aatotankiki myaamiaki (2025)

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M I A M I

N A T I

N E W S

aatotankiki myaamiaki

Myaamia Publications – Vol. 19, No. 3, Win ter 2025-26 – Section A – News – Noošonke Siipionki Myaamionki

Celebrating Historic Moments:

A Look Back at the 29th Annual

Winter Gathering Pg 5A

meehtikoošionkiši

aapooši iiyaayaanki

‘Once Again We Travel

to France:’ Celebrating

an Exhibition and

Commemorating History

Pg 4B

Myaamia

Moment: My

experience at

saakiiweeyonki

‘the Coming Out

Place’ Pg 1C

Preparing the Next Generation of

Miami Tribe of Oklahoma Leaders

Myaamia Heritage Award Program at

Miami University plays key role Pg 3D

CRO Represents

the Miami Tribe

at the FAM’s TEK

Fest Pg 1E

Young Myaamia community members enjoy storytelling at this year’s Winter Gathering. Photo by Karen Baldwin, Miami Tribe of Oklahoma.

SAVE THE DATE: Annual Meeting will be June 27th, 2026

Find the National Gathering Week schedule and more information on Pg 2C

Aatotankiki Myaamiaki - News, Vol. 19, No. 3, 2025-26

aatotankiki myaamiaki

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

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.

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.

MYAAMIA PUBLICATIONS

Miami Nation Cultural Resources Office

P.O. Box 1326

Miami, OK 74355

918-541-1300

Email: mtocro@gmail.com

Editorial Staff:

Julie Olds, Diane Hunter, Joshua Sutterfield,

Doug Peconge, Meghan Dorey, Bobbe Burke,

Madalyn Richardson.

Submission Requirements:

Photos: Must be submitted electronically and should be saved at a resolution of 300

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

Section A: News

The Chief’s Report 3A

‘Land of the Myaamiaki the Beautiful

Place’ in Ft. Wayne, Indiana 4A

Celebrating Historic Moments:...29th

Annual Winter Gathering 5A

Police Department awarded for

service in active shootings 6A

Introducing the Myaamia Heritage

Foundation 7A

Shop with a Cop & Eddie the Eagle 8A

Section B: History & Culture

They Awaken and Preserve it

for Each Other a presentation at

Newberry Museum 1B

Our People Believe in Education

Now Available 2B

Ganondagan – Indigenous Music &

Arts Festival 3B

meehtikoošionkiši aapooši iiyaayaanki

‘Once Again We Travel to France’... 4B

What Makes Something Myaamia? 6B

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.

Stars, Planets, and Heavenly... 6B

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.

All 2026 MTO/CRO/CREO Events 8B

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: Nate Poyfair

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 at 918-541-1300.

Myaamia Community Resources 8B

Section C: Community

Myaamia Moment: My experience at

saakiiweeyonki ‘the Coming Out Place’ 1C

National Gathering Week Info 2C

Myaamia Autism Center Ribbon... 3C

A Dream Come True: Bear Hunting

in the Ouachita’s 4C

Prairie Sky Market 5C

toopeeliyani ‘You accomplished it!’ 6C

peenaalinta ‘One who is born’ 6C

waanantakhšinka ‘Lying quietly’ 6C

Scholarships & Back-to-School Funds 8C

Section D: Myaamia Center

MC celebrates 25th Ann. This Year 1D

...How We Revitalize the Myaamia

Language 2D

Preparing the next generation of

Miami Tribe of Oklahoma leaders 3D

Myaamiaki Conference on April 18 5D

aašitehkawaataawi katakimaankohkwa

‘Let’s Meet Gretchen Spenn’ 6D

wiiyaakiteeheetaawi weehki-kihkatwi

‘Let’s Celebrate the Lunar New Year!’ 7D

Myaamia Metaphoric Expression 8D

Section E: Eemamwiciki

eeweentiiyankwi ‘Family’ 1E

CRO Represents MTO at the FAM’s

TEK Fest 1E

‘Myaamia people celebrate the New

Year in Miami, OK’ 2E

Hometown History Event 2E

Cultural Corner 3E

Eemamwiciki Events 8E

Aatotankiki Myaamiaki - News, Vol. 19, No. 3, 2025-26

aacimwita akima ‘The Chief’s Report’

Aya ceeki eeweemakiki,

On behalf of our elected leaders, I send greetings to all Myaamia citizens and their families

from your Nation’s headquarters in noošonke siipionki myaamionki. Here, winter’s cold has subsided, and the transition time of spring has begun. Ciinkwia has sounded, and the peepers have

answered, so our winter stories have been put

away until the fall brings the hard freeze again.

Of course, the departure of storytelling

means it is time to get out our lacrosse sticks.

I am looking forward to the first community

game on April 11 here in myaamionki. Be sure

to check out the new edition of our annual lunar

calendar, which should have arrived by mail recently, and check out any event dates you may

be able to attend.

This time also marks the beginning of planning for our National Gathering Week and our

annual General Council meeting. Our National

Gathering week events begin on June 22 and

continue through Saturday, June 27th, 2026. The

2026 meeting of the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma

General Council will convene at 9 a.m. on Saturday, June 27th at our Nation’s Council House in

Miami, OK. Be sure to check out the events line

up included in this edition and watch our website

and social media outlets for updates.

We enjoyed our 29th annual Myaamia Winter Gathering, held the last weekend in January.

There were several events which included an

open house at our wonderful Myaamia Heritage

Museum, a presentation celebrating the 25th

year of the Myaamia Center at Miami University, storytelling, and of course social dancing.

Representatives of Strawtown Koteewi Park

traveled from Noblesville, IN, to bring a special

gift to our Nation, a beautiful, custom engraved

copper gorget to show their great appreciation

for the relationship we share with the park, our

help with signage, and to show respect for their

presence within our homeland. However, the

highlight of this year’s gathering was the ethical return of a personal tobacco bag that once

belonged to Chief Little Turtle by the Fort Orange Club of Albany, NY. Two representatives

of the Club made the journey to personally

present the bag back to the Miami Nation. Our

Winter Gathering is a favorite event among our

community members, and this year’s gathering

will be long remembered for these experiences.

I will begin my legal report with an update

about our networking and outreach in Indiana.

You may recall in the Fall Report I commented

about misinformation in the Fort Wayne, Indiana area regarding the Tribe’s property located

on Fritz Road, which we call Peehkahkionki,

meaning the beautiful place. Various Indiana

media reports included false information that

the Tribe was planning to build a casino on its

Ft. Wayne property. The Tribe provided multiple statements to media to correct this misinformation.

The Tribe sent correspondence to the Mayor of Fort Wayne and local state officials and

state representatives explaining the work of the

CREO and again affirmed the Tribe has no intent to conduct casino activities on the Fritz Rd.

property. Further the Tribe informed that it is

precluded from gaming on the land because of

affirmations made to the Department of Interior

that no gaming would occur on that property in

its fee to trust application.

In early January I traveled to Indiana and met

with several Indiana Senators and Representatives communicating this same information in

person. The state representatives were appreciative of the Tribe’s transparency and outreach

efforts. The Tribe has always and remains fully

committed to establishing and building on Cultural Resources Extension Office and Myaamia

Community Center at activities and programs at

Peehkahkionki.

Illinois Legislation

I have some exciting news related to the

Tribe’s legislation to permit the Tribe to bring

a land claim for its loss of historic tribal lands

in southeast Illinois. As you may recall, Senator Markwayne Mullin (Cherokee), a staunch

advocate for the Tribe for the past eight years,

reintroduced the bill last session S 550, entitled

A Bill to provide for the Equitable Settlement of

Certain Indian Land Disputes Regarding Land

in Illinois, and for other Purposes. Oklahoma

Congressman, Tom Cole (Chickasaw) joined

the bill again last winter as a sponsor. Congress-

man Cole is a longtime advocate for tribes and

Indian Country and has been a good friend and

staunch supporter of the Tribe for years.

On December 15, 2025, the bill passed the

Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent. The bill, H.R. 2827, was then scheduled

to go before the House Committee on Indian

Affairs. On March 4th I had the great honor

to travel to Washington DC with Second Chief

Dustin Olds, Tribal General Counsel Robin

Lash, Special Counsel Joe Halloran, and Attorney/Lobbyist Reid LeBeau to testify before the

House Subcommittee on Insular and Indian Affairs.

Once the bill is authorized by Congress,

H.R. 2827, a bi-partisan bill, will grant jurisdiction to the Court of Federal Claims to consider and decide the Tribe’s land claim. We are

committed to continuing our important work on

this bill to get our day in Court.

Federal Litigation

As you may recall, in December 2023, the

Miami Tribe, joined by the Eastern Shawnee

Tribe, Ottawa Tribe, and Seneca Cayuga Tribe

filed federal lawsuits in Northern District Court

in Tulsa, requesting that the Court declare the

reservation lands of the plaintiff tribes to be

intact, never having been disestablished. The

litigation was initiated to help the Tribe secure

essential federal funding for the Tribe’s court to

address its criminal docket, which has increased

nearly 2,000 percent. This follows the United

States Supreme Court’s 2020 landmark decision in McGirt v. Oklahoma, which held that the

Muscogee Creek Nation reservation was never

disestablished by Congress, the Miami Tribe,

like other Oklahoma tribes actively assumed its

governmental responsibilities policing and exercising jurisdiction over its reservation lands.

The Department of Interior, post McGirt, without any federal directive, tied federal funding

allocated for Oklahoma tribes for policing and

court needs to tribes with formal court rulings

upholding a tribe’s reservation.

On February 17, 2026, after nearly a year

that the Tribe’s motion for partial summary

judgment was taken under advisement United

States District Court for the Northern District of

Oklahoma Judge John D. Russell issued a decision denying the motion. The Court’s order does

not reject the reservation status of the Tribes,

rather the Court found that the Tribes and the

state appear to agree about the status of the reservation and therefore was no “real earnest and

vital dispute” for the court to resolve. The Court

must conclude that there is a real, earnest, and

vital dispute to exercise its authority under Article III of the U.S. Constitution.

