the Myaamiaki Facebook group page.

As finale to the week, local myaamia community members are invited to visit the CREO for a beaver roast on site. The meat is stuffed with

fruits such as apples, oranges, or berries before being sewn back together.

Cooking methods have included suspending the amehkwa over an open fire,

smoking in a hog roaster, and even baking in the staff kitchen oven. Visitors

can observe the process, enjoy a bowl of stew, and take home a sample to

share. They may even have a chance to taste fresh grilled amehkwa tail - a

dish which some CREO staff like to call “beaver bacon” as the tail is almost

entirely a big paddle of fat!

The 2024 beaver roast was a success! Hickory smoked meat was tended

in hog roasters outside while several citizens and staff enjoyed warm stew indoors. Mihši neewe to our Beaver Week chef, Doug Peconge, for offering his

famous tortilla soup - amehkwa style - and acting as grill master. Neewe to

everyone who contributed to acquiring, preparing, and observing the process!

George tell the story.

Myaamia Heritage Museum & Archive, Manager

An important part of the exhibition is telling visitors about Myaamia ribbonwork, who the

The Myaamia Heritage Museum & Archive Myaamia people are, and how this story of ribbon(MHMA) recently undertook a unique project in work ties into the broader theme of language and

collaboration with the First Americans Museum cultural revitalization. MHMA Manager Meghan

(FAM), located in Oklahoma City. The project com- Dorey provided photos from Miami Tribal events

menced with the opento better illustrate these

ing of “Mended: the

ideas. Tribal artist MeLanguage of Myaamia

gan Sekulich also creRibbonwork,” Direcated an illustration for

tor of Curatorial Afthe story of the historic

fairs heather ahtone

ribbonwork pieces. The

at FAM and MHMA

curatorial team devised

Manager Meghan Doa script for the story,

rey spearheaded the

and Megan brought that

project, which took

story to life with bright

about 18 months to

colors and Myaamia

plan and execute. The

imagery. Megan’s origexhibit grew out of the

inal painting was blown

story of the return of Ribbonwork inspired bandolier bag. Photo by up and transferred to vihistoric Myaamia rib- Doug Peconge, Miami Tribe of Oklahoma.

nyl, covering a 40-foot

bonwork to the tribal

wall in the Community

community after 100

Gallery at FAM.

years of being hidden

The

exhibition

away. Staff carefully

opened on January 18,

inventoried and docu2025, and about 30 Mimented the pieces afami Tribe and Myaamia

ter the historic pieces

Center employees and

arrived at MHMA in

guests visited on Jan2022. For the exhibit

uary 22. This visit was

at FAM, one piece, a

the first time several of

pair of black leggings

the participating artoriginally belonging to

ists got to see the final

the Bundy family, was

bandolier bag. Direcchosen to travel and Artist and tribal member Megan Sekulich by her tor of Curatorial Affairs

stay at FAM for the mural on the wall of the exhibit. Photo by Doug heather ahtone welPeconge, Miami Tribe of Oklahoma.

3-month exhibition.

comed the group and

To accompany the

talked about the process

leggings, the curatoand how important it is

rial team worked with

for FAM to build strong

a team of Myaamia

relationships with the

artists to make a new

tribes of Oklahoma.

ribbonworked bandoThis exhibition marked

lier bag. The artists

the first time that FAM

involved were Scott

presented an exhibiShoemaker,

Kara

tion co-curated with a

Strass, Jared Nally,

tribal museum. With

Katrina Mitten, Logan

an estimated 250,000

York, George Ironvisitors annually, the

strack, and Megan

project presented a

Sekulich. Each artist Artists with the bandolier bag. From left to right: beneficial opportunity

had a role in complet- Logan York, Megan Sekulich, George Ironstrack, for MHMA to show the

ing a bag component, Kara Strass, and Jared Nally. Photo by Doug art of myaamia ribbonincluding ribbonwork, Peconge, Miami Tribe of Oklahoma.

work to a broader audibeadwork, metalwork,

ence and publicize the

fingerweaving, and design. Then, Scott Shoemak- correlated exhibit “neehaapiikasiciki: The Healing

er assembled each piece into the final product. A Threads of Myaamia Ribbonwork,” open at the

unique element in the bag was a story written by museum in Miami.

George Ironstrack, printed on fabric, and sewn as

Though the exhibition at FAM ends on March

the lining. Though FAM was able to display it with 13, the two pieces will return to Miami shortly

the story partially visible, the exhibition also in- thereafter and join the exhibit at the Myaamia Hercludes a QR Code that visitors can scan and hear itage Museum at 28 N. Main, in Miami, Okla.

Meghan Dorey

EUGENE V. BROWN

M E M O R I A L A RT S H OW

JUN 23 - AUG 25, 2025

As we continue celebrating the Myaamia

art of ribbonwork, the Myaamia Heritage Museum & Archive announces the 4th Eugene

V. Brown Memorial Art Show, scheduled for

June 23-August 25, 2025. This year’s theme

will be “peepankišaapiikahkia eehkwaatamenki: Myaamia Ribbonwork.” Though artwork doesn’t need to adhere to the theme,

entries that relate in some way to ribbonwork

will be eligible for a themed prize.

Any tribal citizen, or spouse or child of a

tribal citizen, is eligible to enter the Art Show.

Artworks are accepted in eight categories,

split into youth and adult divisions. The categories are:

◊ Drawing, Painting & Print-Making

◊ Photography & Digital Graphics

◊ Mixed Media & Diversified Arts

◊ Textiles & Clothing

◊ Jewelry & Accessories

◊ Customary Cultural Items

◊ Sculpture

◊ Performance & Creative Writing

The artist application and complete rules

will be available on the MHMA Facebook

page and the Miami Nation website or by request to mdorey@miamination.com. Applications are due May 19, and entries are due to

MHMA by June 9.

Unlike previous years, the renovations at the

MHMA provide space to keep entries on display for a more extended period, at the artist’s

discretion. This will allow many others from the

Miami community to see the hard work of our

tribal artists throughout the summer.

Beaver Tortilla Soup:

1lb beaver meat, cooked and shredded

2 - 15oz cans enchilada sauce

2 - 15oz cans black beans

32oz frozen sweet corn

10oz diced tomatoes

7oz green chiles

1 T red pepper, or to taste

1 T smoked paprika

1/2 T cumin

Combine all ingredients in a crock pot. Cook on low for

four hours. Serve with tortillas or chips.

Aatotankiki Myaamiaki - History & Culture, Vol. 18, No. 3, 2024-25

wiintanto wiintaakani

‘You read a book!’

Nate Poyfair

ARPA Noošonke Project Manager, Cultural Resources Office

aya ceeki ‘Hi all,’

Following recent articles that I have posted in the blog, I have decided to write a reaction piece

about a book that covers the Indigenous post-contact history in northern Illinois, most notably along

the southern shores of Lake Michigan.

A University of Iowa PhD student, Tyler Tumblety, and I have focused on a new book called

“Muddy Ground: Native Peoples, Chicago’s Portage, and the Transformation of a Continent” by

John William Nelson. Tyler and I have spent time reading other historical publications together, and

Tyler has begun to focus on community-engaged scholarship. He is interested in this with some encouragement from one of his advisors, Dr. Stephen Warren, who recently published an article, Red

Codes: Racial Exclusion and Indigenous Persistence in the Midwest in the American Indian Quarterly Spring of 2024 edition. Dr. Warren is an accomplished historian within community-engaged

scholarship and has worked with the Miami Tribe on numerous projects. Tyler, who has focused

on 17th and 18th-century histories of Myaamionki, particularly the Wabash River Valley, has spent

much time learning alongside me in the Indigenous history of the Pays d’en Haut ‘upper country,’ or

what the French called the Great Lakes.

As a sort of book review, as well as to discuss this publication and the sources and history of this

region within our homelands, Tyler and I decided to write our discussion out for tribal members to

read and help understand the source material of this region. For more information about this part of

our homelands, please reference my previous article on Accimotaatiiyankwi.org called Myaamionki

Maayaahkweeciši Kihcikamionkonci “Miami Place South of Lake Michigan.” More articles on our

tribe’s history are found on the blog under the history tab. Below is a discussion between Tyler and

me relating to the book “Muddy Ground,” as well as a deeper dive into the process of learning about

Indigenous American history in the Great Lakes. Learning about this part of history is something we

are both in the process of doing now.

Nate:

aya Tyler. Really briefly, would you please

provide an introduction, your interest in Native American History, the Miami Tribe, and

what moved you to focus on a book like Muddy Ground?

Tyler:

As you already eloquently said, I’m a

second-year PhD student at the University

of Iowa studying under Dr. Stephen Warren.

My interest in Native American history comes

from understanding the place of the Midwest

in American history. The Midwest was and

continues to be the homelands of many Indigenous peoples and to fully grasp the region

you have to start with Native American history. Myaamiaki are in a unique position relative

to the histories that have already been written.

Much has already been said about the Illinois

and the Anishinaabe, but historians have not

published nearly as much about Myaamiaki. I

hope to help bridge that gap with the help of

Myaamia scholars and community. I am especially interested in the history of Myaamia migration and kinship during the time period you

mentioned above. I want to investigate how

those concepts influenced each other and the

way colonization did or did not impact them.

Finally, I want to better understand Myaamia

relationships to their physical environment

and homelands. Muddy Ground touches on all

of these topics and I was immediately drawn

to it!

Nate:

As a tribal member who focuses on not

only learning about our tribal history, but also

in helping to disseminate information to tribal citizens, I find books like Muddy Ground

to be particularly useful. This book helps to

bring together many sources and stories that

I have used and combine them in a chronological way that I think is productive for historically novice readers to this period. There

are many subjects, ideas, people, and events

discussed within this book, that help to bring

things together for readers about the history of

what we call the states of Illinois, Indiana, and

Wisconsin. I wonder, Tyler, what you think

your initial thoughts on the book are and what

ideas does this book focus on for readers to

take away from it?

Tyler:

I think it’s important to start with how

Nelson foregrounds the environment of Chicago, particularly the portages. Nelson argues

that they serve as the links between two larger biomes, the Great Lakes and the Mississippi River Valley. That makes Chicago and

its portages especially strategic. Importantly,

those spaces were controlled by Native people

even after the European powers and later the

Americans showed up. Arguably the most important takeaway is that it wasn’t until Americans were able to totally alter Chicago’s environment that they could steal the land from

Indigenous people. Until that point, Native

people, whether they were Myaamia, Meskwaki, Potawatomi, or others, were sovereign.

In other words, the drastic transformation of

the physical environment of homelands had to

happen for Natives to be thoroughly dispossessed of their land.

Nate:

Tyler, as someone who is beginning your

learning about Myaamia history, what concepts and aspects about the Miami Tribe within this book do you find as useful and impactful to your thinking about Myaamiaki ‘Miami

people’ within the lower Great Lakes and this

part of our homelands, specifically?

Tyler:

The abundance the Wea were able to create at Chicago is one aspect of Muddy Ground

that stood out to me. I think that many historians consider Myaamiaki living outside of the

Wabash, Maumee, and St. Joseph’s Rivers refugees barely scraping by. Instead, Myaamiaki

came to places like Chicago and produced a

bounty that not just sustained them but led to

demographic growth. It reminds me that even

though migrations have changed Myaamiaki,

those movements have a variety of meanings

to and impacts on the people that moved. Muddy Ground helps to correct the impoverished

refugee narrative.

Nate:

Going back to the concepts within this

book, there are so many people moving and

interacting, that it becomes difficult for the

reader to compartmentalize the time and places

that encompass the storyline within this book.

What are methods that you use to disconnect

yourself from modern thinking, to help you visualize and understand this time period better?

Tyler:

Great question! There are a few things that

I have to constantly remind myself when I

read about Indigenous people like Myaamiaki

during the 17th and 18th centuries. The first

is that they didn’t have year-round homes like

most people do nowadays. Myaamia lifeways

determined seasonal migrations, and those

movements were a fact of life. I also have to

remember that there were no roads! People

traveled on-foot by trail or in canoes on the

rivers and lakes of the lower Great Lakes. Distances meant very different things to people

at that time. Finally, and maybe most importantly, kinship connections were the glue that

held people and communities together. Those

connections functioned as alliances in times

of strife and passports when people were on

the move like they were in the mid- to late17th century. Having kinship bonds with other

Myaamiaki kept the clans and the tribe together, while having those ties to outside tribes

helped avoid violence and provided safe haven

to those who were traveling. In my mind, kinship is king in the period described by Nelson.

Nate:

When speaking with tribal members and

other people interested in Native American

history, a common reaction that I get to books

like this one is that the complexity and confusing nature of having so many tribes/nations

and people involved, really makes learning the

history of this time period difficult. Tyler, as

someone who has spent just the last few years

learning about this time period, what do you

think this book can provide to inexperienced

readers within the tribe? Outside of the main

concepts and peoples within, how would you

recommend approaching this book to someone

who has never read in depth and complex historical narratives such as this?