The legal landscape has changed significantly since the Tribes initially filed this lawsuit. Other cases such as State v. Brester, State

v. Lee, State v. Dixon, and State v. Fuller decided by the Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals

rejected arguments that Tribes’ reservations

were disestablished.

The Tribes have discussed the decision

among themselves and will continue to engage

with the State in efforts to clearly allocate our

respective jurisdiction, so we effectively and

cooperatively ensure the public safety of our

citizens.

SAUSA

The Miami Tribe and other Northeast Oklahoma Tribal Consortium Tribes (Eastern Shawnee Tribe, Wyandotte Nation, Ottawa Tribe,

Seneca Cayuga Nation, and Shawnee) continue

to work with Special Assistant United States

Attorney David Youll, a legal professional from

Tulsa retained by the Consortium Tribes to

prosecute federal offenses which occur on the

Tribe’s reservation lands. David Youll brings

years of legal experience serving as a prosecutor, Judge and as SAUSA in the Eastern District.

Funding for this position is through a Justice

Department Coordinated Assistance Solicitation (CTAS) Grant. We are pleased to have David Youll working with us as our federal representative in the United States Attorney’s Office.

Miami Tribe District Court

The Miami Tribe District Court remodel

project is in its final year with interior remodel work completed and exterior remodel work

scheduled to begin. The Tribe’s first jury trial

docket to be held in the new Court space was

Akima Eecipoonkwia

Chief Douglas Lankford

scheduled the week of December 8th but the

prosecutor and defendants reached plea agreements. The next jury trial docket is scheduled

for the week of May 11th. Some hearings have

taken place in the new court space, and all have

been pleased with the aesthetics of the court.

The new court space includes a courtroom

with a new Judge’s bench large enough to seat

three Appellate Justices for cases appealed to

the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma Appellate Court,

a witness stand, clerk desk, a jury box and seating for those attending court. Beautiful ash

furniture designed and hand crafted by Tribal

Member Jody Gamble fills the courtroom with

unique Myaamia inlay designs. Ash paneling

crafted by Jody Gamble also covers sections

of walls with inlay wood design throughout the

courtroom. The beautiful woodwork and furnishings in the court room are enhanced by a

state-of-the-art audio/video recording system.

The interior of the court is truly something to

be proud of and is likely one of the nicest tribal

courtrooms in Northeast Oklahoma.

Outside of the court entryway, designs are

underway for a portico to protect court attendees from inclement weather entering and exiting the building. Plans to enhance the exterior

include a fence to hide existing HVAC equipment in that area as well as landscaping. New

court signage and flags are yet to be placed in

and around the court parking area as well. The

court improvements are funded by a Department of Justice Coordinated Tribal Assistance

Solicitation (CTAS) Court Remodel Grant.

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 and holds quarterly

cost dockets to ensure fines and fees are paid

timely. The Tribe looks forward to using this

new beautiful space in its work to exercise the

Tribe’s inherent authority on its reservation

lands.

FERC

In the ongoing Grand River Dam Authority (GRDA) application for relicensing before

the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

(FERC) you may recall back in September of

2025 FERC issued a long-awaited decision on

the Tribes’ and the City’s request that GRDA

conduct a “contaminated sediment transport

study.” The Tribes wanted FERC to consider

the fact that when GRDA floods land, the flood

water carries contamination in the form of zinc,

cadmium, and lead and, when the waters recede,

the contamination settles on the flooded property and that contamination gets into the plants

that tribal members harvest and some that are

essential to tribal cultural practices. The Tribes

asked for this study nearly a decade ago and

many thought it very unlikely.

Requiring GRDA to conduct a contaminated

sediment transport study consulting with Tribes

indicated clearly that it will consider the effects

of transportation of contaminated sediment.

On February 5, 2026 Cultural Director JuContinued on pg 4A >>

Aatotankiki Myaamiaki - News, Vol. 19, No. 3, 2025-26

<< Continued from pg 3A

lie Olds and I provided the Miami Tribe’s formal comments about the negative impacts on

the Reservation to include negative impacts to

reservation wildlife, vegetation, berries, trees,

pecan groves, fish, fowl, water quality, clays

harvested for pottery, bark and textile plants

harvested for baskets and other weaving crafts,

the health of tribal members and the community

in general on the Tribe’s reservation.

During preparation for this testimony we

worked with our expert Dr. Ean Garvin, who is

responsible for studies investigating the presence of elevated levels of zinc, cadmium, and

lead in plants harvested in the floodplain and

the human pathways for those heavy metals.

Trust Land

On January 12, 2026, the Tribe concluded

its work with the BIA for the fee to trust transfer for Miami Tribe Lot 8 Property adjoining

the north side of the Miami Tribe headquarters

trust parcel. On this 30-acre parcel the Tribe

remodeled an old existing storage space into

new offices for the Tribe’s Environmental Department. The work to place this parcel in trust

began some 15 years ago and was delayed due

to boundary and metes and bounds issues. The

Tribe is happy to see this important piece of real

estate finally in trust status.

On January 28, 2026, the Tribe concluded

its work with the BIA for the fee to trust transfer for Miami Tribe Allen Property on E. 65 Rd.

This 150-acre farm property once belonged to

the sister of Chief Richardville. The Tribe has

remodeled the existing house on the property

for office space for the Tribe. The Tribe is so

happy to see this big piece of property in trust

status.

Federally recognized tribes are eligible to

apply for trust land acquisitions for any land

owned by the tribe in fee simple status. Fee-simple means the landowner may sell or encumber

the land. Once land is in trust status, state law,

with a few exceptions, does not apply, nor is a

tribe required to pay state property taxes associated with the land. Fee to trust land acquisition

applications are evaluated by the Secretary of

the Interior according to criteria published in

the Code of Federal Regulations (25 CFR 151).

Since September 2017, the Tribe has successfully moved into trust status 14 parcels of

land including the Fritz Road property in Ft.

Wayne Indiana – the first Miami lands in the

Tribe’s historic homeland owned and under the

jurisdiction of the Miami Tribe in almost 180

years.

The 14 parcels now in trust represent some

620 acres. Currently, the Tribe has one more

parcel in process for fee to trust applications.

And several other properties under discussion

to begin the fee to trust process for.

In closing, I encourage all Myaamia citizens

to follow Tribal social media, visit our website,

and take advantage of the new text service (see

date. I wish the very best to all Myaamia citizens, send prayers and good thoughts to you and

yours, and look forward to seeing those who can

travel home to Myaamionki this summer.

Myaamionki Kiihkayonki Peehkahkionki ‘Land of the

Myaamiaki the Beautiful Place’ in Ft. Wayne, Indiana

Robin Lash

General Council

In August 2021,

the Miami Tribe of

Oklahoma purchased

45-acres

Fritz

Road in Fort Wayne as

the site of a Cultural

Resources Extension

Office (CREO) serving the Tribe’s 1,200

enrolled

members

living in and around

Kiihkayonki – Fort

Wayne, Indiana. The

Fritz Road property

provides a working location for the Tribe’s

cultural resource staff

in furtherance of its

Food Security and

Myaamia

Learning

Recovery

Projects.

The Tribe named the

property is Peehkahkionki, meaning “the

Beautiful Place,” because of its lovely,

wooded areas, large The pond on the Cultural Resources Extension Office property in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Photo by Claudia Hedeen, Miami

fishing pond and roll- Tribe of Oklahoma.

ing grass expanses.

The dedication of Peehkahkionki for CREO oped as a quiet space, allowing tribal members of the property for its cultural programs.

activities represents a historical step in the re- to observe the four seasons through floor-to“A piece of our homelands is fully restored to

turn of the Tribe to its homelands that began ceiling glass windows facing the forest. The the Tribe 178 years after the forced removal of my

in 2014 when the Tribe acquired property on Center also provides space for tribal citizens people,” said Chief Lankford. “Peehkahkionki is a

Trentman Road in Fort Wayne and established to gather for community meals, tell winter sto- place for our tribal citizens to reconnect with one

a governmental presence through its CREO. ries, and conduct cultural workshops such as another and to participate in the traditional culturThe governmental and cultural presence at that basket making and sewing ribbonwork.

al activities of our ancestors,” he said.

location were incredibly successful, serving

Peehkahkionki includes open spaces to

Fort Wayne sits within the heartland region

an enrolled membership hungry for close con- play lacrosse, plant big gardens to grow many of the Myaamionki, the land of the Myaamia

nection to their Tribe. The overwhelming re- varieties of traditional Myaamia foods, and has people. Following decades of warfare and

sponse meant that the CREO quickly outgrew walking trails and dense woods with a wide va- treaty negotiations, in 1846 the Miami Tribe

the Trentman Road location which resulted in riety of trees native to the area. The Tribe’s was forcefully removed from its Great Lakes

the sale of that property and the purchase of vision is to preserve, protect, and enhance Pee- homelands, to lands west of the Mississippi in

the Fritz Road land.

hkahkionki as a diverse natural setting for the present-day Kansas and was again forcibly reIn 2024, Peehkahkionki was transferred to CREO and tribal members.

moved just 20 years later from Kansas to the

be held by the United States in trust for the

Because Peehkahkionki is held in trust Indian Territory, now the State of Oklahoma

benefit of the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma. The for the Miami Tribe by the United States, the - ultimately occupying a Reservation and seat

Tribe’s application to transfer the property to Tribe has exclusive authority to regulate the of its sovereign tribal government in Ottawa

the U.S. made clear that the Tribe intended use of the property and will be doing so under County, Oklahoma.

only to use the property precisely as it is being Article II of its Constitution and its land use

But the Tribe maintained its connection to

used – as a cultural resources, education, and regulations. Nevertheless, the Tribe designed its homelands, which continued to hold great

gathering place for members. The Tribe’s ap- and built the Myaamia Community Center to significance to Myaamia people. The acquisiplication to transfer the land, and the United comply with all state and local codes and reg- tion of Peehkahkionki, the development of the

States acceptance, both make clear that Peeh- ulations and worked closely with Fort Wayne Myaamia Community Center, and the reestabkahkionki was not acquired to be used for ca- City Officials to connect the Miami infrastruc- lishment of intergovernmental relationships

sino gaming activities.

ture to city services. “We have a great relation- with the city, county and state are the next steps

On this land, the Tribe recently complet- ship with our city and county governmental in the Tribe’s return home, and a testament to

ed the construction of the Myaamia (Miami) counterparts in Miami, Oklahoma,” said Chief its resilience as a people through two centuries

Community Center, an 8,000-square-foot Douglas Lankford, “and we plan to be a great of difficult times. Peehkahkionki will serve the

building providing significant space for Food community partner here as well.”

Myaamia community for generations to come.

Security and Myaamia Learning Recovery acThe Miami Tribe celebrated the restoration It will remain a uniquely Myaamia place – a

tivities. The Center houses a commercial kitch- of Tribal land and jurisdiction by holding a place of cultural sharing, learning, and being

en to educate the Myaamia community about Welcome Event in June 2024 inviting State, a people. “oowaaha niiloona Myaamiaki,” said

traditional approaches to food harvesting and City and County officials, local businesses and Chief Lankford, “we are Myaamia People.”

preparation from on-property gardens and wild neighbors. The Tribe shared its rich history

edible plants. A portion of the facility is devel- and ties to the land, along with the planned use

Aatotankiki Myaamiaki - News, Vol. 19, No. 3, 2025-26

Myaamia community members enjoy Stomp and Social Dances. Photo by Doug Peconge, Miami Tribe of Oklahoma.

Celebrating Historic Moments: A Look Back at the 29th

Annual Winter Gathering

Stella Beerman

Communications Specialist, Myaamia Center

For nearly three decades, the Myaamia community has gathered in

Noošonke Siipionki ‘Miami, Oklahoma’ during the last weekend of January for the Miami Tribe’s Winter Gathering event. This year, the two-day

event, held on January 30-31, 2026, brought Myaamia people together

to celebrate culture and learn important updates within the community.

In addition to participating in Stomp Dances and listening to Winter Stories, tribal leadership shared information about the return of an 18th-century

quillworked bag that once belonged to Akima Mihšihkinaahkwa ‘Chief Little

Turtle’, the Tribe’s developing relationship with Strawtown Koteewi Park in

Indiana, and the 25th

anniversary of the

Myaamia Center at

Miami University.

Before dinner and

storytelling on Friday evening, leadership and staff from

the Miami Tribe were

joined on stage by

representatives from

Fort Orange Club,

a country club in

Albany, New York. Miami Tribe leadership and staff are joined on

This club had been stage by representatives from the Fort Orange

in possession of an Club. Photo by Jonathan Fox, Myaamia Center.

18th-century quilled

bag, once belonging

to Mihšihkinaahkwa.

While the club is

unsure when or how

they came to possess

this bag, their leadership made the important decision to return it

to its rightful owners,

the Miami Tribe, in

recent years. The bag

is now being stored in

the Miami Tribe’s Na- Winter Gathering attendees view a replica of the

tional Archive in Mi- 18th-century bag. Photo by Doug Peconge, Miami

ami, Oklahoma, while Tribe of Oklahoma.

it is prepped for display in the Myaamia

Heritage Museum.

This year also

marks the 25th Anniversary

the

Myaamia Center at

Miami

University.

Daryl Baldwin, executive director of the

Center, kicked off the

celebrations during

the gathering by sharing plans for a major (Left to right) Julie Olds, Cultural Resource Ofcapital campaign to ficer, Haley Shea, director of Assessment and

expand and renovate Evaluation, and Daryl Baldwin discuss the imthe Center’s home in pact of the Myaamia Center at Miami University.

Photo by Doug Peconge, Miami Tribe of Oklahoma.

Oxford, Ohio.

Akima ‘Chief’ Lankford wears a metal gorget gifted to the Miami Tribe

on behalf of Strawtown Koteewi Park. Photo by Doug Peconge, Miami

Tribe of Oklahoma.

Following Daryl’s announcement, historian Cameron Shriver shared insights on Myaamia education he found while researching for the new book,

Our People Believe in Education: the Unlikely Alliance of the Miami Tribe

and Miami University. A panel featuring Julie Olds, Haley Shea, and Daryl

Baldwin reflected on how the “unlikely alliance” between the Tribe and the

University has transformed from a small research project into a cornerstone of

the Tribe’s cultural revitalization work.

On Saturday, community members received an update regarding Strawtown Koteewi Park in Indiana, a nearly 800-acre park that was once home to

a Myaamia village. For 10 years, thousands of ancestral graves and funerary

items buried on this land were disturbed without Tribal consultation.

In 2012, the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma,

along with the Shawnee

and Eastern Shawnee

Tribes, filed federal complaints with the National Park Service, which

oversees the Native

American Graves Protection and Repatriation

Act (NAGPRA). This

forced the organization

to repatriate the funerMyaamia community members enjoy Stomp ary objects and ancestral

and Social Dances. Photo by Doug Peconge, Mi- remains as well as pay a

ami Tribe of Oklahoma.

federal fine. The immeasurable harm caused by

this disturbance led to

very little engagement

and communication between the Tribe and the

park for many years.

Since 2024, the Tribe

has been working with

new leadership at the

park to mend this fractured relationship. What

was once a site of harm

and

mismanagement

Community members and guests from Miami is being transformed

University play seenseewinki ‘bowl game’ to- through an intentional

gether at Winter Gathering. Photo by Karen collaboration led by the

Baldwin, Miami Tribe of Oklahoma.

Continued on pg 6A >>

Aatotankiki Myaamiaki - News, Vol. 19, No. 3, 2025-26

<< Continued from pg 5A

College Students

of Indiana

Myaamia youth are captivated by the stories

being told at the Miami Tribe’s Council House.

Photo by Karen Baldwin, Miami Tribe of Oklahoma.

The Indiana Native American

Indian Affairs Commission

provides scholarships to

Native American residents of

Indiana attending an Indiana

college or university?

Apply today!

This year’s storytellers act out a scene from

one of the stories told at Winter Gathering.

Photo by Karen Baldwin, Miami Tribe of Oklahoma.

For more information and

application, visit:

www.in.gov/inaiac/resources

/education-resources/

scholarshipresources/

Myaamia community members enjoy Stomp

and Social Dances. Photo by Doug Peconge, Mi-

ami Tribe of Oklahoma.

Staff Article

YOU

S! YOUR H

IMPORTA

US!

Police Department

awarded for service in

active shootings

IMPOR

The Miami Nation Chief of Police, Abel Stose,

had the honor of accepting an award on behalf of

the entire Miami Nation Police Department from

the city of Miami the evening of March 19th, 2026.

The award states, “Presented with profound

gratitude for your actions in the 2024 and 2025

critical incidents. Your distinguished assistance

and support rendered during and after the incidents was invaluable. Your leadership and dedication reflect the highest standards of law enforcement service.”

The plaque references the three shootings the

Miami Nation Police Department assisted with,

or were directly involved in here in Miami which

took place in December 2024, May 2025, and

September 2025. We are grateful for their dedicated service to our tribe and community.

– Did You Know...

Cultural Resources Office.

The team is in the process of installing interpretive signage that will welcome visitors to the

park, introduce the Miami Tribe, incorporate the

Myaamia lunar calendar to help visitors recognize and learn from seasonal ecological knowledge, and share the history of Myaamia prairie

burn practices. While the history of this relationship is heavy, park leadership assured the Tribe

that they are taking these steps to ensure that the

Myaamia homelands are spaces where Myaamia

people feel a sense of belonging and pride.

Cultural activities throughout the weekend included the Winter Storytelling event on Friday night

and a Stomp and Social Dance on Saturday night.

Hearing aalhsoohkaana ‘Winter Stories’ is a

highlight of the weekend, as these stories can only

be told in the wintertime, and often involve beings

that are treated with special respect by Myaamia

people. Eight stories were shared with the large

crowd, some being told in both Myaamiaataweenki ‘the Miami language’ and English.

The final event of the weekend occurred on

Saturday, January 30th, when the community

gathered at the Miami Tribe’s 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 about 1 a.m. The

event was hosted by the Miami Tribe, but shakers

and callers from different Tribal nations, including the Wyandotte, Shawnee, Absentee Shawnee,

Seneca-Cayuga, Euchee, and others, joined us to

lead their own songs and dances.

Mihši neewe ‘thank you so much’ to the countless individuals and teams who led the dances,

shared stories, cooked meals, and planned arrangements for this weekend. We can’t wait to

gather in Noošonke Siipionki again!

Originally published February 5, 2026 at

aacimotaatiiyankwi.org/2026/02/05/29thannual-winter-gathering/

CONTACT FOR

PUBLIC HEALTH

Award given to the Miami Nation Police Department by the City of Miami, OK. Photo courtesy of Abel Stose.

Alright,

spill the tea.

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.

Rachel Ramsey, RN

Email: rramsey@miamination.com

Phone: (918) 541-2175

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.

Kaitlyn Luttrell

Email: kluttrell@miamination.com

Phone: (918) 541-1300

THE MIAMI TRIBE

OF OKLAHOMA

Learn more online at

www.miamination.com/chr-program/

MTOnewspaper@miamination.com

Aatotankiki Myaamiaki - News, Vol. 19, No. 3, 2025-26

Introducing the Myaamia Heritage Foundation

Morgan Lippert

Who We Are

The Myaamia Heritage Foundation consists of

five board members appointed by tribal leadership.