Tyler:

Part of what I think you’re asking me to

do here is to take a step back and consider the

bigger picture. Muddy Ground and Chicago

are only one chapter in a much larger story

of Myaamiaki and Myaamionki. Think about

how many stories could be told about all the

other villages throughout Myaamionki over a

similar period of time! While this might seem

even more overwhelming, I think it gives the

reader permission to not understand everything the first time. Most historians don’t even

fully understand the complexities of this period. Put more simply, think of this book as a

history of Chicago and a history of that part of

Myaamionki. We can do our best to draw conclusions about Myaamia history from Muddy

Ground, but for more inexperienced readers,

consider this book to be one Myaamia story

among many.

Nate:

What information and reactions do you

have from the source materials used within

this book? Since you have been looking at

many publications relating to Native American history within the Great Lakes, are there

certain types of sources that you look for or

value over others? Since you are focused on

community engaged scholarship, do you think

a book like this needs tribal input, or do you

think it is ok to write without including the

tribes as long as you let the sources do the

speaking for themselves?

Tyler:

As a historian I found it meaningful that

another scholar was pointing to Myaamia

Aatotankiki Myaamiaki - History & Culture, Vol. 18, No. 3, 2024-25

presence at Chicago. Even more important

was Nelson arguing that the Myaamia established a permanent, though short-lived,

presence at Chicago. Other historians have

either brushed over Myaamiaki in this region during this time or they have considered Myaamiaki to have had little impact on

the area. To answer the second part of your

question, I do think a book like this needs

tribal input. While it is the goal of most historians to let the sources speak for themselves, it is important to remember who it

is that is writing about those sources. Even

with good intentions, white historians have

misrepresented

Native people and their histories. I believe there are different levels to community-engaged research where some projects

may require more tribal involvement than

others. In the end, however, I think feedback from the tribes concerned is critical.

The Miami Tribe of Oklahoma introduces

kociihsaapowi

Photo and Label Designs by Jordan Poyfair

Tyler:

Nate, from your perspective, what does

Muddy Ground provide to your tribal citizens, and what other publications help to

understand this region and time period?

Nate:

I believe that Muddy Ground provides

our tribal citizens with a condensed collection of primary and secondary sources that

helps tribal citizens read an accurate account of our history in the state of Illinois.

Perhaps, more importantly the book provides an explanation about what this place

looked like in the 16th to mid-18th centuries. There are a few publications about this

region and time period that are very good. I

would start with a book like Masters of the

Middle Waters by Jacob E. Lee due to its

focus on the Western Great Lakes and some

nations that are a part of Muddy Ground. Of

course, all publications could have aspects

that may not be perfectly aligned with how

native people interpret their history, but this

book, among others, is a good cumulative

history that gives readers context to more

specific stories.

Tyler:

As someone who is focused on community engaged scholarship, how would you

view a book like this from a tribal perspective? Although the author is not working

with the tribe per se, what do you think of

the source material used in this book?

Nate:

Not all authors are required to work directly with a tribe or tribes when writing

their books or articles. I think in a book like

this it is ok to not do so as long as you are

using adequate primary sources and letting

those sources take the reins in carrying the

argument or story along for the reader. I

think Lee does this in this novel and there

is prevalence in his use of Jesuit primary

sources that we as a nation use to tell our

story. Pinet, Deliette, Marquette, La Salle,

and others all have memoirs and other documentation that have provided our people

with a better understanding of what it meant

to be Myaamia before we began to record

our own history and culture. Lee uses these

types of records to explain his story, and he

does so without being presumptuous with

the sources, which could be more harmful

that anything.

These reviews aim to inform tribal

members of culturally and socially

significant literature that may aid in

our understanding of Native America

and ourselves as a tribal community.

Two new coffee blends that are a perfect way to start your morning and share with family and friends. Both blends

were roasted and packaged for us by O-Gah-Pah Coffee from the Quapaw Nation so we offer them mihši neewe ‘big

thanks’ for their help and support. Kociihsaapowi is available for purchase at the Miami Nation Gift Shop in

downtown Miami, OK and at the new Prairie Sky Market, opening soon in North Miami, OK.

waapanekaataawi

aweentioni

Waapanekaataawi is a dark roast blend that honors

song and dance traditions. This kociihsaapowi

‘coffee’ is meant to give singers, shell shakers, and

dancers enough energy to enjoy our cultural

gatherings all night. Waapanekaataawi, which is

dark like peehkonteeki ‘night’ has dark chocolate

flavors with various spices to produce a

heavy-bodied and bold kiitahsaminki ‘roast.’

Aweentioni is a blend of coffee designed to be

enjoyed with friends and family. This medium

kiitahsaminki ‘roast’ has notes of chocolate,

caramel, and stone fruit flavor to create a soothing

taste. Whether you are sitting around the fire

telling aalhsoohkaana ‘winter stories’ or making

your šayiipaawe kociihsaapowi ‘morning coffee’, this

is a smooth and well-rounded blend that can serve

any purpose.

Dance All Night!

As a dark roast, we wanted the name to be

something that we associated with or evoked

feelings of dark or nighttime. We opted for

waapanekaataawi ‘let’s dance all night!’ as a

reference to dancing and stomp dance and also as

an invitation to join us in dancing and celebrating

all night. On the label, there is also a subtle

reference to

a story we tell: peehkonteece,

peehkonteece, peehkonteece meaning ‘it is night, it

is night, it is night’.

Friendship Blend

Naming this blend was an easier task, as we always

wanted the name to represent friendship, family,

and community. We use aweentioni meaning

‘peace, family, friendship’ to honor our friends and

family that may live far apart, but are still near in

our hearts. With the maankwaki ‘loons’ facing each

other and our familiar community symbol in the

center, we hope you feel connected when you drink

this blend.

Want to

learn more

about the

Myaamia

Culture?

Check out our online resources at

aacimotaatiiyankwi.com

Aatotankiki Myaamiaki - History & Culture, Vol. 18, No. 3, 2024-25

Eewikiaani weehki aalhsoohkaani ‘Writing a New

Winter Story’

FAM hosts reunion with artifacts of Myaamiaki

Ciinkwia, Jarrid Baldwin

Language Specialist, Myaamia Center

Some of you heard the weehki Aalhsoohkani

‘new Winter Story’, I told at Winter Gathering

in January. Wiihsakacaakwa plays his usual

bored and spunky self off in search of someone

(Mamahkiihsia ‘Toad’) to trick. This story took

a long time to write, not only the practical side

of sitting down, writing, editing, and translating but also the other side that includes learning

about Myaamia storytelling and the character

Wiihsakacaakwa. When our language stopped

being spoken in the community, Winter Storytelling went with it. In more recent years, the

practice has started to be revitalized, along with

a relearning of our stories and characters.

I first wrote the story as a kid, probably

around 12 or so, and forgot about it until a

few years ago when I pulled it from a box of

my old homeschool papers. I got a good laugh

reading it and decided to turn it into a full-on

Wiihsakacaakwa story. Before that happened, Telling Myaamia Aalhsoohkaana ‘Winter Stories’ at Winter Gathering. Photo by Kaleb McMullen,

I wanted to learn more about Wiihsakacaakwa. Myaamia Heritage Student.

Who is he? How does he act? Where does he fit

into Myaamia Aalhsoohkaana ‘Winter Stories’? Miami language’. Writing the story in English Lockwood. I first went through and translated

Why is he in our stories at all? So I continued was the easier part, especially because I al- all the easy sentences. Then set to work on the

learning and telling his stories from our story- ready had the first draft done by my younger harder ones.

book, As Long as the Earth Endures. I learned self. Next, I needed to expand on that first draft

An easy sentence might be “and then he

about his travels with

and fill in the missing headed off” (neehi-hsa maacaaci), which is a

the Frenchman, runpieces of the narrative. common phrase used to transition from one part

ning into eemamowia

I wanted to add details of the story to the next. A hard sentence might

‘man-eater,’ when he

that brought the listener be something like “and then Toad sent for the

goes visiting, and more.

into both perspectives, other toads to hold council” (neehi-hsa mamahI also read WiihsakWiihsakacaakwa

and kiihsia maawatomaaci kotakahi mamahkiihsiaacaakwa stories from

Mamahkiihsia ‘Toad’, hi).

related tribes, like the

to give them their own

This involves more complicated pieces of

Cree and Meskwaki

personalities. I had grammar and new words that I’m not used to

(Fox), to understand

nišihsa

Caahceenhsa using. In some cases, I had to create new words

how other communities

‘my uncle George Iron- and string words together in new, unusual ways.

interact with him.

strack’, and niihkaana Creating new words does not mean coming up

The first draft of

Aahkoleeka ‘my friend with pieces that previously never existed, it just

Wiihsakacaakwa neehi

Chris Bowyer’, help me means using pieces of the language (that already

Mamahkiihsia, the new

with the flow of the sto- exist) and combining them with other pieces in

story I told at Winter

ry and the cultural as- ways that haven’t been documented before.

Gathering, was pulled

pects.

In revitalizing a culture, like we all are dofrom a box of my old

The second part ing today, different things get revitalized at

homeschool papers.

was the more difficult different rates and times. For us as Myaamiaki

As for the practical

part: translating into ‘Myaamia people’, storytelling has been someside of this process, I

M y a a m i a a t a w e e n k i . thing that we have particularly enjoyed and debroke it down into two

This involved a lot of cided to put a lot of energy into. Writing new

parts: (1) writing the

help from the Myaamia stories is taking the next step in that process,

story in English then The first draft of “Wiihsakacaakwa neehi Center linguistic team; it’s us as 21st-century people bringing our cul(2) translating it into Mamahkiihsia.” Photo by ciinkwia , Jarrid Dr. David Costa and ture into our lives today and saying: “It has a

Myaamiaataweenki ‘the Baldwin, Myaamia Center.

Dr. Hunter Thompson place here.”

Myaamia storytellers at Winter Gathering, 2025. Photo by Jonathan Fox, Myaamia Center.

LEARN MORE ABOUT MYAAMIA HISTORY & CULTURE ONLINE

AT AACIMOTAATIIYANKWI.COM

Jordan Poyfair & Megan Dorey

Communications & Media Specialist, CRO & MHMA Manager

On September 26, 2024, leaders, citizens, and employees of the Miami

Tribe of Oklahoma were invited to the First Americans Museum (FAM) in

Oklahoma City to participate in a special event. Through a project from FAM

called “Reunions,” items and artifacts that had been collected and displayed in

various museums for over 100 years would be reunited with tribal families and

communities from across the state of Oklahoma.

The reunion between the items and the families of descendants of the original owner and tribal representatives would take place at FAM and under the supervision of museum staff and curators. These reunions also served as a way for

museum curators and historians to gather information about these objects, that

may have been previously unknown, direct from tribal members and historians.

The Myaamia items available for this day were a bark sap basket, a woman’s

blouse with silverwork, and a woman’s hairbow with silverwork. These items

and others from other tribes are on loan from the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian (NMAI) and included in the WINIKO: Life of an

Object exhibition at FAM. The exhibition brings together beloved art and heirlooms taken from all

thirty-nine tribes currently living in Oklahoma. For many tribal

visitors, these are the

first time they’ve seen

these historical items

in person.

According to a

publication from FAM,

the institution “...challenges the idea that institutionally collected

objects no longer have Visiting group from the Miami Tribe with elm

familial tie to cultural bark basket. From left to right: Meghan Dorey,

communities. We be- Bruce Sanderson, Sue Sanderson, Councilperson

lieve that reuniting in- Tera Hatley, akima ‘Chief’ Doug Lankford, Callie

stitutionally collected Bowden. Photo by Jordan Poyfair, Miami Tribe of

cultural materials with Oklahoma.

their related communities and families is a

benefit to the families,

tribal nations, and the

collecting institutions,

producing new knowledge and art benefitting

museum audiences.”

The reunion with

the objects allowed

for tribal leaders and

descendants of the

original owner of the

object to view and for Silverwork broaches on the tails of a woman’s

the first time touch the hairbow. Photo by Jordan Poyfair, Miami Tribe of

objects for a more in- Oklahoma.

depth view. Up close,

participants were able

to see details that may

be missed when viewing from a distance in

an exhibit including

individual stitches or

marks made during

creation.

MaryAnn Guoladdle Parker, Curatorial

Specialist at FAM, led

participants into rooms

with the items and led Wool and silk woman’s hairbow with silverwork,

informal question ses- made circa 1870s. Photo by Jordan Poyfair, Miami

sions with each object Tribe of Oklahoma.

that were recorded for

research purposes. After questions were answered, the FAM staff allowed each

group time alone with the items so as to reflect upon what it means to see these

pieces and connect with familial ancestors. Meghan Dorey, Manager of the

Myaamia Heritage Museum & Archive (MHMA), spoke about the origins and

provided context for each object.

Specifically, Dorey stated that the bark basket was most likely made in the

1830s by a well-known Myaamia woman, Kiilhsoohkwa, and used to store

sugar after tree sap (most likely sugar maple sap) had been boiled down. Dorey

also noted that as a utilitarian elm bark basket, it could also have served multiple purposes. The construction of these baskets was sturdy, as demonstrated by

its well-preserved and stable nature showing wear but not much cracking or areas of damage. This object, like many other myaamia, items was purchased and

taken to the George Heye Foundation collection in the early 1900s, which later

became the core collection of the National Museum of the American Indian.