The Myaamia Heritage Foundation (MHF) is Once appointed, board members vote to determine

a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization established officer positions, which serve two-year terms.

by the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma. The MHF fur- Aašitehkawaataawi ‘let’s meet’ the MHF Board!

thers the Tribe’s cultural mission by promoting Morgan Lippert, Chair

and funding research that advances Myaamia

Morgan is a non-Native cultural heritage procultural knowledge, supporting Myaamia art- fessional who serves the Miami Tribe of Oklaists and scholars, and providing educational op- homa as Curator of Exhibitions for the Myaamia

portunities for both Myaamia citizens and the Heritage Museum and Archive, coordinating exbroader public. Through this work, the MHF hibition research and development and consulting

provides a path for non-Myaamia people and with organizations seeking to create exhibits and

organizations to support the Tribe’s cultural re- educational materials about the Myaamia comvitalization initiatives.

munity. She holds a B.A. in History from Beloit

College and is currently pursuing an M.A.

in Museum Studies at

the University of Oklahoma. Morgan joined

the Myaamia Heritage

Foundation when it derstands the challenges of sharing his Myaamia

was founded in 2024. work with the public. He sees the foundation as an

As Chair, she focuses opportunity for those within the Tribe to share their

on supporting initia- art, history, language, and cultural knowledge with

tives that strengthen the public.

Myaamia cultural pres- Pikolakitisaata ‘Dani Tippmann’, Board Member

ervation and education,

Dani is a citizen of the Miami Tribe of Oklaworking closely with homa and has been an involved learner with her

Tribal

departments, Myaamia relatives since she was young. She

community members, serves as the Tribe’s Kiihkayonki ARPA Commuand external partners nity Food Program Director, working with tribal

to foster collaborative citizens on gardening and the use of wild plants

Doug Peconge, MHF Secretary-Treasurer, helping a Myaamia youth projects that promote for food, health, and craft. As an artist and culmake a pakitahaakani ‘lacrosse stick’ at the 2025 Taste of the Arts Fes- broader understanding tural knowledge bearer, Dani has been a multitival. Photo by Morgan Lippert, Myaamia Heritage Foundation.

of Myaamia history and time mentor for Traditional Arts Indiana and a

culture.

four-time Artist in Residence at the Eiteljorg

Background

Amehkoonsihkwa ‘Kelli Huth’, Vice Chair

Museum. She is also a recipient of the Indiana

In 2022, the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma leadKelli is a community engagement professional Heritage Fellowship Award, which honors tradiership authorized, through resolution, the estab- with over 18 years of experience in higher educa- tional artists who have made outstanding contrilishment of the Myaamia Heritage Foundation. tion. She currently serves as the Associate Vice butions to their artistic tradition and communiThey identified a need to formally establish a President for Community Engagement at Ball ty. In 2024, she was named a national Taproot

non-profit corporation to advance, promote, State University, focusing on building authentic Fellow by the Alliance for California Traditional

and administer charitable and educational ac- partnerships that advance both the university’s Arts for her work with plants and community.

tivities and projects that further the Tribe’s cul- and the community’s priorities. Kelli received a

tural mission of perpetuating Myaamia heritage Bachelor of Arts in philosophy from Anderson What’s Next

and sharing history, language, and culture with University and a Master of Arts in executive de2026 holds a lot in store for MHF! One of our

Myaamia tribal citizens and the larger commu- velopment for public service from Ball State. She goals for this year is to take steps towards increasnity. The Myaamia Heritage Foundation was has served as a director for many nonprofit boards ing visibility of Myaamia language and culture in

officially recognized as a private 501(c)(3) focused on sustainability, community develop- public spaces, particularly in the tribe’s ancestral

non-profit organization by the IRS in 2024.

ment, arts and culture, and public history. She is Lower Great Lakes homelands. Among the many

a citizen of the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma and is impacts of the Tribe’s forced removal is a lack of

Our Work

passionate about engaging in cultural revitaliza- understanding among non-Myaamia communities

The Myaamia Heritage Foundation aims to in- tion and education initiatives.

about the continued presence and cultural vitality

crease awareness and understanding of Myaamia Alaamhkihkamwa ‘Doug Peconge’, Secre- of the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma, and the Foundahistory, language, and traditions through pro- tary-Treasurer

tion hopes to support efforts that address these gaps

grams, events, and collaborative partnerships—

Doug is a citizen of the Miami Tribe of Oklaho- through education and collaboration.

both with departments within the Miami Tribe of ma and works for the Tribe in its Cultural Resource

In the next few months, we will be meeting

Oklahoma and with non-Myaamia organizations. Office. For the last decade, his focus has been con- with non-tribal partners to discuss how they can

Below are our past projects:

necting myaamia (Miami) tribal citizens to their support our mission and Myaamia cultural reviAwakening: A Sacred Story of Contemporary tribe and culture. Doug’s position with the Tribe talization through initiatives such as:

Myaamia Art

is the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Project

• Incorporating Myaamiaataweenki ‘the MiIn May 2025, MHF contributed $4,000 to Manager and the Cultural Resource Extension Ofami language’ into high-visibility areas

Crete Creative Gallery & School for Awaken- fice Director (CREO) located in Fort Wayne, Indithroughout Myaamionki, such as park and

ing: A Sacred Story of Contemporary Myaamia ana. Doug joined the Myaamia Heritage Foundation

trail signage and public interpretive spaces

Art, an exhibition celebrating the revitalization when it was founded in 2024. As an accomplished

Continued on pg 8A >>

of Myaamia culture. Featuring works by over photographer and lacrosse stick maker, Doug untwenty Myaamia citizens, the show shared powerful personal stories of reconnecting with heritage and identity through art. The MHF’s funding helped cover artist travel and the delivery of

art, ensuring these voices would be shared with

the public and furthering our mission of supporting cultural growth for the Miami Tribe of

Oklahoma. Then-president of Crete Creative and

Myaamia citizen Waapankihkwa ‘Kathy Carter

Young’ reflected on the impact of MHF’s support, saying that “the Foundation’s patronage

empowered Myaamia artists to share their stories

and connect with community on a deeper level.”

Eugene Brown Art Show

In June 2025, the MHF funded prize money for

the 4th Eugene Brown Memorial Art Show held at

the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma’s Myaamia Heritage

Museum. By recognizing outstanding Myaamia art,

this contribution encourages the show’s growth and

nurtures the continued excellence of Myaamia artists.

Taste of the Arts Festival

In August 2025, the MHF sponsored three

Myaamia artists at the Taste of the Arts festival

Written and Illustrated by

in Fort Wayne, Indiana. This event provided an

important platform for Myaamia artists to gain

myaamia wiintaakani

mi Tribe ofrecognition

Oklahoma

for their work, while also educating

MIAMI TRIBE OF OKLAHOMA

miamination.com

the broader community about what it means to be

Myaamia and the significance of Myaamia art.

Additionally, it allowed us to introduce the Tribe The Very Hungry Anikwa, coming soon! Photo courtesy of Madalyn Richardson, Miami Tribe of Oklahoma.

to17:20

residents

of Fort

n 2025-12-19,

order: 1565445

[22.11"Wayne

X 8.50"] and Northern Indiana.

MHF, Chair and MHMA Curator of Exhibitions

Megan Sekulich

Aatotankiki Myaamiaki - News, Vol. 19, No. 3, 2025-26

<< Continued on pg 7A

• Hosting art workshops for Myaamia community members and the general public

• Collaborating on projects that highlight

Myaamia history, culture, and art

The Foundation also plans on returning to

the Taste of the Arts Festival this summer in

Kiihkayonki ‘Fort Wayne, Indiana.’ Hosted by

Arts United of Greater Fort Wayne, the Taste of

the Arts festival aligns with our goals of outreach, helping non-Myaamia and non-Native

neighbors learn about the Tribe’s presence, culture, and history. MHF looks forward to sponsoring Myaamia artists there again in 2026!

The Miami Tribe’s Cultural Resources Office—in collaboration with the Myaamia Center in Oxford, Ohio—is currently in the final

stages of publishing a Myaamia language children’s book by Myaamia artist Megan Sekulich.

The Myaamia Heritage Foundation is partnering with the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma Child

Care and Development Fund (CCDF) and Indian Child Welfare (ICW) programs to distribute

the book free of charge to tribal members with

young children. The Foundation believes that

when we invest in our youth, we invest in the

future of Myaamiaataweenki ‘the Miami language,’ and we are proud to support this work

and look forward to seeing this book in the

hands of Myaamia children and families! The

Foundation hopes to fund additional language

projects for our tribal youth in the years ahead.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can Myaamia community members get involved?

Myaamia community members can get involved in a variety of ways. One of the goals of

the MHF is to develop grant programs and other

funding opportunities that tribal members will be

able to apply for in support of specific arts and

culture-related projects. Until these programs are

established, the MHF invites tribal members who

are interested in getting involved with the Foundation to contact MHF Chair Morgan Lippert at mlippert@miamination.com.

How can people support the Foundation?

There are many ways that both tribal members

and non-Myaamia people and organizations

can support our work:

• Follow us on social media. The Foundation

has accounts on Instagram, Facebook, and

LinkedIn. Stay connected and keep up to

date with our current and future projects!

• Share our work with friends, family, and

colleagues. Help spread awareness of the

Foundation’s mission and the work we do.

We are actively looking for organizations to

partner with that are interested in supporting

Myaamia cultural revitalization efforts!

• Make a financial contribution. As MHF

is a registered 501(c)(3), donations to the

Foundation are tax-deductible. If you or

someone you know is interested in giving

monetary support, the Foundation has a

Square account accepting online donations

at their website myaamiaheritagefoundation.org and at the tribe’s website at miamination.com/myaamia-heritage-foundation/

Is this related to the Myaamia Heritage Program at Miami University?

No. While both the Myaamia Heritage Foundation (MHF) and the Myaamia Heritage Program

support the cultural revitalization efforts of the

Tribe, they are separate initiatives with different

missions, governance, and funding structures.