Although baskets could be made from many types of tree bark, this particular basket was made from elm bark which is a common tree found in the

myaamia native homelands of the lower Great Lakes region. Currently, elm

bark is still harvested and used for various purposes at the Cultural Resources

Extension Office (CREO) in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

Participant and tribal citizen Sue Sanderson noted that the basket “gives

[us] the connection to our past” and spoke of generational differences within

the Tribe that she has noticed over the years. She remembered that her grandmother was punished as a child for speaking the myaamia language but now

her four granddaughters are regular fixtures at events and summer programs

and speak the language regularly. Sue and her daughters also make every effort

to participate in events throughout the year. As a group, participants shared

thoughts and feelings on the past, present, and future of the cultural side of the

tribe. Chief Lankford noted that this basket symbolizes the past and makes us

think of revitalization. He likened it to a spark, where you study one aspect of

culture, but it leads to 100 more fires lit for a desire to gain knowledge of the

culture. The tinder is lit at an event like camp and taken home for it to grow.

“Language is key to bringing back culture and knowledge” Guoladdle Parker

added, a helpful sentiment that is shared by many tribes.

In the phase of the visit, tribal citizens Beth Devers, her daughter Jen Patrick,

and grandson Logan Patrick joined the group to view a silk blouse and wool and

silk hairbow. These two items were owned by Susan Pimyotahmah Pope and

collected in the same manner as the basket. Beth, Jen, and Logan are direct descendants of Susan Pope’s brother, John B. Pimyotahmah Walker. Susan Pope

had no children of her own to pass these items to so the group theorized that

perhaps she sold these items as a way to preserve them. Alternatively, many native people nationwide

were left with little

options and had to sell

traditional and family

pieces to make enough

money to survive.

It is believed that

Susan most likely

made both these items

in the 1870s and they

were used as special

occasion

garments,

not everyday wear.

Basket made from the bark of an elm tree, made This blouse is one of

circa 1830s Photo by Jordan Poyfair, Miami Tribe of three in museum colOklahoma.

lections that is fully

intact, though the one

at FAM is the only

one known that is all

silk. MHMA currently

holds a similar blouse

in its collection that

contains over 750 silver ring brooches attached to the front and

back. The one held at

FAM has smaller silverwork and although

the group was unable

Bark basket interior, stitches were likely made of to see the front of the

plant fibers, made circa 1830s. Photo by Jordan blouse, as it was held

Poyfair, Miami Tribe of Oklahoma.

down to protect it, the

back already has more

silverwork and an estimated 1500 pieces on

both front and back.

The silver used was

most likely German

trade silver which was

not pure silver and was

often mixed with other

metals, but nonetheless signified wealth.

The hairbow had

specific myaamia deWoman’s all silk blouse with silverwork detailing, signs both in the shape

made circa 1870s. Photo by Jordan Poyfair, Miami of the bow and the deTribe of Oklahoma.

sign of the silverwork

on the tails. While the

Miami Tribe is not

the only tribe to use

ribbonwork in its designs, historians and

museum

specialists

like Dorey are able

to tell the myaamia

aesthetic of designs

apart from other tribal

designs. For one, the

amount of silver used

in items outweighs

The invited Miami Tribe guests at FAM with blouse other tribes’ designs.

and hairbow. Top row, from left: Logan Patrick, Myaamia ribbonwork

Jen Patrick, akima ‘Chief’ Doug Lankford, Callie patterns are also speBowden. Bottom row, from left: Councilperson cific and unique, creTera Hatley, Elizabeth Devers, Meghan Dorey, ating a shimmering efSue Sanderson, Bruce Sanderson. Photo by Jordan fect with the layering

Poyfair, Miami Tribe of Oklahoma.

of ribbon. This combination of silverwork

and shimmering ribbonwork is what sets myaamia designs apart from others.

As participants were able to view, gently touch, and move objects for the

first time in many years, they shared their thoughts, feelings, and emotions at

being able to touch the past and connect with ancestors. This event was significant because it provided new and detailed insight into the creation and formation of these items that cannot normally be seen through a photograph or behind

protective glass when on display. It has also allowed the tribal community to

reflect upon the centuries past, connect with the present, and plan for the future

of tribes and their citizens.

Mihši neewe ‘big thanks’ to the Reunions Team at FAM and to the participants that made the journey to see these items. We encourage all Myaamiaki to

plan a trip to FAM to visit while these objects are on display.

For more information about the Tribe’s history and cultural events, please

visit miamination.com

For more information about the FAM Winiko exhibit, please visit https://

famok.org/winiko/

Aatotankiki Myaamiaki - History & Culture, Vol. 18, No. 3, 2024-25

M I A M I

MYAAMIA COMMUNITY RESOURCES

Myaamia citizens and their families have many

cultural education resources available on the web.

The following sites regularly post photos, videos and

information from different departments and groups

of the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma and the Myaamia

Center at Miami University.

Scan this code to

access digital links.

________

Miami Tribe of Oklahoma (closed Facebook group for Tribal citizens & their

AATOTANKIKI MYAAMIAKI

Miami Nation News - Facebook

Miami Nation Events

Where public events are posted - Facebook

EEMAMWICIKI

For our summer youth programs - Facebook

MYAAMIA CENTER

Facebook

AATOTANTAAWI “Let’s Talk About It”

Myaamia community discussion group for media - Facebook

________

AACIMOTAATIIYANKWI

Myaamia Community Blog

https://aacimotaatiiyankwi.org

KAAKISITOONKIA

The Myaamia Heritage Museum & Archive’s online archive

kaakisitoonkia.org

Miami Nation Gift Shop

myaamiagifts.square.site

ILDA Myaamia Online Dictionary

(Miami-Illinois Indigenous Languages Digital Archive)

mc.miamioh.edu/ilda-myaamia/dictionary

MYAAMIA CENTER

Youtube Channel

ŠAAPOHKAAYONI

A Myaamia Portal

myaamiaportal.org

N E W S

meenapiyankwi

Community threads shape the life of Brittainy Spitznagel

www.miamination.com

immediate family members)

Myaamia Publications – Vol. 18, No. 3, Winter 2024-25 – Section C – Community – Noošonke Siipionki Myaamionki

MIAMI NATION WEBSITE

MYAAMIAKI

N A T I

Field Operations Honor Guard through the Chicago Field Office.”

Community Member Submission

Brittainy graduated from the Office of Field

Operations (OFO) Honor Guard Academy in

Community is a common thread in the life December 2022. In September 2024, Brittainy

of Miami Tribal Member Kiiyosihkwa ‘Travel- received her National Certification as a Bugler

ing Woman’ - Brittainy Wallick Spitznagle

with the OFO Pipes and Drums Band. Currently,

Gathering around the fire to tell stories in an there are only three nationally certified Buglers

intimate setting is something Brittainy says has with the OFO Pipes and Drums Band, and she

had a profound impact on her life as a Myaamia became the first female Agriculture Specialist

person. She did not grow up attending commu- to receive this national certification as a Bugler

nity events but started participating as an adult. and only the 3rd Agriculture Specialist in the

In just a few short years, it has dramatically af- OFO Pipes and Drums Band’s history to earn a

fected her life and shaped her perspective and national certification.

the language she uses to talk about other comSince becoming more engaged in the

munities she is a part of, especially her work Myaamia community, Brittainy has felt the imand the National Honor Guard community.

pact of a warm and intimate community setting.

Brittainy was born and raised in Peru, Indi- The unique sharing of culture, history, ancestry,

ana, and received a Bachelor of Science in Nat- and identity has positively impacted her life.

ural Resources and Environmental Interpretation

“[There is] this huge community feeling

from Ball State University in 2011. Since then, here [Myaamia], especially when you’re gathershe has relocated to northern Illinois to work for ing in that very intimate setting and, you know,

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

‘let’s sit around the fire,’ talk, get to know each

Brittainy joined CBP in April 2017 as an Ag- other, and all that. Along with that, that is abriculture Specialist in the international passenger solutely something I have felt with our honor

secondary inspection area at the Port of Chicago. guard program in Chicago.”

Before that, she was a Corrections Officer who

Brittainy says that the intertwining threads

was additionally trained on the Quick Response of her Miami heritage become a part of her and

Team, Weapons Team, and Cell Extraction Team influence other threads of her life, such as her

at Miami Correctional Facility in Bunker Hill, honor guard background. She explained how

IN. She later worked as a Jail Deputy at the Mi- these two communities, though very different,

ami County (Indiana) Sheriff’s Office.

share some similarities from her unique per“I enjoyed working in the field of law enforce- spective and involvement in each.

ment, and this position as an Agriculture Specialist

At the end of Winter Storytelling at each

gave me the chance to continue down that career year’s Winter Gathering, the final storyteller repath while also utilizing my Natural Resources minds listeners that the threads are set down to

and Environmental Management degree.”

be picked up again another time.

In 2019, she joined CBP’s Agriculture DetecThis visual and language are often used in

tor Canine Program, known as the Beagle Bri- the Miami community, as the Miami Nation

gade. In 2022, she moved out of the international Website states: “We are picking up some of the

passenger processing area into international car- threads of our knowledge so that we will always

go and mail operations at the Port of Chicago. remain together.”

Her current canine partner is now a Chocolate

After hearing this, Brittainy reflected, “I imLabrador Retriever named Cici. Cici is trained to mediately thought of a similar connection to our

screen inbound international cargo and mail for Myaamia people picking up and setting down

prohibited agriculture products like meats, fruits, the threads of knowledge to my duties as an

vegetables, plants, soils, and propagative seeds OFO Honor Guard member and the threads of

that potentially harm our agriculture industry each and every funeral service I have and will

and the native ecosystems in the United States.

take part in during my CBP career.”

“Along with my position as an Agriculture

As a Bugler with the OFO Pipes and Drums

Specialist, I am also a member of the Office of Band, Brittainy has been honored to play Taps

at memorial and funeral services for

her fallen brothers and sisters with

CBP. Once Taps is finished, the folding of the American Flag begins and

is handed to the family. The threads

have been laid down until the time

comes to weave the threads of another fallen brother or sister into our

hearts and minds.

“Whether the funeral is for

someone who lived a long and fulfilling life into retirement or someone whose life was tragically cut

short, we do everything we can to

honor that person and their service

Brittainy Spitznagel and Kellie Huth in their ribbon skirts to a grateful nation. Families share

at this year’s Winter Gathering. Photo courtesy of Brittainy memories and stories of their loved

Spitznagel.

ones with us; sometimes, we have

stories and memories of our own...

with each funeral, we weave these

memories and stories together with

all those who have gone before us

so that they may never be forgotten.

We -- as Honor Guard members -always carry those threads with us.”

However, they do not only honor

others at funerals but also receive the

honor of playing at national events.

The OFO Pipes and Drums Band

teamed up with CBP’s partner agencies, Border Patrol and Air and Marine Operations, to march in the 60th

Presidential Inauguration Day Parade

Agriculture Speciailist Brittainy Spitznagel with her Cici, her on January 20th, 2025. Those selectcanine partner at the Port of Chicago Border Patrol. Photo ed to march in the parade included

courtesy of Brittainy Spitznagel.

approximately 25 band members,

Brittainy Spitznagle & Madalyn

Richardson

numerous patrol vehicles, 20 horses and

riders, and a marching

platoon.

Due to the dangerously cold conditions

on the day of the parade, all events were

moved indoors. Unfortunately, due to the indoor venue’s occupancy limitations, CBP

could not participate.

“Receiving

the

invitation to march

in the Inauguration

Day Parade was an

immense honor. As

much as we as a band

had been looking forBrittainy is the first ward to such a great

female

agricultural honor - and frankly,

specialist to become the feather in our caps

a certified bugler for - of playing in such a

the Office of Field huge event, we all abOperations

Honor solutely understood the

Guard. Photo courtesy necessity of moving

of Brittainy Spitznagel.

the events indoors. It

was already bitter cold

to begin and coupling that with the wind would not

only have made it intolerable to be out, but temperatures that low tend to freeze trumpet valves

and bagpipes in a hurry.”

Once they were notified that their group would

not be performing in the parade, the OFO, BP, and

AMO turned this into an opportunity to practice

together for National Police Week 2025. Brittainy

and the other two OFO Buglers were accommodated by the atrium of the Ronald Reagan Building, which provided incredible acoustics for their

practice environment.

After receiving such an invitation and

changing plans due to the winter weather, Brittainy said, “I can only hope that we as a band

will be invited back to perform someday.”

Brittainy feels grateful for the Myaamia,

CPB, and OFO Honor Guard communities. Not

only do they all share a familiar warmth and

similar intimacy, but they have also played a vital role in her identity.

“As the Myaamia community, we sit around

the fire, we dance around the fire, we share stories, and we share meals. Honor Guard is not so

different. Instead of being around our fire, we

are around the heat vents of a 15-passenger van

when it’s available, traveling together, sharing

all these meals. It goes from being this professional community to essentially being like a

second family.”