Shop with a Cop

Abel Stose

Miami Nation, Chief of Police

The Quapaw Nation Marshal Service’s annual

Shop with a Cop event on December 10th at Quapaw Schools and December 11th at Commerce

Schools was a great success. They partnered with

other law enforcement agencies to provide gifts

for underprivileged youth. Miami Nation Police

Officer Corey Miller and Officer Dustin Hoffer

participated in the event.

This program provides local students with the

opportunity to shop independently with the support and guidance of law enforcement officers.

It’s a meaningful way to strengthen relationships,

build trust, and make a positive impact during the

holiday season.

The program’s directors seek annual assistance and participation from partner agencies to

help support these events. Additional personnel

help ensure each student has a great experience.

Officers help local kids with holiday shopping.

Photo courtesy of Abel Stose.

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 Nation police officers help local kids

with holiday shopping. Photo courtesy of Abel

Stose.

Miami Tribe of Oklahoma

Charla Gibson

Human Resource Officer

cgibson@miamination.com

(918) 541-1364

Miami Nation Enterprises

Donna Smith

Director of Human Resources

dsmith@mn-e.com

(918) 541-2100

www.miamination.com/employment

www.mn-e.com/careers

Miami Nation police officers help local kids

with holiday shopping. Photo courtesy of Abel

Stose.

Eddie the Eagle

Abel Stose

Miami Nation, Chief of Police

On Tuesday, December 16, 2025, Investigator Michael B. Mullin Jr.

with the Miami Nation Police Department, Investigator Mark Byfield with

the Quapaw Nation Marshal Service, and Lieutenant Trevor January with

the Bureau of Indian Affairs - Office of Justice Services, instructed approximately ninety (90) children from kindergarten through fourth (4th)

grade on the National Rifle Association (NRA) Eddie Eagle GunSafe program at the Quapaw Elementary School, Quapaw, Oklahoma.

The Eddie Eagle GunSafe program is a gun accident prevention program that seeks to help parents, law enforcement, community groups

and educators navigate a topic paramount to our children’s safety. The

Eddie Eagle GunSafe program and its namesake character were developed in 1988 by the NRA for children who are generally considered too

young to be allowed to handle firearms.

The Eddie Eagle program is intended for children in pre-school

through fourth grade. Eddie and his Wing Team are on a mission to help

you teach Pre-K through 4th graders what to do if they ever come across

a gun. Eddie Eagle GunSafe, has taught over 32 million children how to

stay safe if they ever find a gun. The team plans to deliver the program to Area students participating in “Eddie the Eagle” program conducted by local

all public schools and childcare facilities in the area in the coming year. law enforcement. Photo courtesy of Abel Stose, Miami Nation Police Department.

M I A M I

N A T I

N E W S

iiši-mihtohseeniwiyankwi

aatotamankwi

Myaamia Publications – Vol. 19, No. 3,Winter 2025-26 – Section B – History & Culture – Noošonke Siipionki Myaamionki

They Awaken and Preserve it for Each Other: a presentation at

Newberry Library

Morgan Lippert

Curator of Exhibitions and Programming,

MHMA

On December 2, staff from the Miami Tribe

of Oklahoma’s Cultural Resources Office traveled to the Newberry Library in šikaakonki

‘Chicago’ to present on Myaamia cultural revitalization and preservation. Titled eemamwiciki neehi kaakiihsitaatiiwaaci: They Awaken and

Preserve it for Each Other, the presentation explored how archives like the Newberry are essential to tribes’ cultural revitalization efforts.

Presenting was Second Councilperson Nate

Poyfair, Deputy Tribal Historical Preservation

Officer Jared Nally, and MHMA Curator of Exhibitions Morgan Lippert. Each speaker shared their

perspectives on various Myaamia cultural revitalization projects, including language, textiles,

and the establishment of the Myaamia Heritage

Museum and Archive (MHMA). Together, they

demonstrated how community-driven research

and institutional partnerships work hand-in-hand

to revitalize and preserve Myaamia culture for future generations.

The presentation was part of the library’s

McNickle Distinguished Conversation series,

a lecture series that “celebrates Indigenous

scholars, writers, and artists who consistently

demonstrate excellence in their work concerning Indigenous peoples and histories and who

From left to right: Nate Poyfair, Morgan Lippert, and Jared Nally presenting at the Newberry

Library. Photo courtesy of Morgan Lippert, Miami Tribe of Oklahoma.

actively address contemporary issues faced

by American Indian and Indigenous communities.” The series is hosted by the library’s

D’Arcy McNickle Center for American Indian

and Indigenous Studies. Founded in 1972 and

named after Native author and activist William

D’Arcy McNickle (Cree-Métis, enrolled Salish

Kootenai), the McNickle Center “brings together scholars, teachers, students, tribal historians,

and Native community members to promote research and improve the representation of Native

peoples and histories in education and writing.”

The McNickle Center is currently directed by

Dr. Madison Bastress, who spent two years at the

Myaamia Center as a visiting scholar conducting

research for her dissertation, “Sustaining Lands:

Enduring Myaamia Connections to Place, 16001702.” Her work focused on how Myaamia people

made, maintained, and remade connections to land

during what is often called the “Beaver Wars” or

“Fur Trade Wars,” when warfare pushed Myaamia

people away from the Wabash River Valley.

The Tribe’s Cultural Resources Office

thanks Dr. Bastress and her colleagues at the

Nate Poyfair presenting at the Newberry Library. Photo courtesy of Morgan Lippert, Miami

Tribe of Oklahoma.

Dr. Madison Bastress presenting at the Newberry Library. Photo courtesy of Morgan Lippert,

Miami Tribe of Oklahoma.

Newberry Library for the invitation to participate in this meaningful series and for its ongoing commitment to supporting Native scholarship, community collaboration, and cultural

revitalization. We look forward to collaborating

with the Newberry on projects in the future!

Want to

learn more

about the

Myaamia

Culture?

Explore online at

aacimotaatiiyankwi.com

Aatotankiki Myaamiaki - History & Culture, Vol. 19, No. 3, 2025-26

wiintanto wiintaakani ‘You read a book!’

Our People Believe in

Education Now Available for

Purchase - Includes Coupon

Code!

Myaamia Center Staff

Our People Believe in Education: The Unlikely Alliance of the Miami

Tribe and Miami University is now for sale, and you can get it at a discount!

This powerful new book explores how two very different communities,

the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma and Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, came

together to support the revitalization of the Tribe’s language and culture.

What began as a chance meeting in the 1970s grew into a lasting, meaningful collaboration rooted in respect, education, and shared history.

The book provides a reflective examination of why this relationship developed and how it has evolved since the 1970s, when Chief Forest Olds

first visited with President Phillip Shriver at Miami University.

Author Dr. Cameron Shriver, a historian at the Myaamia Center and

grandson of former Miami University President, tells this remarkable story

with the help of Bobbe Burke, Miami Tribe Relations Coordinator Emerita.

Together, they bring decades of experience, research, and personal insight

to this moving and important narrative.

In addition to history, the book is also about relationships, resilience,

and the power of education.

Our People Believe in Education is a must-read for anyone interested

in the university-tribal partnership and exploring a Myaamia perspective of

education.

The book is available now, and the Miami Tribe is invited to use the exclusive author’s discount code: 6D40 for 40% off at checkout!

www.nebraskapress.unl.edu/nebraska/9781496237798/our-people-believe-in-education/

Q&A with an Author: Cam Shriver

Nate Poyfair

keetanka

aya!

In the past I have done book recommendations and book reviews as a resource for tribal

citizens to take reading ideas from. Luckily, in

the last few months, we have a book that has

been released that is entirely focused on the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma and the Myaamia Center at Miami University. Our People Believe in

Education by Cameron M. Shriver and Bobbe

Burke goes in depth into the history of the Miami Tribe and Miami University creating an

unlikely relationship that began in 1972. This

relationship, which began with very few similarities, one being the name of a nation of people

and an educational institution, has blossomed

into a unique and groundbreaking educational

agreement that benefits everyone involved.

In the past, I have largely written book reviews or recommendations without speaking to

or even knowing most of the authors. This time,

as we all have working relationships (and friendships for that matter), I wanted to give Cam an

opportunity to speak about his own book. Below, I pose a few questions for him to answer

about his book. Instead of writing a 300-word

summary about a book of such importance to

our own community, I reached out to Cam, and

he was gracious enough to give us his own sort

of review and summary of Our People Believe

in Education. I posed multiple questions to Cam

below, and here are his answers:

What’s the book about?

In 1972, Chief Forest Olds visited Miami

University in Oxford, Ohio. Today, a lot of

Myaamia educational materials, Myaamia educators, and Myaamia students come through

Miami University. So, what’s the backstory? I

think of the book as a braided narrative; a history of education grounded in the Miami Tribe

and Miami University. When I put the tribe and

college in the same frame, I have to think differently than if I just consider one or the other.

Hopefully that braided narrative is thought-provoking.

Why did you write this book, and did that

change through the process?

In 2020, the tribe and university were preparing to do some celebrations about the 50th

anniversary of their relationship, which began

formally in 1972, and some folks asked if I

would consider writing a book about that history for 2022. It sounded like a fun challenge,

in part because Bobbe Burke’s archive of correspondence was in the Myaamia Center on

campus where I work, and during the pandemic precautions I knew I could still access those

sources safely. Bobbe Burke is a co-author of

this history not only as the archivist of so much

of it, but because she had most of the main

beats established, the characters, examples that

illustrated the larger trends, and so on. Another

reason to embark on this project was that some

years ago I was part of a project edited by Chief

Ben Barnes and Steve Warren, called Replanting Cultures. It was a collection of case studies

of community-engaged scholarship. One of the

reviewers noted that the core of the book were

the chapters about Shawnee and Miami projects, and that maybe someday, someone would

write a full-length book about Miami or Shawnee community-engaged scholarship. So there

were two audiences that might be interested in

the story—those who know something about

this Miami-specific relationship already, and

academics who are thinking about the larger relationship between Indian Country and higher

education. It would be useful to examine this

long-term collaboration in a way that wasn’t too

theoretical. I don’t know if I was successful in

writing to those audiences (I know I wasn’t successful in getting the book published by 2022!)

but that was in my mind throughout the process.