She explains how the influence of a community impacts others by association or extension.

“Community is not only for each other but also

extends to our families at home -- our spouses,

children, and pets -- that also take on a lot of

responsibility while we’re gone and share that

community as part of the Honor Guard team.

And when a funeral is over, we stay in touch with

these families. We reach out, and sometimes the

families reach out to us out of the blue, sometimes months or years later…it’s very touching

to have that extra community. It’s something that

not very many people get to experience, and I’m

incredibly grateful to have it.”

She expresses the great honor of being a

member of these communities and serving in

each of them. They each have had an invaluable

impact on her life and, by extension, the lives of

others she interacts with.

“It’s this very intimate, tight-knit community that we can always look to and fall back on,

to support and be there for us and that we can

be there for them in their time of need…and it’s

awesome. It really is.”

For Brittainy, each of these communities is

helping shape her identity and uniquely come

together to make her a better Myaamia person,

officer, and bugler.

Aatotankiki Myaamiaki - Community, Vol. 18, No. 3, 2024-25

toopeeliyani‘You accomplished it!’

Myaamia Heritage

Graduate at MU

Myaamia Center

On Friday, December 13, the Myaamia

Center celebrated Kayla Becker’s graduation

from Miami University. Kayla is from Huntington, Indiana, and completed a degree in

computer science. As a non-traditional student, she is thankful to the Myaamia Center for its support as she adjusted to being a

full-time student while raising her children.

Kayla’s favorite part of the Myaamia

Heritage class was learning about ecology

to expand her knowledge of edible plants

and try new recipes. If you see Kayla, be

sure to wish her weeciwiiyaakiteeheemilaanki ‘congratulations!’

Community Member Submission

keešhtooyankwi ‘We make it!’

Making

with

the

Myaamia Makerspace

Tribal t-shirt quilt

Community Member Submission

Community member Pamela Poyfair created a beautiful Myaamia Tribal T-shirt quilt

from various shirt designs created and given

or sold to community members. This is a great

way to repurpose and display the t-shirts.

Carrie Harter

Makerspace Coordinator

This winter, the Makerspace took seasonal

crafts to Title VI and Miami Innovation Center alternative school. They prepared crafts to go into the

Children’s Drive through Christmas party.

The Makerspace also hosted two ribbon skirt

workshops. Many beautiful ribbon skirts were made

using the new instructions by the Myaamia Center.

Elders enjoy making crafts together each week

at Title VI along with lunch and exercises.

Capt. Kelly Battese

Kayla Becker and her family at her graduation from

MU. Photo by Karen Baldwin, Miami Tribe of Oklahoma.

Myaamia Student creates ribbonwork items for

her graduation

Community Member Submission

Myaamia ribbonwork is an artform being revitalized in the Myaamia community

of today. Miami tribal member, Tabitha Watson, has taken the time to learn this artform

and created her own pieces featuring work

in the style of myaamia ribbonwork. Some

of these include her graduation stole with

red, black, blue, white, and yellow ribbons.

Her skirt features white, pink, red, and gold

ribbon on a red skirt with a lace overlay.

Tabitha’s ribbonwork items accompanied her on graduation day from Pittsburg

State University, December 13th, 2024.

She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in

the science of technology majoring in construction management with an emphasis in

building information modeling. Since then,

she has begun working for Cerris System in

Kansas City, MO in January 2025 as a VDC

Technician.

Myaamia Tribal

Member appointed

new director

of Division of

Commissioned

Personnel Support

(DCPS)

Aatotankiki Myaamiaki - Community, Vol. 18, No. 3, 2024-25

Tabitha Watson’s graduation photo featuring

Myaamia Ribbonwork she created for her stole

and skirt. Photo courtesy of Tabith Watson.

Logan York appointed to Ohio Historic Site

Advisory Board

Staff Article

Mike DeWine appointed Logan York

of the Miami Tribe to the Ohio Historic Site Advisory Board or OHSPAB on

March 29, 2024, for a three-year term

ending January 14, 2027. The Board advises the State Historic Preservation Office

on which sites to include in the National

generally includes experts in history, architecture, and archaeology. Logan will be representing the interests of the

Miami Tribe in the state of Ohio on this Board.

Dani Tippmann celebrates award of the Indian

Heritage Fellowship

Community Member Submission

Dani Tippmann was awarded the Indiana Heritage Fellowship in 2021 for her traditional plant

knowledge and elm-bark baskets. Due to covid restrictions at the time the bi-annual award ceremony

was cancelled. She was recognized at the Traditional Arts Indiana Award ceremony on Friday October

Source: Indiana University, traditionalarts.

4th at Indiana University.

From Indiana University: A descendant of indiana.edu. Photo by G. Whitaker.

Takumwah and Chief Richardville (Pinšiwa), Dani

Tippmann is a Myaamia citizen of the Miami Tribe Art. In addition, she worked with the Indiana Arts

of Oklahoma. She keeps the knowledge associ- Commission and the Indiana State Parks to share

ated with Myaamia culture, including traditional information and cultural beauty with park visitors.

crafts, foodways, and plant usage. These traditions In 2019, she participated in the Traditional Arts Inconnect her to the Myaamionki or “Miami home- diana Apprenticeship Program, training her daughland.” Dani learned traditional and medicinal uses ter Mary Regina Harter in Myaamia plant lore.

of plants from her mother and tribal elders as she

From harvesting native rice to making elmworked to preserve her community’s knowledge. In bark baskets, Dani gathers the traditions of her peoher words, “Plants are important to our people. We ple and serves as an important knowledge bearer

use them. We have been a part of their lives as long for the next generation. She tirelessly works to enas anyone can remember.”

sure the continuation of Myaamia traditions. Dani

Having dedicated her life to this traditional art- Tippmann received a 2021 Indiana Heritage Felform, Dani was honored as an Artist-in-Residence lowship in recognition of her work revitalizing the

at the Eiteljorg Museum of Native and Western traditions of her Myaamionki.

Photos by Carrie Harter, Miami Tribe of Oklahoma.

We are excited

to announce the

selection of Rear

Adm. Kelly Battese, a member of

the Miami Tribe

of Oklahoma, as

the new director

for the Division

of Commissioned

Personnel Support (DCPS). UnKids at the Miami Innovation Center alternative Local elder making a ribbon skirt during a

der his leadership,

school making crafts. Photo by Carrie Harter, MTO. workshop. Photo by Carrie Harter, MTO.

Rear Adm. Battese will focus on the needs of

the United States Public Health Service commissioned officers and improve support and

Capt. Kelly

an enrolled member of the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma, is the acting director of the

partnership between

Indian Battese,

Health Services

(IHS) and Commissioned

Corps Service

Headquar- and Contracting Tribes for the Indian Health Service, an agency within the

Office of Direct

ters and senior leadership.

Department

of Health and Human Services. The IHS is the principal federal health care provider and

DCPS administers

the Commissioned

Corps programs

for advocate

approximately

health

for1,600

American Indian and Alaska Native people.

commissioned officers assigned to IHS, tribal, and urban Indian organization facilities

throughout the

States.

DCPS serves

AsUnited

acting

director

of ODSCT,

Capt. Battese provides leadership and oversight of tribal health activities

subject-matter experts and consultants to IHS

authorized

under

the Indian Health Care Improvement Act for direct service tribes, and serves as the

leadership, program

officials,

commissioned

officers, and agency’s

their dependents

and survivors

principal

liaison to the 573 federally recognized American Indian and Alaska Native tribes in

Sewing a ribbon skirt. Photo by Carrie Harter, MTO. Adding ribbons to the skirt. Photo by Carrie Harter, MTO.

on all Commissioned Corps matters.

support

Indian

self-determination,

as authorized under Title I of the Indian Self-Determination and

Rear Adm. Battese has served in multiple

leadership positions

throughout

his career.

Education

Assistance

Act. Capt. Battese oversees the policy coordination, technical assistance and

He started his career with the IHS as a clini(Richard) along with her many loving niecto tribal

governments

and the IHS director in the area of self-determination,

advocacy

for direct

cal pharmacistsupport

with the Haskell

Indian

Health

es, nephews, cousins,

and her amazing

friends

Center in Lawrence,

becameallocation,

family. Her memorial

services

serviceKansas.

tribesHisinwork

the ethic

development of health policy program management,that

budget

and

and leadership skills have transitioned him

were held August 30, 2024.

government-to-government

relationships between tribes and the IHS.

into several leadership

positions within the

Linda Lee Walker

Larry Lee Allen

IHS Oklahoma City Area. He served as the

Donati

Dec. 30, 1938 –

chief pharmacist of the White Cloud Health

Capt.

Battese

started

his

career

with

IHS

2005

staff

pharmacist

with

the Haskell

Apr. 9, 1943 –

Sept.

18, 2024Indian Health

Station in White Cloud, Kansas, and assumed

Aug. 27,

Larry

Lee

the chief executive

officer

duties for thatKansas.

faCenter

in Lawrence,

His work ethic

and2024

leadership skills have transitioned

him Alinto several

Linda Lee Walker

len, 85, passed away

cility. Looking to further his knowledge and

leadership

positions

within the IHS Oklahoma

Cityaway

Area over the last 14 years.

In 2007,

he served as the

Donati passed

Wednesday,

September

leadership skills,

he transferred

to the ClareAugustStation

27, 2024 in

at White Cloud, Kansas,

18, 2024,

at his home the chief

more Indian Hospital

where he served

the White Cloud on

chief pharmacist

ofasthe

Health

and assumed

home surrounded by

in Chetopa. Larry was

ambulatory care director and later as the hosexecutive officer duties for that station

in 2008. In 2012, he transferred to

the Claremore Indian

her family and friends.

born on December 30,

pital’s administrative officer. These positions

As she told

stoto Vernon administrative

“Bus”

and experiences

led him towhere

his last position

Hospital

he served

as the ambulatory

carethedirector

and later as the1938,

hospital’s

ry, Linda was born on

and Mary Mae (Lucas)

the chief executive officer at Haskell Indian

officer.

These

positions

and

experience

led

him

back

serve

the

CEO

of the Haskell Health Clinic.

April 9, 1943, in Douglas County KS in a log

Allen in Chetopa.

Health Center in Lawrence, Kansas.

cabin. She was proud to be the “baby” of the

He attended school in Chetopa and lettered

For 14 years, Rear Adm. Battese served

Linda grew up in Manter KS where in all sports, graduating in 1957 from Chetopa

on Rapid Deployment Force 4 in a variety

Capt. Battese serves as the vice-chairfamily.

for the

National Council of Chief Executive Officers and as the

she was the valedictorian of her graduating High School. After graduating, He moved to

of roles, eventually leading the team as team

commander

forhisRapid Deployment

Forceclass.

4 – one

five

tier 1 deployment

the U.S.

Public

high school

Lindaof

was

a graduate

Wichita andteams

worked in

at Boeing

Aircraft.

Larry

commander. team

His extensive

deployment

Panhandle A&M College where she earned and Shirley Joan Clark were united in martory includes border missions, hurricane reHealth Service Commissioned Corps.her degree in education. Linda was a teacher riage at First Christian Church in Chetopa on

sponses, and Remote Area Medical missions.

when she met and then married her husband,

September 3, 1960. In 1961, Larry was draftRecently, he has served as the vice-chair for

Emanuel

J biology

Donati. Together

they have

two edainto

the US Army,

serving in Fort Leonard

the National Capt.

Council Battese

of Chief Executive

Of-his Bachelor of

received

Arts

from

Tabor

College,

Masters

Business

children, George “Jeep” Donati and Melissa Wood, Mo and Kitzingen, Germany.

ficers and currently serves on the Nationin health

Nazarene

University

and Doctorate

of Pharmacy

the

Donati de Groot.

They welcomed

four grandHe returned

to Chetopa from

after an

honoral Council ofAdministration

Chief Executive Officers,

the care from Southern

children

Trey,

Marlene,to

Cooper

and for

Marcus.

able and

discharge

waschildren,

employed by B. F.

IHS NationalUniversity

Commissioned

Awards

of Corps

Kansas.

Capt. Battese has

been

married

Rachel

16 years

has and

three

Her grandchildren were her world.

Goodrich in Miami, Oklahoma. In 1986, he

Board, is faculty for the IHS Pharmacy LeadAlayna,

and Tanner.

He enjoysLinda

spending

timeinwith

familySchool

and friends

as wellwhen

as time

inGoodrich

the plant

was a teacher

the Stratford

was transferred

the B. F.

ership Training

course, Natalie,

and is a member

District for many years. She taught multiple was closed and moved to Northport, Alabama

the IHS Health

IT Modernization Executive

outdoors.

grades over the years however she found her

where he worked for Michelin-Uniroyal until

Committee.

niche as a 7th and 8th grade Reading teacher his retirement in 1993, then returned to CheRear Adm. Battese was the recipient of

at Yellin School. As a student you could al- topa. He continued working for Midwest Minthe 2012 Outstanding Senior Pharmacist of

ways depend on Mrs. Donati to have snacks

eral in Pittsburg and as a butcher’s assistant

the Year Award for the Oklahoma City Area,

in her closet, reward you with pizza or wing in Columbus. He continued to help Chetopa

Chief Executive Officers Award from the

parties, keep you after school for homework community with Lloyd McGill October

and Lloyd

NaIHS Direct Service Tribes Advisory Com2019

completion, and push you to do your best ding after retirement.

mittee, and the IHS Director’s Award. He

work. Once you had Mrs. Donati as a teacher

He also served on the school board, as a

also received his Bachelor of Arts in Bioloyou were her student for life.