The book is a story of great success. Do

you believe this is a distinctly unique relationship that can’t be replicated?

First, I hope the book avoids being promotional about the relationship, or the university,

or the tribe. I think historians have an obligation to be objective within their limits. But given that the relationship between the tribe and

college is in a relatively strong position, I do

expect some readers from other schools or tribal

nations to ask: can (or should) I try to replicate

this thing? I asked that question to many smart

people who know the ins and the outs of it, and

mostly got a shrug. Really late in my revisions,

Jim Oris gave me the perfect word: serendipity.

I’m not convinced that one could road-map this

relationship. But, it demonstrates that new relations are possible. We can be open about some

of the hurdles, trip-ups, or failures along the

way, too. Andrew Strack told me a relationship

like this “can’t start at step ten, you have to start

at step one.” This is a book about those steps,

who took them, and why. This Miami-Myaamia

partnership isn’t magical or pre-destined. It’s an

ongoing conversation.

What has been the overall reception of

this book?

Jim Richardville bought two copies. My

parents told me they liked the later chapters.

What stories got cut from the final draft

of the book?

Plenty! The most that come to mind are narratives about individuals who attended boarding schools. That chapter was really long, and

reviewers and editors rightly thought that it

wasn’t adding much to the scholarship about

boarding schools in general. I wrote pages on

Jesse White and Esther Miller Dagenett and

some others that I ended up withdrawing because I could make my argument without their

inclusion. But I still have to figure out what to

do with those examples. I also pulled out detail

from the early chapters, such as the leaseholding system that provided revenue to Miami University. It’s hard to make land leasing interesting. And my drafts always mentioned so many

individuals by name, I think it was overwhelming to the average reader. I tried to streamline

the chapters even though it meant removing references to lots of folks who played a real part

in the story.

What do you want readers to come away

with?

There’s a word in Myaamiaataweenki, kiinteelintaakani ‘computer’ which basically glosses as “a tool for thinking fast.” A book is longform examination of a subject; it’s a technology

for thinking slowly. Both thought processes

are good and necessary. I hope this book is a

tool for thinking deliberately. Perhaps it can aid

Myaamiaki considering the long-term changes

in Myaamia education, but also the other topics

that bear on education, like economics or athletics for instance. Myaamia folks have tried to do

innovative things, even in a context where a lot

of choices have been made for the tribe. I think

the Myaamia-Miami University relationship is

one of those innovative things.

Aatotankiki Myaamiaki - History & Culture, Vol. 19, No. 3, 2025-26

Ganondagan – Indigenous Music & Arts Festival

George Ironstrack

Assistant Director, Myaamia Center

This summer, a team of Myaamiaki from the

Miami Tribe of Oklahoma’s Cultural Resource

Office and the Myaamia Center made a visit to

the Indigenous Music & Arts Festival at Ganondagan State Historic Site in Victor, New York. At the

festival, Myaamia artists shared knowledge about

their artistic practice and the tribe’s story of revitalization with the general public. When not presenting to the general public, Myaamia artists also

spent time creating art alongside Haudenosaunee

artists. Overall, the festival was a wonderful example of public education and cultural exchange.

Myaamiaki ‘Miami people’ have deep connections to Ganondagan that extend backwards

to a terribly dark time of warfare and disruption.

In 1687, perhaps as many as 100 Myaamia men

joined a French-led campaign against the Haudenosaunee in their homelands in what is today New

York. During this campaign, these Myaamiaki

participated in an attack that led to the destruction

Graphic created for the event. Design by Megan Sekulich, Miami Tribe of Oklahoma.

of the Seneca village of Ganondagan.

The Miami Tribe’s current-day connection to

Ganondagan resulted from our friendship with crosse stick making and photography), and myself

Michael Galban (Washoe & Mono Lake Paiute (stomp dance shaker making and storytelling).

and State Historic Site Manager for Ganondagan)

The two days of the festival went by quickly

and Jamie Jacobs (Tonawanda Seneca and Manag- as our delegation presented our arts to the gening Curator of the Rock

eral public under a tent

Foundation collections

that was set up near the

at the RMSC). Myaamibeautiful reconstructed

aki first met with Mibark longhouse that sits

chael and Jamie through

on Ganondagan’s site.

the Reclaiming Stories

From 10am to 5pm each

project, in which the

day, the public was able

Miami Tribe and Peoto visit the tent on their

ria Tribe are working

own and could stop and Jared Nally talks about finger weaving and the

together to reclaim the

interact with each of our revitalization of Myaamia arts with the public

practice of hide paintartists, chat about our as they pass through the “All Our Relations

ing through reconnectart, and learn about who Tent” at the festival. Photo by Doug Peconge,

ing with the minohsyawe are as a community Miami Tribe of Oklahoma.

ki ‘painted hide robes’ Tsioianiio Galban (Mohawk) and Scott Shoe- today.

cared for by the Musee maker work together on ribbonwork under the

Each day, we also aged to join in and dance with us.

du quai Branly in Par- “All Our Relations Tent” at the festival. Photo gave a public storytellThe entire Myaamia delegation enjoyed our

is, France. Michael and by Doug Peconge, Miami Tribe of Oklahoma.

ing performance on the time visiting Haudenosaunee homelands, visiting

Jamie both attended a

festival’s main stage. with other Indigenous arts, and sharing our stoworkshop and helped our community learn about The goal of our story was to talk about how our ries with the general public at the festival. We are

both iconography and the practice of painting language and culture reclamation work impacts hopeful that we made a positive impression on

hides. Our friendship with Michael and Jamie has our artistic practices as Myaamiaki living in the everyone and that a small part of our story sticks

deepened since that first visit, as they have since 21st century. Each performance began with a bi- with each of them in some positive way, large or

made many trips to Miami, Oklahoma, and we’ve lingual recounting of the

small.

made trips to visit them at Ganondagan.

Coming Out Story. Kara

Mihši neewe ‘a big

In the summer of 2024, Michael asked if the then followed this stothank you’ to Michael

Miami Tribe would be interested in participating ry with a recounting of

Galban and Jeanette

in the Indigenous Music & Arts Festival, and our how our revitalization

Jemison for the invitaresponse was an enthusiastic “iihia!” Early that work made this storytion to attend the festival

fall, we were put in touch with Jeanette Jemison, telling possible. Next,

and for arranging our

Program Director for the Friends of Ganondagan, Jared and Scott shared

visit, and to the Friends

who arranged our visit.

how the revitalization

of Ganondagan and the

At the end of July (2025), our group arrived work made their work

staff of Ganondagan

in Victor, New York. The Myaamia delegation as artists possible. Our

State Historic Site for

included: Kara Strass (ribbonwork and storytell- group closed out each

welcoming us into such

ing), Claudia Hedeen (program support), Scott performance by shara beautiful event. We’re

Shoemaker (ribbonwork and storytelling), Jar- ing a stomp dance. The From L to R: Kara Strass, Jared Nally, and already looking forward

ed Nally (fingerweaving and storytelling), Nate dance was shared in the Scott Shoemaker on the main stage at the fes- to the next time we

Poyfair (historical and contemporary education), spirit of friendship, and tival recounting the story of Myaamia revital- can visit Ganondagan ‘

Logan York (hide painting and jewelry making), members of the general ization. Photo by Doug Peconge, Miami Tribe of Town of Peace.’

Megan Sekulich (graphic art), Doug Peconge (la- audience were encour- Oklahoma.

INSTALL THE NEW APP

Install the Myaamiaataweenki Dictionary!

ILDA Dictionary

Aatotankiki Myaamiaki - History & Culture, Vol. 19, No. 3, 2025-26

meehtikoošionkiši aapooši iiyaayaanki ‘Once Again

We Travel to France:’ Celebrating an Exhibition and

Commemorating History

George Ironstrack

Eemamwiciki Director,

Myaamia Center

Representatives from the Choctaw, Osage, Otoe Missouria, Quapaw,

Peoria, and Miami Nations are welcomed to Versailles by museum staff.

Photo by Nate Poyfair, Miami Tribe of Oklahoma.

from the Peoria Tribe

November

of Indians of Oklahoof 2025, a team of Original copy of the 1701 Peace Treaty of ma made the journey.