Sunday School teacher and a deacon at First

gy from Tabor College, a Master’s Degree in

She was preceded in death by her parents

Christian Church, coached softball, baseball,

Business Administration in Healthcare from

Freeman and Mildred Walker, siblings Muriel football and basketball. He enjoyed deep sea

Southern Nazarene University, and a DoctorTedder, Bud Walker, Ellen Kay Walcher and fishing and fishing the Red and Neosho River,

ate of Pharmacy from the University of Kantheir spouses, respectively, George, Nicole, playing dominoes with his friends and watchsas. He has been happily married to Rachel

and Ernie.

ing Kansas basketball and Alabama football.

for 21 years and has three children, Alayna,

Linda is survived by Emanuel J. Donati,

He is survived by his wife of 64 years,

Natalie, and Tanner. He enjoys spending time

her husband of 57 years, son George J Donati

Shirley Joan Allen, one son Todd Allen (Mewith family and friends and as much time as

(Suzanne), daughter Melissa de Groot (Ro- lissa) of Grove, Oklahoma, and one daughpossible in the outdoors. Please join us in

elof), Grandchildren Trey (April), Marlene, ter Teri McThompson (Lonnie) of Pittsburg,

welcoming Rear Adm. Kelly Battese to this

Cooper, and Marcus, sister Elizabeth Devers Kansas. He is also survived by his two brothnew position!

(Darrell), sister-in-law Theresa Morrissey ers Dickey Allen (Kathy), Fort Scott, Kansas

Acting Director

Office of Direct Service and

Contracting Tribes

Indian Health Service

waanantakhšinka

‘Lying quietly’

Share your myaamia

arts and craft news

with us:

mtonewspaper

@miamination.com

and Randy Allen (Carolyn), Lawrence, Kansas, a Brother-in-law Chester Clark, Jr. Five

nephews Mitch (Dawn), Jay, Lucas (Kelli),

Lance, Russell (Katie), five grandchildren

Lauren (David), Barry (Ryan), Abbie, Kristen

(Matt), Mallory and great-grandchild Blake.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a

brother, Raymond “Satch” Allen.

Services were held at First Christian

Church, 916 Maple St., Chetopa, KS, Wed.,

Sept. 25th, 2024.

Jerry W. Bullock

June 26, 1978 –

Feb. 18, 2025

Jerry W. Bullock,

46, of South Hutchinson, died February

18, 2025 at his home.

He was born June 26,

1978, in Hutchinson,

KS, to Rebecca Jayne

Bullock (Pope) and

Mario C. Enriquez.

Jerry was a saltwater fish enthusiast and

enjoyed fishing, bowling, watching movies

and going to church. He relished spending

time with his family, especially his three children. Jerry was proud of his Native American

heritage and was a member of the Miami tribe

in Oklahoma.

Jerry is survived by: son, Gage Benson of

Pretty Prairie; daughters, Brakelle and Persia

Bullock of Maryland; sisters, Tammie (Jake)

Fletchall of Texas and Jennie (Shane) Patterson of South Hutchinson; brothers, Tito,

Miguel (Amy), and Mario (Lana) Enriquez,

all of Hutchinson; and numerous nieces and

nephews.

Jerry was preceded in death by: mother,

Rebecca and step-father Paul Winslow; father, Mario Enriquez.

Private family services will be held. Cremation has taken place.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Hutchinson Animal Shelter or Jerry Bullock Memorial Fund, in care of Elliott

Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS

67501. To benefit the Jerry Bullock Memorial Fund, please make the check payable to

Elliott Mortuary.

Aatotankiki Myaamiaki - Community, Vol. 18, No. 3, 2024-25

‘One who is born’

Valerie Mae

Allen

Nov. 13, 2024

Oxford Free Press

January 12-13, 2025 oxfordfreepress.com

Valerie

Mae

Allen born on November 13th, 2024.

She weighed 7lbs

9oz and 20¾ inches. Parents are Barry Todd Allen and

Ryan Taylor Allen.

Grandparents are

Larry Todd Allen

and Melissa Mae Allen. Great Grandparents

are Larry Lee Allen and Shirley Joan Allen.

Great Great Grandmother was Mary Mae Allen. She is our first born child. Her favorite

this to do is stare at the ceiling fan and smile

when anyone looks and talks to her.

Merrick

Anthony Shea

Dec. 24,

2024

Merrick Anthony Shea was

born to Haley &

Tim Shea on December 24, 2024 in

Cleveland, Ohio.

He was 7lb 14

oz and 19 inches

long. His maternal

grandparents are Kirk & Patti Strass and his

paternal grandparents are Mollie & John Shea.

‘One who is adopted’

Cairo Leonard Voltz Bickers

Tribal member John Bickers and his wife

Noel Voltz would like to announce John’s

adoption of his son Cairo, which took place

October 24, 2024 in Cleveland, Ohio. John

has been Cairo’s father since he married Noel

on March 31, 2023, but Cairo has now been

legally adopted.

On his 5th birthday, Cairo received his

Myaamia name, Kaapia, from oohkomali (his

grandmother) Diane Hunter, retired THPO.

He was named after his great-great-great

grandfather, Kaapia (Gabriel Godfroy), also

known as Waapanaakikaapwa. Cairo is excited to be a part of the Myaamia community

and most recently enjoyed attending Winter

Storytelling in kiihkayonki in February.

Remember

the days of

show & tell?

ADVERTISE

WITH US.

aatotankiki myaamiaki

We will help you design an ad or

write a story for our paper, send us

the details at:

mtonewspaper@miamination.com

Bobbe Burke:

Oxford Citizen of

the Year & Years

peenaalinta

maaciihinta

Aatotankiki Myaamiaki - Community, Vol. 18, No. 3, 2024-25

Tar Creek Apprenticeship Program

(TCAP)

Tar Creek Apprenticeship Program Gears Up for the Summer of 2025!

Are you currently a High School junior or topics (see list below). It will also teach stu-

Are

you currently

High2025

School

or senior

(Classes of 2025 or 2026) or between the ages 18 to 21? Are you

senior

(Classesa of

orjunior

2026)

or between

dents the techniques that natural resource proa member of the Peoria, Seneca Cayuga, Miami, Ottawa, Cherokee, Eastern Shawnee, or Wyandotte Tribes? Are

the ages 18 to 21? Are you a member of the fessionals use to monitor water quality, survey

you interested in earning income this summer and obtaining a free lifetime Oklahoma Hunting and Fishing license?

Peoria, Seneca Cayuga, Miami, Ottawa, Cher- plant

andcultural

wildlife

habitat,

improve

local

Are you interested in learning more about the environment,

tribal

practices,

and and

how these

two topics

okee,

Eastern Shawnee,

or Wyandotte

Tribes?

streams then

and lands

the animals

live

are

interconnected?

If you answered

yes to each

of these questions,

we havetoanhelp

innovative

six-weekthat

summer

Are

you

interested

earning

income

this

sumin

them.

program for you.

mer and obtaining a free lifetime Oklahoma

TCAP will be taught Monday through ThursHunting

and

Fishing

license?

Are

you

interday

June

2 through

2025

(no class

This program, known as the Tar Creek Apprenticeship Programfrom

(TCAP)

aims

to teach aJuly

wide17,

range

of classroom

and

“inin

thelearning

field” topics

to reconnect

to natural will

resources

(water,

fish,4th).

wildlife)

the Tar

ested

about thestudents

environment,

be held

the land,

weekplants,

of July

All of

students

Creek

area

and

doing

reconnect

them

the

cultural

practices

that

use

nature’s

resources.

The

program

will

tribal cultural practices, and how these two that successfully complete the course will earn

address

wide

range

topics

(see

list

below).

will

also

teach

students

the

techniques

that

natural

resource

topics are interconnected? If you answered yes $3,000 and receive a lifetime Oklahoma huntprofessionals

use toquestions,

monitor water

quality,

survey

habitat, and

improve

local streams

andCreek

lands

to each of these

then

we have

anplant

in- and

ingwildlife

and fishing

license

as well

as a Tar

help

the

animals

that

live

them.

novative six-week summer program for you.

Apprenticeship Program Certification.

This program, known as the Tar Creek ApSo, what are you waiting for? Space is limTCAP will be taught Monday through Thursday from June 2 through July 17, 2025 (no class will be held the week

prenticeship Program (TCAP) aims to teach a ited and applications are due by March 1st. For

of July 4 ). All students that successfully complete the course will earn $3,000 and receive a lifetime Oklahoma

wide range

of classroom

field”Apprenticeship

top- more information

on how to apply, please scan

hunting

and fishing

license as and

well “in

as a the

Tar Creek

Program Certification.

ics to reconnect students to natural resources the QR code on the flier and fill out the linked

(water,

land,

wildlife)

of the

application.

can also

contact

Lowery

So,

what are

youplants,

waiting fish,

for? Space

is limited

and Tar

applications

are dueYou

by March

1st. For

more Tami

information

Creek

area and

inscan

doing

to fill(918-541-8305;

tcap.tami@gmail.com)

or Anna

how

to apply,

please

the so

QR reconnect

code on thethem

flier and

out the linked application.

You can also contact

Tami

the cultural

practicestcap.tami@gmail.com)

that use nature’s resourcCollins

(tcap.annac@gmail.com)

forinformation.

further inLowery

(918-541-8305;

or Anna Collins

(tcap.annac@gmail.com)

for further

see you this

es. hope

The to

program

willsummer!

address a wide range of formation. We hope to see you this summer!

Curriculum Themes and Topics:

Foundation

•

Opening Day

Tar Creek &

Mining History

Toxic Tour

Restoration

NRDA

SHPO/THPO

Tribe Visits

Ecology

Plants & Habitat

Restoration

•

Medicinal Plants

Fibrous Plants

Pollination Plants

Cultivated Plants

(Gardening)

Seed Banks

Sap-Gathering

Fibrous Plants

(Basketry)

Use of clay

(Pottery)

Would you like to learn more about

plants from a Myaamia perspective?

Explore mahkihkiwa.org today!

Wildlife Restoration

•

Hunter Safety

Wildlife Resources

(Hunting)

Fish/Mussels

Bee Ecology & Habitat

Meat Processing

Wildlife Resource

Techniques (Archery)

Use of animal skins

(Moccasins)

Lacrosse

Capstone Project

•

Restoration Sites

Capstone Site Visit

Capstone Project

Development

Capstone Group

Meetings

Career Day

Capstone

Presentations

Closing Day

Each year, the Kiwanis Club honors severLocal

Oxford residents as citizens of the year and years.

This year’s recipients include an artist, a longtime

volunteer and a new local organization.

Each year, the Oxford Kiwanis Club honors

local residents as Citizen of the Year and Citizen

of the Years. Both awards are presented to people

who have contributed materially to making the Oxford community a better place to live.

Numerous individuals are nominated by members of the Oxford community each year, and the

final recipients are selected on the basis of contributions made as volunteers rather than as part of

employment responsibilities. The recipients are

chosen by a group of past honorees after the nominating period ends.

A person recognized as Citizen of the Year has

volunteered an important specific contribution to

Oxford during the past year. A Citizen of the Years Bobbe Burke, pictured here at the TOPSS Food Pantry in November 2023, was nominated in part for

has made contributions to Oxford extending over her efforts as volunteer coordinator of the annual Kiwanis Food Drive. Photo via TOPSS on Facebook.

many years, typically in multiple ways. In some

years, a couple or an organization may be named as Citizen of the Year or

Bobbe Burke has spent years volunteering for various organizations in OxCitizen of the Years.

ford, including TOPSS, Kiwanis and the Oxford Free Press. This year, she’s

This year, Joe Prescher is being recognized as the 2024 Citizen of the Year, being recognized as Citizen of the Years for her efforts.

while Bobbe Burke has been chosen as the 2024 Citizen of the Years and the

Bobbe Burke has been recognized as Oxford Citizen of the Years for her

Oxford Free Press is being honored as the 2024 Organization of the Year.

many years of volunteer work for several organizations in Oxford, including

The Citizen of the Year recognition was started by the Oxford Press in as coordinator of the Kiwanis Food Drive on behalf of Talawanda Oxford

1952. Since then, 150 individuals and couples have been recognized as Citi- Pantry & Social Services (TOPSS).

zens of the Year and 198 as Citizens of the Years. An individual may be honBurke was nominated by Sherry Martin, Executive Director of TOPSS,

ored only once as Citizen of the Year and only once as Citizen of the Years.

and Maggie Lubbers, TOPSS Pantry Coordinator. TOPSS provides Oxford

Recipients are honored at a lunch hosted by the Oxford Kiwanis Club. area residents with access to a pantry, emergency assistance, and other social

Each honoree receives a reproduction of a watercolor painting of Oxford by services. The nominating letter highlighted Burke’s “fabulous job” as volunlocal artist and 2012 Citizen of the Years Marjorie Bowers, who passed away teer coordinator of the Kiwanis Food Drive for several years. For the food

last month. The painting is reproduced through a grant from the Oxford Com- drive, the Kiwanis Club works with TOPSS, schools, local clubs and commumunity Foundation and is available only to the Citizen of the Year and Citizen nity groups to fight hunger in Oxford.

of the Years recipients. The Oxford Kiwanis Club provides more information

Martin wrote that Burke’s work has been key to the food drive’s success.

on the Oxford Citizen of the Year and Citizen of the Years program on its “Bobbe manages every detail of this project with precision and care, ensuring

website.

that everyone involved knows their role and that no part of the plan is overlooked. Thanks to her tireless work, this year’s food

drive exceeded its fundraising goal by over $9,000.”

Burke told the Oxford Free Press why she volunteers so much time bell ringing in December for

food donations for TOPSS as well as for the Salvation Army. “When you get close to Christmas Day,

those days get harder to fill in … so if you’re not

going to travel, it’s easy to take the spot for people

who are going to be busy traveling out of town or

doing something different.”

At Miami, Burke started working with

Myaamia students beginning in 1991 and served

as Coordinator of Miami Tribe Relations at Miami

University from 1994 until she retired in 2019.

Her work with Myaamia students through the

Myaamia Center extended well beyond her specific employment responsibilities. One Myaamia student told the Oxford Observer that Burke was “the

first person called when we needed help with all

things Miami-related.” Myaamia students called

her “Tribe Mom.” In 2005, she was named an honorary member of the Miami Tribe.

“Over the years, Bobbe has exemplified selflessness and dedication, making Oxford a stronger,

more compassionate community,” Martin wrote in

Each year, hundreds of Oxford residents give of their time and resources to make the town a better her nomination for Burke. “Her impact is far-reachplace. The Citizen of the Year and Years awards honor those contributions. Photo by Stella Powers.

ing, and her work inspires all who know her.”

Burke currently serves on the Public Arts Commission of Oxford. When the Free Press started

publication last July, Burke immediately stepped in

as leader of the team of volunteers who distribute

the newspaper around town every Friday.

Burke was named Oxford Citizen of the Year in

2003, one of a small handful who have now been

recognized as both Citizen of the Year and Citizen

of the Years.

“Bobbe Burke embodies the true spirit of this

award through her long-standing dedication to improving the Oxford community,” Martin wrote.

“Her leadership, compassion, and selflessness have

positively affected countless individuals and families, both directly and indirectly. Although I know

she would not want recognition or rewards, I had to

nominate her because I believe she truly represents

the ideal of a Citizen of the Year. I cannot think of

a more deserving recipient for the ‘Citizen of the

Years’ award.”

This article was originally published by the Oxford Free Press at www.oxfreepress.com

https://www.oxfreepress.com/oxford-citizen-ofthe-year-2024/

Bobbe Burke, left, is the recipient of the 2024 Citizen of the Years award for her contributions to https://www.oxfreepress.com/citizen-of-thevarious organizations including Kiwanis and TOPSS over the years. Photo by Sean Scott.

years-bobbe-burke/

Aatotankiki Myaamiaki - Community, Vol. 18, No. 3, 2024-25

Fires in Altadena

<<Continued from page 6C

the west. Embers traveled miles from the fire’s

front. All evening, I was wondering why the

electric company had not shut off the power.

Electric companies sometimes turn it off so that

power lines blowing in the wind do not cause

sparks.

Ultimately, it was too late; the fire that had

started in Eaton Canyon was rushing toward us.

By 10:30 PM, the wind blew out the power, and

my wife convinced me it was time to go instead

of having to leave when we might receive an official evacuation notice, bleary-eyed at 3 in the

morning. We loaded up my 2012 Tacoma and

her 2024 Corolla with Morty, the cat, Claire,

the dog, and whatever else we could carry. We

expected to return the next day, but it was still

a terrifying drive to our friend’s place in Silverlake with light signals out, firetrucks racing

by, the wind still raging around us, and the fires

bright on the horizon.

It turned out to be two weeks before we were

able to return. The evacuation order for the Eaton Fire came out in our area between 2 and 3

AM on the 8th, and the fire tore through the

area by about 3 AM. Our house burned along

with almost 9,000 others. The only things left

on our property are the chimney and parts of

the stucco shell. From the top of our driveway, I

can only see a handful of unburned houses—everything else is gone.

One of the most significant losses for me

was that my maternal grandfather’s 1931 Model

A sport coupe and my 1939 Ford pickup also

burned. Our insurance company totaled both

functional, drivable cars. The Model A was in

the garage with half a ton of car parts above it,

including a spare bed for the pickup. All those

things fell and crushed it so badly that the front

axle was bent, touching the ground. The pickup

was in the driveway near some bushes, and the

entire front burned the engine compartment and

1931 Model A belonging to Scott’s maternal

grandfather. Photo courtesy of Scott Doudrick.

Devastation to the Model A after the fire. Photo

courtesy of Scott Doudrick.

Continued on page 7C>>

Claudia Hedeen

your skills and feed our people!

Like its fall counterpart, the spring seed

swap (CREO Sprout About) has evolved to be

more inclusive for all ages. Youth-friendly activities are themed to cultivate enthusiasm for

gardening, a goal for our community’s intention

to be more connected to our food as an act of

wellness. Myaamia youth have potted seeds to

take home, planted the CREO children’s garden,

and can look forward to making seed bombs

this spring. For the more studious, lectures and

demonstrations on gardening and foraging techniques are offered by Community Food Program

Director, Dani Tippmann, and guest speakers.

In addition to our stationary games like

seenseewinki ‘bowl game’ and mahkisina

‘moccasin game’, physical activity is encouraged through lacrosse, fishing, and scavenger

hunts. Foraging hikes and corn hole also promote healthy movement - another community

aspiration towards myaamia wellness.

Several past attempts to hold spring lacrosse

basics workshops and fall lacrosse skills contests

have been canceled due to weather. Prepare for

the upcoming season by attending the CREO

Sprout About for a lacrosse overview, rain or

shine. ARPA Project Manager Doug Peconge

will demonstrate basic lacrosse equipment handling skills and explain the rules of the game.

Community grows through connecting fellow tribal families ready to share their knowledge and support. The CREO strives to cultivate

opportunities for myaamiaki to meet relatives,

share stories through food and wisdom, and continue building myaamia community wellness.

By gathering at these cultural events, we plant

and nurture inspiration for bringing myaamia

traditions to root in the home.

CREO Sprout About 2025

April 19th 11am-4pm

Seed Swap traditions grow at the CREO

Cultural Education & Wellness Coordinator,

CREO

Every year since relocating to Fritz Road,

the CREO has hosted spring and fall seed swaps.

The tribal community is invited to celebrate the

bounty of niipinwe ‘summer’ and share preparations for the next season by exchanging seeds,

plants, and food.

Last year, the fall seed swap (known as

the Sasquash Seed Swap in anticipation of future pumpkin growing contests) attracted more

myaamia home cooks than before - the second

annual fall chili cookoff was paired with the

seed swap and is drawing more competition

each year. Lucky winners are awarded with

small kitchen appliances and custom indigenous gifts. Bring your famous chili recipe this

fall to participate in the fun or at least showcase

What remained of the Doudrick home after the

fires. Photo courtesy of Scott Doudrick.

Unfortunately, my paternal grandfather’s

1997 framed name certificate from the Tribe

(Meentokisita Ninkati, Proud One) and the eagle feather he gave me are gone.

While the fires have caused much sadness

and loss, my wife and I decided to add some

joy to the world and move forward through our

challenges together as a family. We got married

on January 25, just weeks after the fire. Beth’s

family is nearby, and my folks were in town to

help us. As she says, “We eloped with our families.”

We had the ceremony in her mother’s living

room, where my son serenaded us with Elvis

Presley’s “The Wonder of You.” We celebrated

the occasion with lots of laughter, love, and our

dog.

We now rent an apartment nearby and are

connecting with other friends and neighbors

who lost their homes and the community to recover together. We hope to rebuild along with

many others in the area and bring Altadena back

to life again.

S! YOUR H

Damage inccured on the Ford pickup after the

fires in Altadena. Photo courtesy of Scott Doudrick.

courtesy of Scott Doudrick.

IMPORTA

CONTACT FOR

PUBLIC HEALTH

YOU

1939 Ford pickup belonging to Scott. Photo

US!

Community Member Submission

inside the cab. Amazingly, the bed, rear fenders, and running boards look almost untouched.

When we evacuated, I thought the cars were

safest where they were instead of parked on the

street somewhere.

Please take some advice—check your insurance coverage now. I had the Model A woefully

underinsured, and the pickup was low but acceptable. After fighting with the insurance company for two months over the salvage prices,

I have decided to buy back both vehicles and

restore the pickup. We recently moved it from

the property to indoor storage, and I am looking

to collect parts again.

IMPORT

Scott Doudrick

Weather predictions for days before January

7, 2025, included Red Flag warnings. Red Flag

days mean high winds and low humidity—perfect wildfire conditions. Our house was a mile

from the Angeles National Forest in Altadena,

CA, so it did not mean much. We were far from

the forest in the middle of the city, so it was annoying when the evacuation warnings came. If

we were to evacuate, we’d be back the next day.

Chaparral is the natural, scrubland of Altadena, north of Pasadena, in the Los Angeles area. The vegetation is predominantly dry

scrub or brush and looks dead much of the year,

though it is quite pretty in the spring. It has oils

and resins, which help the plants burn naturally. Unfortunately, years of fire suppression have

increased the fuel load, so unlike typical fires

in chaparral, they have burned particularly intensely in recent years.

At about 6:00 PM on January 7, a fire started in Eaton Canyon, a few miles to the east of

us. With winds clocked up to 100 mph and low,

single-digit humidity, the fire spread rapidly to

Aatotankiki Myaamiaki - Community, Vol. 18, No. 3, 2024-25

Public Health Mission:

Through excellence in public health

nursing practice, we will empower

communities to support a healthier,

safer, and higher quality of life for

members and their families.

The mission of the Community Health

Representative (CHR) is to provide

quality outreach health care services

and health promotion/disease

prevention services to American

Indians and Alaska Natives within their

communities.

Rachel Ramsey, RN

Email: rramsey@miamination.com

Phone: (918) 541-2175

Kaitlyn Luttrell

Email: kluttrell@miamination.com

Phone: (918) 541-1300

THE MIAMI TRIBE

OF OKLAHOMA

Learn more online at

www.miamination.com/chr-program/

Open for tribal members & elders

Weekdays 11am-1pm

TITL

I TRI

MIA

AHO

OF O

54535 E 65 Rd.

Miami, OK 74354

miamination.com/title-vi/

CREO staff tends the fry bread while a guest

supervisor looks on. Fry bread accompanies

beaver stew and wild mushroom soup featuring

fresh ramps foraged from the property each spring.

Photo by Doug Peconge, Miami Tribe of Oklahoma.

Plants are divided and Enthusiastic gardeners

potted for distribution share seeds, plants, and

at the spring swap. advice while others visit

Photo by Claudia Hedeen, enjoying outdoors. Photo

Miami Tribe of Oklahoma.

by Claudia Hedeen, MTO.

Myaamiaki of all ages collaborate in the

community weed pull. After clearing invasive

shrubs from the peehkahkionki spring woods,

participants enjoy lunch, crafts, and a seed

swap. Photo by Jonathan Fox, Myaamia Center.

S U B M IT

O B IT U A R IE S ,

B IR T H S ,

M A R R IAG E S ,

G R A D U AT IO N S , T S

A N N O U N C EM EN

& OT H E R H O N O R S

SUBMIT

dp i

Ph ot o re so lu tio n: 30 0

M in im um si ze : 3” x 3”

ps d

Fo rm at s: tif , jp g, pd f,

Community members mingling among swap

seedlings after the fall chili cookoff. Photo by

Jonathan Fox, Myaamia Center.

Chili contest entries waiting for competitive

taste testing. Community members vote for the

winners. Photo by Doug Peconge, MTO.

Dani Tippmann explains the best seed saving

methods after leading the community in the fall

myaamia corn harvest. Photo by Jonathan Fox, MC.

Tribal members and their family

members are encouraged to submit

detailed text and a color or B&W

photo to newspaper staff at:

mtonewspaper@miamination.com

Now Open!

Started by Tabitha Watson, Candy Watson, and Cheyenne Caswell, Mn D2

Native Sewing specializes in a variety of custom and premade ribbonwork

pieces, including shawls, tote bags, Hey Dudes, men’s vest, ribbon skirts,

shirts, and vest, and much more.

Find them on Facebook at MnD2 Native Sewing or by phone at

(918) 320-1311.

Aatotankiki Myaamiaki - Community, Vol. 18, No. 3, 2024-25

MYAAMIA EDUCATION OFFICE

BACK-TO-SCHOOL FUND &

SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION

NOTICE! CHANGES HAVE BEEN MADE. PLEASE READ THIS INFORMATION CLOSELY.