Myaamiaki took an- Montreal. Photo by Doug Peconge, Miami Tribe They were representother important trip of Oklahoma.

ed by staff from their

to Paris, France for a

cultural office and by a

series of historic events. This was the fourth number of their elected officials. Other tribal

trip that Myaamia teams have made to Meeh- nations that sent delegations included the Quatikoošionki since we launched the Reclaiming paw Nation, the Choctaw Nation, the Osage

Stories Project with our Peewaalia ‘Peoria’ rel- Nation, and the Otoe-Missouria Tribe.

atives. That project’s focus is the revitalization

of hide painting for our communities and the What Sites Were Visited?

earlier trips to Paris focused on connecting with

During the trip, the group visited three main

the examples of Peewaalia ancestral hide paint- locations in France. The first was the Musée du

ing art that are cared for in the collections of the quai Branly - Jacques Chirac (MQB-JC) which

Musee du Quai Branly Jacques Chirac in Paris. hosted a symposium discussing museum collabThe most recent trip to France was orga- oration and offered groups an opportunity to visnized to celebrate the opening of an exhibition it in private with many objects of ancestral art

at the Palace of Versailles, which resulted from from North America. The MQB-JC is located in

collaborative discussions and investigations the heart of Paris about a 10 minute walk from

that date back to 2021 when the Reclaiming the Eiffel Tower along the Seine (the river that

Stories Project team linked up with our friends runs through the center of Paris). The second was

at the quai Branly who worked on their CRoy- the Château de Versailles (Palace of Versailles)

AN project team. Additionally, this trip coincid- for the unveiling of the exhibition “1725. Native

ed with the 300th anniversary of the visit of a American Allies at the Court of Louis XV.” Todelegation of Native leaders to France. French day, Versailles is a western suburb of Paris about

institutions planned a gathering during this time 30-40 minutes away via train. Our group particto commemorate that historic visit.

ipated in both the private and public openings of

the Versailles exhibition. The third location was

Who Traveled to France?

the Château de Fontainebleau (Palace of FonThe Myaamia team that traveled to France tainebleau) where the group commemorated the

for this trip included: Nate Poyfair (Second 1725 visit of Osage, Otoe-Missouria, and PeoCouncilperson and Noošonke ARPA Project ria leaders. Fontainebleau is about an hour and a

Manager), Logan York (Tribal Historic Preser- half south of Paris via train.

vation Officer for the Miami Tribe), Doug Peconge (Tribal photographer and Kiihkayonki Symposium - November 19 & 21

ARPA Project Manager), and George Ironstrack

The official visit began with a two-day sym(Assistant Director of the Myaamia Center). All posium titled “Sharing collections, Co-Writing

four of us have been involved in various aspects History: New Collaborative Practices withof the Reclaiming Stories project. Logan and in Indigenous North American Contexts.” The

George collaborated directly with the team that gathering was tightly focused on collaborations

curated the exhibit that opened at Versailles. between museums and North American IndigNate had the responsibility of representing our enous scholars and knowledge bearers. Logan

tribal government in France and Doug had the and George participated in a panel session toextremely important role of documenting the gether with our relative and colleague, Dr. Elizexhibit through photography.

abeth Ellis from the Peoria Tribe. Our panel was

The Myaamia team was just one amongst titled: “Visiting with Ancestral Art: Minohsaymany tribal representatives in France for these aki (Painted Robes) at the Musée du quai Branevents. As with our previous trips, our relatives ly – Jacques Chirac.” During the session we

talked about the work of the Reclaiming Stories

project and the importance of reclaiming from

the archives the knowledge and practice of hide

painting.

Nine other panels covered an array of collaborative work. Of particular note were the sessions that included our good friends from Seneca country: Michael Galban (Washoe and Mono

Lake Paiute and the Director of the Seneca Art

& Culture Center at Ganondagan State Historic Site); Jamie Jacobs (Tonawanda Seneca Nation and the Curator of the Rock Foundation at

the Rochester Museum & Science Center); and

Peter Jemison (Seneca Nation and the former

Director of the Seneca Art & Culture Center at

Ganondagan State Historic Site).

The symposium was an amazing globe spanning summary of the wonderful work that can happen when museums collaborate with the descendant communities that have ties to the ancestral

objects in their care. Each discussion highlighted

how Indigenous communities, the museum, and

the general public all benefit from this collaboration. Museums gain better cultural and communal context for their interpretations of their

collections, which leads to new exhibitions that

allow the museum going public to have a richer

experience. Indigenous communities benefit from

learning from objects of ancestral art through time

spent visiting with the objects and by learning

from the scientific investigations conducted by

museum professionals.

Opening the Exhibition at Versailles November 21 & 23

One of the highpoints of the journey for

the entire Myaamia team was participating in

the opening of the exhibition at the Château de

Versailles (Palace of Versailles). The exhibit,

1725. Native American Allies at the Court of

Louis XV, had at its centerpoint the story of the

leaders of the Peoria, Osage, and Otoe-Missouria who visited France in November of 1725.

Around this center curators wove the story of

the context of the ambassadorial visit. This

context included Indigenous and European

concepts of place through the display of maps

Continued on pg 5B >>

Aatotankiki Myaamiaki - History & Culture, Vol. 19, No. 3, 2025-26

<< Continued from pg 4B

It was a cold and wet evening at Versailles, the grounds even though this was decades after

but the pictures of the outdoor spaces almost the 1725 ambassadorial visit.

from the period; ancestral objects of art, many capture how beautiful the evening was.

After the tour, the group convened in a gathof which were given as gifts to the French as a

ering hall within the palace to officially compart of Indigenous diplomacy; early European Traveling to the King’s Woods:

memorate the 1725 visit. Chairman Shotton of

representations of Indigenous peoples; and a Fontainebleau - November 25

the Otoe-Missouria Tribe, Chief Dobbs of the

history of the evolution of the relationship beOur last day together in France took us on Peoria Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma, and T.J.

tween Native Nations

our longest journey Redcorn of the Osage Nation all spoke about

and the French empire.

via train from Paris to the importance of commemorating the 1725 visOn November 21,

the city of Fontaineb- it and continuing the connections between their

Logan and George atleau, forty miles to the nations and the French people.

tended a small private

southeast. Our whole

viewing of the exhibigroup was a big fan of eewaankiaanki neehi keetwi noonki ‘Giving

tion for the community

all the trains in France, Thanks and What’s Next?

partners who collabobut this ride was espeThe four of us want to take time to exrated on the exhibition.

cially comfortable and press our gratitude to all the people working

It was a chance for

beautiful. The regional at the Musee du Quai Branly - Jacques Chipartners to spend a quitrain we rode had lots rac, the Château de Versailles, the Château

et moment in the exhiof comfortable seat- de Fontainebleau, and the Louvre for all their

bition space with moing and great window work hosting us and organizing all the promentous examples of

views for following the gramming. We are grateful for the efforts of

ancestral art that were

journey. The journey tribal representatives from the Osage Nation,

wrapped into the story

began in urban Paris, Peoria Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma, Quapaw

of the 1725 delegation.

which has its own kind Nation, Choctaw Nation, and Otoe-Missouria

It was a powerful moof beauty, but for the Tribe. We are also grateful to Dr. Robert Morment to see years of the

last 20 minutes or so rissey, the staff of the history department, and

team’s work take physof the trip we passed the Mellon Foundation - Humanities Without

ical form in a world rethrough a large and Walls Initiative all at the University of Illinois

nowned museum.

naturally beautiful na- for their support with the Reclaiming Stories

Two days later, a

tional forest.

project and for their support in helping our

much larger group of

On this trip we staff make this trip. A special neewe goes to

all the visiting Native Indigenous guests of the Musee du quai Bran- continued to follow all those involved in making the exhibition at

delegations returned ly are given a private tour of the Louvre. Photo in the footsteps of the Versailles such a resounding success. We also

to Versailles for the by Doug Peconge, Miami Tribe of Oklahoma.

Peoria, Osage, and want to personally say mihši neewe to Paz

public opening of

Otoe-Missouria lead- Nuñez-Regueiro, Jonas Musco, Leandro Varithe exhibition. The Native delegations were ers who visited France in 1725. The forest of son, and Éléonore Kissel. Your friendship and

welcomed into the exhibition space about 45 Fontainebleau, through which we passed, was hard work over numerous years is deeply apminutes before it was opened to the broader a good part of the reason why these leaders preciated. We look forward to the next time we

public. It was exciting to share the experience traveled south in November of that year. They can sit down together over a coffee or a café

of the exhibition with friends and family. We came to Fontainebleau because it was the pal- and talk about subjects deep in time as well as

all pour so much of ourselves into this work. ace that King Louis XV liked best when he the deeply meaningful present day.

But it is rare to be able to share that work wanted to enjoy the hunt. It was on November

We hope that at some point in the not-toowith our family, and George was particular- 25, 1725 that these leaders first met the French distant future that the Versailles exhibition

ly grateful to be able to spend time with his King at his Fontainebleau palace. A few days will travel to North America, specifically Indaughter and mother walking through the ex- later, they went out into these same woods and dian Country in Oklahoma. George, Logan,

hibition at Versailles.

hunted together in both the French style and Nate, and Doug all recognize how lucky we

After the first 45 minutes were up, the exhi- using hunting practices indigenous to North were to be able to make this trip and visit with

bition opened up to everyone else in attendance. America.

these awe inspiring objects of ancestral art.

The crowd was so large that there was barely

The staff of the Château de Fontainebleau We hope that Myaamiaki, as well as the pubany room to move within the exhibition space. gave our large group a wonderful tour of the pal- lics of all involved tribes, can get a chance to

It was amazing to watch the public enjoy the ace with a focus on what Native leaders would do the same. The best way to ensure that this

fruits of everyone’s labor.

have experienced in 1725. The palace was also happens is to have the exhibition travel to our

Eventually, the crowd moved to an event a favorite of Napoleon Bonaparte, so it was also homelands and we will do our part to bring this

space within the palace for celebratory and fun to learn about his use and modification of dream to life.

commemorative speeches. The President of

Château de Versailles Christophe Leribault

and the President of the Musée du quai Branly - Jacques Chirac and Emmanuel Kasarhérou

both gave speeches recognizing the importance

of the exhibition and their institutions’ roles in

preserving this history and sharing the story.

There were also speeches from tribal representatives. Akima Roseanna Dobbs of the Peoria

Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma gave a beautiful

heartfelt speech recognizing the importance of

walking in the footsteps of Akima Šikaakwa,

who traveled to France and visited Versailles

in November 1725. Chairman John Shotton

of the Otoe-Missouria and Marla Redcorn,

Director of the Osage Nation Museum, each

spoke about the importance of the exhibit and

the visit from their nations’ perspectives. The

public celebration concluded with a toast and

two beautiful songs from T.J. Redcorn (Osage,

Ponca, Kiowa, & Caddo) Brent Greenwood

(Chickasaw & Ponca), and Vann Bighorse

(Osage). The songs were especially powerful

to hear echoing through the room at Versailles.

Many of us collectively wondered how long

it had been since those walls had heard songs Jamie Jacobs, Peter Jameson, and MTO THPO Logan York visiting with staff of Versailles. Photo by Doug Peconge, Miami Tribe of Oklahoma.

from North American peoples?