Back-to-School Funds

JUL 1 or postmarked by JUN 17.

Spring Semester Applications must be received

by NOV 15. or postmarked by NOV 5.

We will not process late applications.

Applications must be filled out completely. Read

instructions on the application carefully and make

sure it is signed at the bottom before returning to the

Myaamia Education office by the application deadEligible tribal members may apply for the fol- line. If you do not receive an application, it can be

lowing funds:

downloaded from the miamination.com under Ser◊ Pre-School (min. age of 4 years): $50.00

vices, Myaamia Education Office, Back-to-School

◊ Kindergarten through 6th grade: $75.00

Funds or call for a new application to be mailed.

◊ 7th & 8th grade: $100.00

Please ensure your address is up-to-date with the

◊ 9th through 12th grade (max. age 19): $150.00 Member Services Department. If you have quesFall Semester Applications must be received by tions, contact the Education Office at 918-541-2176.

Spring and Fall Semester Back-to-School applications will be mailed to all enrolled Miami Tribe

of Oklahoma children from Pre-School through

High School (ages 4-19 years). Spring applications

will be mailed out in September of each year and

Fall applications will be mailed in June of each year.

To receive Back-to-School Funds an application must be completed for each semester. Checks

will be mailed within 3 weeks after the Fall semester application deadline, and after Christmas for the

Spring semester.

*The Tribe may require, at any time, the recipient of back-to-school-funds to produce receipts for

items purchased with said funds as a requirement

for receiving future funding. *The policy of the Miami Tribe related to any matter involving a minor

tribal member is to communicate with the biological

parent or legal guardian.

Scholarships

If selected to receive a scholarship, only one scholarship will be

The Miami Tribe of Oklahoma is committed to supporting the education awarded. When applying, check any of the boxes for which the student qualiof Myaamia people of all ages through the funding of scholarships and fies. If changing colleges after award checks are mailed, it is the responsibility

continuing education programs. The Myaamia Scholarship Selection of the awardee to recover the scholarship amount and have it sent back to the

Committee is made up of 3 tribal members appointed by the Business Myaamia Education Office to be redistributed. It is also the awardee’s responCommittee and given the responsibility of awarding scholarships through a sibility to notify that the school seelction has changed and send the new inforblind application process on behalf of the General Council. All scholarship mation to the Myaamia Education Office.

applications must be fully completed upon submission or the application PLEASE NOTE THAT LATE, INCOMPLETE OR UNSIGNED

will not be considered. Note: All scholarships offered by The Miami Tribe of APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE PROCESSED. THE MYAAMIA

Oklahoma are for enrolled members/citizens of the tribe only. Scholarships EDUCATION OFFICE IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR RETURNING

are available only for Spring and Fall semesters.

INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS TO BE SIGNED OR COMPLETED.

Scholarship Applications

If you have any questions please contact the Myaamia Education Office.

Donya Williams: dwilliams@miamination.com, 918-541-2176.

*All awards are subject to change per the Business Committee.

Fall Scholarship Application DEADLINE OCTOBER 1ST.

Spring Scholarship Application DEADLINE APRIL 1ST.

SCHOLARSHIP ON THE SPRING SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION:

*CASINO/ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT EDUCATION AWARD

DUE APRIL 1 EACH YEAR.

Application Eligibility:

◊ Full-time undergraduate status (enrolled in 12 credit hours).

◊ Must have 2.5 cumulative GPA.

Award:

◊ $2,000 per academic year.

◊ Student must advise school if full amount should be applied

to Fall semester, or should be split between Fall and Spring.

◊ Pays up to eight consecutive Fall/Spring semesters (4 years).

◊ Renewable annually with Spring Scholarship Application.

Renewal Requirements:

◊ Maintain full-time status (minimum 12 credit hours each semester).

◊ Maintain 2.5 cumulative GPA.

JOSEPHINE GOODBOO WATSON MEMORIAL BOOK SCHOLARSHIP

DUE APRIL 1 EACH YEAR.

(Established by the surviving descendants of tribal member Josephine

Goodboo Watson).

Application Eligibility:

◊ Full-time graduate or undergraduate status.

◊ Must have 2.5 cumulative GPA.

Award:

◊ $500 per academic year.

◊ Renewable annually with Spring Scholarship Application.

Renewal Requirements:

◊ Maintain full-time status (minimum 12 credit hours/undergraduate;

6 credit hours/graduate, each semester).

◊ Maintain 2.5 cumulative GPA.

TAX COMMISSION CONTINUING EDUCATION SCHOLARSHIP

DUE APRIL 1 EACH YEAR.

Application Eligibility:

◊ Full-time undergraduate status.

◊ Must have 2.5 cumulative GPA.

Award:

◊ Award amount changes; awarded each academic year.

◊ Student must advise school if full amount should be applied

to Fall semester or should be split between Fall and Spring.

◊ Renewable annually with Spring Scholarship Application.

Renewal Requirements:

◊ Maintain full-time status (minimum 12 credit hours) or part-time

status (minimum 6 credit hours).

◊ Maintain 2.5 cumulative GPA.

◊

CRANE AWARD

DUE APRIL 1 EACH YEAR.

Application Eligibility:

◊ Graduate or post-graduate student.

Award:

◊ $2,000 per academic year.

◊ Student must advise school if full amount should be applied

to Fall semester or should be split between Fall and Spring.

◊ Renewable annually with Spring Scholarship Application.

NON-TRADITIONAL SCHOLARSHIP

DUE APRIL 1 EACH YEAR.

Application Eligibility:

◊ Full-time undergraduate status (minimum 12 credit hours).

◊ Must have 2.5 cumulative GPA (high school or college, whichever

is most recent).

◊ Must be 5 years since completion of last semester in high school or

college.

Award:

◊ $2,000 per academic year.

◊ Student must advise school if full amount should be applied

to Fall semester or should be split between Fall and Spring.

◊ Non-renewable.

FRESH START SCHOLARSHIP

DUE APRIL 1 EACH YEAR.

Application Eligibility:

◊ Freshman (apply senior year of high school).

◊ Must have 2.0-2.4 cumulative GPA.

◊ This scholarship is for a student who does not carry a 2.5

GPA, which is a requirement for all other Miami Tribe of

Oklahoma scholarships on the Spring application.

Award:

◊ $400 one-time award for Fall Semester.

◊ Student must advise school if full amount should be applied

to Fall semester or should be split between Fall and Spring.

◊ Non-renewable.

SCHOLARSHIP ON THE FALL SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION:

VOCATIONAL OR TRADE SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIP

DUE OCTOBER 1 EACH YEAR.

Application Eligibility:

◊ Must be enrolled full-time in a state-accredited vocational or trade

school.

◊ Full-time undergraduate status (minimum 12 credit hours).

◊ Must have 2.0 cumulative GPA.

Award:

◊ $2,000 per academic year.

◊ Student must advise school if full amount should be applied

to Fall semester or should be split between Fall and Spring.

◊ Renewable annually with Fall Scholarship Application.

Renewal Requirements:

◊ Maintain full-time status (minimum 12 credit hours each semester).

◊ Maintain 2.0 cumulative GPA.

You can now submit your application online using the new education portal! myaamiaportal.com

M I A M I

N A T I

N E W S

myaamia nipwaayonikaani

Myaamia Publications – Vol. 18, No. 3, Winter 2024-25 – Section D – Myaamia Center – Noošonke Siipionki Myaamionki

National Breath of Life Archival Institute for

Indigenous Languages wins international award for

helping tribes keep their languages alive

For communities with few to no first language speakers, archival-based work has become vital

Margo Rutledge Kissell

A race against time

Since 2011, National Breath of Life has held workshops to provide training and support to language revitalization practitioners representing more than

63 Indigenous languages in North America.

In March 2022, the institute launched the apprenticeship program with the

support from the National Endowment of the Humanities and the Andrew W.

Mellon Foundation to work directly with 13 citizens from 10 participating

Indigenous communities in California, Oregon, Wisconsin, and Oklahoma.

“This is mostly for communities whose languages have reached the point

of dormancy or near dormancy,” said Gabriela Pérez-Báez, an associate professor of linguistics at the University of Oregon and co-director of National

Breath of Life.

For many tribes, it is a race against time.

Baldwin, a citizen of the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma, knows that all too

well. He is executive director of the Myaamia Center, which has been at the

forefront of a language and cultural revitalization with the Miami Tribe that

has resulted in the first generation in about 100 years learning to speak the

Myaamia language.

A key component has been the Myaamia Center’s Indigenous Languages

Digital Archive (ILDA), a web-based software designed to assemble primary

source materials of endangered languages into a digital archiving space to

facilitate linguistic analysis and development of language learning materials.

For communities with few to no first language speakers, archival-based

work becomes especially vital.

National Breath of Life Archival Institute for Indigenous Languages and

Pewenofkit Briner is grateful for the opportunity to be an apprentice.

Myaamia Center staff stand with leaders of the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma During a visit to Miami earlier this year, she mentioned the four Rs in the

and citizens from 10 Indigenous communities in California, Oregon, Comanche culture — reciprocity, relationships, redistribution, and respect.

Wisconsin, and Oklahoma who are participating in the apprenticeship

“The highlight for me is to see the Myaamia people embody that in what

program. Photo by Karen Baldwin, Miami Tribe of Oklahoma.

they do,” she said, “and it’s a standard that I now have for what I want to see

in my community.”

Bo Johnson from the Confederated Tribes of Siletz in Oregon wanted to

know the meaning of the Siletz prayers he heard spoken during ceremonies.

Kate Pewenofkit Briner gets stopped on the street in Lawton, Oklahoma,

by people wanting to thank her for the dictionary she has been creating for the

Comanche people.

“I go to the dictionary every day to hear my grandma’s voice,” one person

told her.

And Shawnee Tribe citizen Terry Hinsley said they offer classes in Miami,

Oklahoma, for “our languages to get back into the mouths of our people all

across the country.”

All three share a common goal: As apprentices with the National Breath of

Life Archival Institute for Indigenous Languages, they are trying to keep their

Indigenous languages alive for future generations.

The Association of Tribal Archives, Libraries & Museums (ATALM), an

international nonprofit, honored National Breath of Life on Nov. 13 during its

international conference in Palm Springs, California. The institute was awarded the 2024 International Guardians of Culture and Lifeways Language Program - Institutional Excellence Award.

Daryl Baldwin, co-director of National Breath of Life — based in the

Myaamia Center at Miami University — said, “We recognize the significant Miami ambassador Dr. Renate Crawford and Miami University President

value of all our partners and especially the tribal communities and dedicated Gregory Crawford listen to Miami Tribe of Oklahoma Chief Douglas

language warriors, many of whom have dedicated their entire careers and lives Lankford speak at the ribbon cutting in May for miloniteeheekaani, which

means “the Myaamia classroom,” in MacMillan Hall. Photo by Scott Kissell,

to breathe new life into their languages.”

“This award belongs to all of our stakeholders who have supported ar- Miami University.

chive-based language revitalization efforts and engaged in this work in order

‘Growing the forest’

to keep our languages part of our lives and futures as first Americans.”

National Breath of Life officials liken the language revitalization process

to basket weaving — gathering materials, processing them, then weaving

them into their community.

“Everyone comes into this work at very different places in that process,”

archive development trainer Jerome Viles said.

“They all have been working on some aspect of building a digital archive

using ILDA or building a dictionary or doing really hardcore transcription

projects of their archival materials.”

Viles works closely with the apprentices, providing training and support. Pérez-Báez said they talk a lot about “growing the forest” in this broad

Indigenous community.

“It’s really amazing to think that in North America, most Indigenous communities are undergoing revitalization and have been for quite some time from

within the community,” she said. “We all support each other.”

She appreciates how the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma and the Myaamia Center have shared the ILDA tools they developed initially for the Miami Tribe’s

use.

Miami Tribe of Oklahoma Chief Douglas Lankford said they wanted others to have the opportunity to use what has worked for his Tribe.

Gabriela Pérez-Báez, associate professor of linguistics at the University

“The impact on our Nation has just been astounding,” Lankford said.

of Oregon, (left) co-directs National Breath of Life with Daryl Baldwin “Through all that work, our games have returned. Our dancing has returned.

(center), executive director of the Myaamia Center at Miami University, Storytelling has returned. All of these things have returned to our Nation

where National Breath of Life is based. Jerome Viles, (right) is an archive through all of this work.”

development trainer who works closely with the apprentices. Photo by Karen

Baldwin, Miami Tribe of Oklahoma.

Continues on page 2D >>

Miami News, Nov. 13, 2024, miamioh.edu/news/2024/11/national-breathof-life-archival-institute-for-indigenous-languages-wins-internationalaward-for-helping-tribes-keep-languages-alive

Aatotankiki Myaamiaki - Myaamia Center, Vol. 18, No. 3, 2024-25

The Miami Awakening: A Linguist’s Perspective

<< Continues from page 1D

a paper on AlgonquiMedia and Communications Specialist,

an languages with his

Myaamia Center

advisor, he was tasked

to “see what he could

Over the summer, the Office of Language Re- find on the Miami lansearch at the Myaamia Center reached 100,000 guage”. David found a

entries in the Miami Tribe’s Indigenous Language sizeable collection of

Digital Archive, commonly known as the ILDA materials in the archive

database that feeds the Myaamia dictionary.

and became intrigued

The Office of Language Research is a by this Indigenous lanmulti-person team with two linguists; Dr. David guage that had yet to be

Costa and Dr. Hunter Thompson Lockwood; and a analyzed by linguists.

transcriptionist, Carole Katz. This team regularly

remembers

collaborates with Michael McCafferty from Indi- asking his professor if

ana University, who performs translation work.

there was enough conThese individuals are doing the meticulous tent for a dissertation,

work of locating, transcribing, and analyzing ar- with no idea he would

chival language documents to be added to the come to acquire enough

ILDA database, where the Myaamia communi- archival material for a Education and language publications produced by the Myaamia Center at

Miami University. Photo by Karen Baldwin, Miami Tribe of Oklahoma.

ty can easily access the language. This 100,000 lifetime of analysis.

milestone is a testament to over 30 years of reAs was common in

search that ultimately led to the revitalization of his field, he sought to find speakers of the MiMyaamiaataweenki ‘the Myaamia language.’

ami language; first in Oklahoma and then in IndiHowever, the team didn’t always look like ana. While some elders in these communities had

this. Over those 30 years, countless people have word lists, remembered names in the language, or

contributed to this work by sharing knowledge, had memories of it being spoken, he found that

time, and resources. One of the people on this the community had set the threads of language

team has been working with Myaamiaataweenki down. Nobody was speaking Myaamiaataweenki.

long before the creation of the Myaamia Center at Instead, he found stories from those elders, bits of

Miami University.

knowledge about Myaamia culture and life in the

This is the first post in a series on Aacimota- early-to-mid 1900s.

atiiyankwi about the role of language in Myaami“While it had nothing to do with language,”

aki Eemamwiciki ‘the Miami Awakening’, and David said. “I realized for the first time that I

the people whose work has made the awakening might be collecting something else of value.”

possible.

On one of these trips, he met Daryl Baldwin,

Dr. David Costa is known in the linguistics a member of the Miami Tribe, at a powwow. Darcommunity as an Algonquian language expert. yl, now executive director of the Myaamia CenHe’s been studying Myaamiaataweenki since the ter, had just completed his master’s degree in

late 1980s while pursuing a Ph.D in linguistics linguistics and was looking to learn more about

from the University of California, Berkeley. He’s his community’s language. This first introduction

worked directly with the Miami Tribe for over 20 was short, but the beginning of a long working

years and has formally been the Director of the relationship.

Office of Language Research at the Myaamia

When David talks about the early days of his

Center since 2017.

linguistic studies, he mentions a temp job as a file

David isn’t Myaamia or Native American and clerk at Clorox in Oakland, California almost as David Costa, director of the Office of Language

didn’t grow up in the Myaamia homelands. So, an afterthought; but this was his full-time “day Research at the Myaamia Center. Photo by Miami

how did he become an invaluable member of the job” and main income source during the last few University.

Myaamia community and contribute to changing years of his dissertation research. He would even

the course of history for our tribal nation?

save vacation days with the company to make manent Myaamia Center in 2013, Daryl knew it

During his Ph.D research, while coauthoring those trips to Oklahoma and Indiana.

was time to bring David to the Myaamia Center as

Finally, in 1994 after countless visits to ar- a full-time employee.

chives, libraries, and museums to collect dictioDavid discussed the decision at length with

naries and written documentation of the Myaamia Mary, his wife, and their teenage child. Mary was

language, his dissertation was filed and David established in her teaching career and their child

now held his Ph.D in linguistics.

was only going to be living at home for a few

David’s research process, linguistic analysis more years, so a cross-country move didn’t make

from archival documentation, wasn’t common sense for the family.

in linguistics, and most of his peers didn’t see

The next year, Daryl found a way for David

the value in it. They couldn’t understand why he to join the staff remotely from California. After

would study a language with no speakers, but for working with the Myaamiaataweenki for over 20

David, it just added to the complexity of the puz- years, this research had finally become his fullzle he was trying to solve.

time job, one with pension and benefits. Daryl

“Maybe the Miamis would be interested in and David agreed that when Mary retired from

this,” he thought. So, he arranged to have a copy her teaching position, they would move across the

of the dissertation sent to Daryl Baldwin, who country from California to Oxford, Ohio, a small

was both surprised and excited to see so much college town just north of Cincinnati.

available information on the language.

It wasn’t an easy decision, especially when

The two began conversing regularly and in the David’s child, a young adult at the time, had delate 1990’s, David was introduced to Julie Olds at cided she wasn’t moving with them. Regardless,

the Miami Tribe’s Cultural Resource Office. This in the summer of 2017, David and Mary packed

introduction allowed him to start formally work- their belongings and moved to Oxford.

ing with the Miami Tribe through contracted projToday, the couple still feels they made the

ects, mostly providing language information for right decision. Mary, an author and writer, spends

in-home learning materials.

her retirement working on her novels and pursu(Left to right) Daryl Baldwin, David Costa, and

In 2000, David was able to quit his “temp” job ing an MFA at Miami University, while David still

Julie Olds in 2022. Photo by Karen Baldwin, Miami after eight years with the company and start work- works full-time leading language research for the

Tribe of Oklahoma.

ing with Algonquian tribes on a full-time basis. Miami Tribe at the Myaamia Center. While they

Just one year later, the both miss their daughter, they make trips to see

Myaamia Project (now her multiple times per year and she visits them in

the Myaamia Center) Ohio, too.

was established at MiThe field of language revitalization from arami University with chival documentation is becoming increasingly

the goal of studying common and David’s research has allowed the

Myaamiaataweenki to Miami Tribe to provide guidance and assistance

integrate it back into to other tribal nations now interested in engaging

the Myaamia commu- in this work themselves.

nity. While Daryl BaldWhile nobody, including David, doubts that

win was the only em- the Myaamia community would have eventually

ployee at the Myaamia found the archival documentation, he found it at

Project for a few years, a time when nobody was looking for it or even

the Miami Tribe under- knew it existed. He began compiling and analyzstood he needed sup- ing it, saving the community years of research

port, so they continued when we were ready to pick up the threads of lanhiring David to do re- guage again.

search for the project.

In future posts in this series on the blog, we

When the Myaamia will explore the process of language revitalization

David analyzes archival documents, 2024. Photo by Jonathan Fox, Myaamia Project formally transi- from documentation and learn how this research

Center.

tioned to the more per- is used by the Myaamia community.

Stella Beerman

“We really felt we wanted to infuse in this effort the use of archival

materials,” Baldwin recalled. “Setting up all the capacity and features

that would be needed to support that work would not only be good for us

but also for other communities.” Photo by Scott Kissell, Miami University.

‘It was just something we had to do’

Bo Johnson talks about the Confederated Tribes of Siletz in Oregon. Photo

by Karen Baldwin, Miami Tribe of Oklahoma.

Seeing the impact in other communities

The first time Johnson took part in Siletz dances, it was such a strong experience for him.

“I wanted to know what those prayers were talking about — not just know

how to translate them but why they are being said and the deeper meaning.”

Johnson has been learning his language, slowly picking up words and

phrases that he can say and understand.

During the pandemic, they didn’t dance for two to three years. By the time

the dancing resumed, Johnson’s work had paid off: He was able to understand

more of the prayers.

“That was big for me.”

Hinsley said National Breath of Life is helping the Shawnee community

create an online database accessible to all of their students and citizens.

“It’s really crucial in supporting the work we are doing,” he said of their

program that is open to all three tribes — The Shawnee, Eastern Shawnee, and

Absentee Shawnee.

For Hinsley, the primary part of the apprenticeship focuses on dictionary

creation. “We have done quite a bit of work building archives, so a lot of our

material has been transcribed and put in the ILDA archive database.”

He has spent hours taking the curriculum from classes and using that to

add vocabulary words to the online dictionary.

Pérez-Báez said they learn from each other when they share what they are

doing, including talking about the challenges they face.

Baldwin is glad the Myaamia Center gave National Breath of Life a

much-needed home so it would continue to develop and thrive with the aid of

funders.

“I think they saw it as having viability,” he said, “but because it didn’t have

an institutional home, there were really no resources to support it and advance

it.”

At the time, Baldwin was a bit nervous about the decision because the

Miami Tribe was going through some growing pains.

“We had a lot of challenges responding to our own growth and community needs, so I came back and visited with the staff I had at the time. I said,

‘Should we take this on? This is going to be a pretty monumental task.’”

The staff collectively answered yes.

He visited with Miami Tribe leaders, who had the same response as his staff.

“There wasn’t really any hesitation. It was just something we had to do

because we saw where things were going.”

They all knew how important archival materials would become to the vast

majority of Indigenous communities and needed to start building infrastructure on how to use archival materials and artifacts.

The key lay in digital — something they could offer because of the 50-plus

year relationship between Miami University and the Tribe. Students in Miami’s College of Engineering and Computing collaborated with the Myaamia

Center to develop digital archives.

Baldwin realized many Indigenous communities don’t have the resources

to invest in “the kind of technology that we are able to do here because of the

partnership between the Tribe and university.”

After working to advance National Breath of Life, he believes things will

look differently 10 years from now. There are a lot of directions to grow the effort, which can impact the work they are putting into reclaiming their languages.

While he said that’s exciting, Baldwin remains cautious.

“The challenge for us in Indian country is to make sure we are protecting

that data,” he said, calling for a need to balance progress in this area while

protecting the integrity.

“We see the best way to advance it is with you all,” he told the apprentices, “and on our own terms as individuals invested in the revitalization of our

languages.”

INSTALL THE NEW APP

Install the Myaamiaataweenki Dictionary!

Why should I join the

Myaamia Heritage Program

at Miami University?

They offer full tuition waiver for

Myaamia students to attend Miami

University.

Would I get to take a series of

courses to learn more Myaamia

history, language and culture?

Yes! Are you interested?

For more info, visit

www.miamioh.edu/miami-tribe-relations |

You can also contact Kara Strass at strasskl@miamioh.edu

ILDA Dictionary

Aatotankiki Myaamiaki - Myaamia Center, Vol. 18, No. 3, 2024-25

Reflections from the Association of Tribal Archives,

Libraries, and Museums Conference

Jonathan Fox

Director of Media & Technology, Myaamia Center

This November, National Breath of Life, Myaamia Center, and Miami Tribe of Oklahoma staff attended the Association of Tribal Archives, Libraries, and Museums (ATALM)

conference on the Agua Caliente Indian Reservation in Palm

Springs, CA, where National Breath of Life was awarded

the Language Program Institutional Excellence Award.

ATALM is a non-profit organization that maintains a

network of support for Indigenous programs, provides culturally relevant programming and services, encourages collaboration among tribal and non-tribal cultural institutions,

and articulates contemporary issues related to developing

and sustaining the cultural sovereignty of Native Nations.

I was fortunate enough to be part of the Myaamia Center’s delegation at the conference. Paapankamwa weenswiaani, niila meenapiyankiki myaamiaki neehi meehkimwiaani myaamia nipwaayonikaaninki ‘I’m Jonathan Fox. I’m

a Myaamia spouse and an employee of the Myaamia Center.’ I direct the Center’s Media & Technology office’s efforts. My typical duties include working as the staff photographer, videographer, web designer, and bit of “jack of all

trades” information technology specialist for the Myaamia

Center and National Breath of Life. I attended ATALM to

expand my knowledge in digital archiving and multimedia

content creation within an Indigenous community, but as

the official photographer, I also attended the awards ceremony to capture the moment!

I started the week by attending the Community Archiving Workshop. This workshop was hosted and instructed by specialists in multiple disciplines across the fields of

archiving and preservation of cultural materials. The group

I worked with was tasked with inspecting and cataloging

audio cassette tapes with recordings provided by the Onöh- Taking in the landscape on the Agua Caliente Indian Reservation. Photo by Jonathan M.

Fox, Myaamia Center.

sagwë:de’ Cultural Center of the Seneca Nation.

The

Myaamia

Center has more than

tive Nations and the

a few cassette tapes

National Breath of

in need of protecLife Archival Instition and I had limtute for Indigenous

ited experience with

Languages was the

the preservation of

recipient of the Lantape media; so I was

guage Program Insticareful to note what

tutional Excellence

I was doing for my

Award.

own future efforts!

National Breath

One of my goals

of Life Co-director

for the conference

Daryl Baldwin was

was to learn more Daryl Baldwin, co-director, accepts the Language Program Institutional Excellence Award on behalf of present to receive

about methods for National Breath of Life from Richard West and Walter Echo-Hawk. Photos by Jonathan M. Fox, Myaamia Center. the award on becreating engaging

half of the program.

content that is culAll the gathered

turally and commuawa

This text is long and has been trimmed here. Open the source document for the complete record.

This is a copy of a public record, reproduced as it was published. It is not legal advice, and it may not be the version a court would rely on. Check the official source before you cite it.