Aatotankiki Myaamiaki - History & Culture, Vol. 19, No. 3, 2025-26

Lacrosse game. Photo by Doug Peconge, Miami Tribe of Oklahoma.

What Makes Something Myaamia?

Haley Shea

Director of Assessment and Evaluation,

Myaamia Center

As many of us navigate our multifaceted identities, it is really common to ask this question –

“What makes something Myaamia?” It is important to note here that when I say “thing” throughout

this post, I am talking both about material goods

and also about thoughts, ideas, beliefs, and more.

This is an important question as differentiating

helps us perceive and understand the boundaries

both between and across the various components

of our lives that make us who we are.

However, I don’t think there is necessarily a “right” answer to this question. As with

any philosophical pondering, it is normal to

have variation and diversity of thought within

the community. I wanted to share my personal, current perspective on this after reflecting

on it for some time throughout the creation of

the nahi meehtohseeniwinki model. We needed

to attempt to answer this question when considering the concept of “health” through solely

a Myaamia lens. So my response comes from

many discussions with Myaamia Center staff,

I imagine some of these were easy to answer,

others were “well, it depends,” and others you

might be torn on. This is inherently a question

dealing with ownership, relationality, kinship,

aesthetics, sovereignty, individual and collective

identity, intellectual property, and more. It is complicated, and I imagine makes many of us feel sort

of uncomfortable – that’s okay and to be expected.

Individual and Community Acceptance

One of the first things to consider is individual and community acceptance of Myaamia features. Let’s take the table example from above.

A person might buy a table from IKEA and

claim, “This is my table, and I’m Myaamia, so

it is a Myaamia table.” This may or may not be

true. But what happens when that table is used

to share family and community meals? When it

is passed down from one Myaamia generation

to each subsequent? When they paint ribbonwork designs on it? When a little Myaamia kid

writes their Myaamia name on the underside of

it? At what point in this process does it become

example, particular colors show up in clothing

and artwork, sounds within Myaamia songs, and

values within Myaamia stories. Many of the elements that have persisted through generations

into the present are well-established thoughts,

beliefs, and actions, which can then transform

any contemporary object or event into something uniquely identifiable as possessing a

Myaamia trait. In order for continuity to persist

over time, knowledge has to be shared, promoted, reinforced, and encouraged among the community. It is the interaction and reinforcement

of commonality that leads to expressive elements that can be said to be myaamiinaakwahki

Planting and caring for miincipi, a species

of corn unique to the Myaamia community,

is a generations-old summertime activity for

Myaamiaki ‘Myaamia people.’ Photo by Karen

Baldwin, Miami Tribe of Oklahoma.

T-shirt given to Eemamwiciki Summer Program participants in 2019. Photo by Karen Baldwin, Miami Tribe of Oklahoma.

tribal leadership, and tribal citizens.

It is challenging to define something as being Myaamia or as possessing Myaamia qualities. Many of us start this journey by assuming

“anything I have/make is Myaamia because I

am Myaamia.” I want to pose a few scenarios

and ask you, “Are these things Myaamia?”

• A table that a Myaamia citizen buys from IKEA

• A song written by a Myaamia citizen

• A poster created by a non-citizen tribal spouse

and hung in the home

• A t-shirt designed by a non-citizen Miami Tribe

of Oklahoma employee for a community event

• A Polish garment owned and worn, passed

down for generations within a Myaamia family

• A necklace made by an Anishinaabe artist and

purchased by a Myaamia citizen

Artwork made by Megan Sekulich for her

Myaamia Heritage Program senior project,

2022. Photo by Jonathan Fox, Myaamia Center.

Myaamia? Again, no right or wrong answer.

I do think when an object is new/different or

on the periphery, there is a point where something shifts from being identified as Myaamia

by an individual to when the community as a

whole recognizes and accepts it as Myaamia.

When that happens is really based on conversation, relationships, time, and a general vibe.

‘it is Myaamia (expressively).’

Contextual Origin

Next is the question of the historical context of

the particular thing. The context in which a thing

was created (where, when, and by who) matters

and connects that thing to a cultural story. At the

same time, the identity of the individual(s) creating the thing is not the only factor that matters.

Things can be made by Myaamia people, but not

representative of the Myaamia community. Conversely, things can be made by non-Myaamia people and be representative of the Myaamia community. Therefore, we know that the features or

elements of the thing itself are critical to our ability to define it as Myaamia (or not).

Though we likely have always approached the

world around us with questions like these, identifying things as Myaamia was made both necessary

and difficult because of the historical oppression

our community faced. It is through revitalization

efforts that we are more readily able to delineate

these boundaries and use them to understand and

promote our own Myaamia identities.

Transgenerational Acceptance

Originally published on March 12, 2026 at

There are particular features or qualities aacimotaatiiyankwi.org/2026/03/12/whatthat are recognizably Myaamia across time. For makes-something-miami/

Aatotankiki Myaamiaki - History & Culture, Vol. 19, No. 3, 2025-26

Stars, Planets, and Heavenly Bodies in Myaamiaataweenki

pihkontee-kiilhswa, which has a corresponding

verb peehkonteeki ‘it is dark, night’ and tipehki kiilhswa. And, you guessed it, there’s a verb

Myaamiaki ‘Myaamia people’ have always teepihkiiki ‘it is night’ that’s related to that secbeen stargazers. So how do we talk about stars, ond word for ‘moon’!

planets, constellations, and other celestial objects

But what about the rest of our neighborhood?

in Myaamiaataweenki ‘the Miami language’?

Planets

The Moon and the Sun

Over the last few decades, we have reWe’ve talked a lot about the Myaamia Kiil- viewed many thousands of pages of historical

hswaakani ‘lunar calendar’ on the blog over the sources describing the language. So far, across

years. That word kiilhswaakani is built off of all of those pages, we’ve only found the name

the word kiilhswa, which you may have noticed of one planet: Venus, our brightest neighbor

means both ‘sun’ AND ‘moon’.

(and usually the closest, depending on the time

of year).

Hunter Thompson Lockwood

Language Specialist

names in the language. In the dictionary, you’ll

find meenankweepiaki (literally ‘they are clustered together’), but they were also called

kaakaathsolaankwaki ‘the six stars’, after the

brightest six stars in the cluster.

That’s the word used in one of my favorite Myaamiaataweenki sentences of all time:

kaakaathsolaankwaki waahsee peemawatooka

‘the Pleiades carry the daylight along’. The

Pleiades aren’t visible all year round. Their reappearance in the pre-dawn morning sky signals the coming of summer; they “carry the

daylight”!

Moon and Jupiter

Some sources use the word mihcalaankwa

for Venus. That word literally means ‘big star’,

but nowadays we also use it as the generic word

for any planet. But Venus is special (and noticeable) enough that it gets a few different names!

That turns out to be pretty common across the

world’s languages. You may have heard Venus

referred to in English as both the morning star

and the evening star. The same thing happened

Myaamiaataweenki – šayiipaawe mihcalaankwa

is ‘morning star’ and eelaakwiki mihcalaankwa

is ‘evening star’.

However, over the years, we have also come

up with names for the other planets. So if you

search the dictionary, you’ll also find neehpikalaankwa ‘Mars’ (‘red star’) and kiihkaapiikhšinka mihcalaankwa ‘Saturn’ (kiihkaapiikhšinka

describes Saturn’s rings)!

The moon. Photo by Doug Peconge, Miami Tribe

of Oklahoma.

Full moon

Since we’re focused on astronomy, let’s set

aside the meanings of ‘month’ and ‘clock’. It’s

usually pretty obvious from context whether

someone is talking about the sun or the moon

when they say kiilhswa. But we can be more

specific!

We can use waahsee-kiilhswa for ‘the sun’ –

compare that with the verb waahseeki ‘it is daylight’ – and we have two slightly different words

for ‘the moon’. In no particular order, there’s

Constellations

There are so many other interesting bits of

astronomical vocabulary in Myaamiaataweenki, but I’ll end here with two constellations of

alaankwaki ‘stars’.

The North Star isn’t the brightest star in the

sky, but it’s important because of the way it

lines up with the north pole, making it appear to

stand still while the other stars around it rotate

constantly throughout the year. The word for

this is aciika alaankwa ‘the fisher star’ – fisher the mammal, not the occupation. It gets that

name because the constellation that we know in

English as the Great Bear is called aciika ‘fisher’ in Myaamiaataweenki!

The Pleiades also have several different

Moon and Jupiter. By Wikiolo – Own work, CC BY-

SA 3.0, commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=31353116

The End?

Myaamiaki astronomers figured out long ago

that watching the sky was important for understanding the natural world, which is why there are

so many beautiful and interesting ways of talking

about celestial objects in Myaamiaataweenki!

Originally published on February 13, 2026

at aacimotaatiiyankwi.org/2026/02/13/starsand-planets/

Aatotankiki Myaamiaki - History & Culture, Vol. 19, No. 3, 2025-26

MYAAMIA

COMMUNITY

RESOURCES

Myaamia citizens and families

have many language and cultural

education opportunities available on

the web. The following sites regularly

post videos, photos and current

news clips from the Miami Tribe of

Oklahoma and the Myaamia Center

at Miami University.

MIAMI NATION WEBSITE

www.miamination.com

________

MYAAMIAKI Miami Tribe

of Oklahoma (closed group

for Tribal citizens & their

immediate family members)

AATOTANKIKI MYAAMIAKI

Miami Nation News

Miami Nation Events Where

public events are posted

EEMAMWICIKI Facebook (our

summer youth programs)

MYAAMIA CENTER Facebook

AATOTANTAAWI “Let’s

Talk About It” Myaamia

Community Discussion

Group for books, movies,

MIAMI TR IBE OF OKLA H OM A

2026 EVENTS

IN NOOŠONKE SIIPIONKI ‘MIAMI, OK’ & KIIHKAYONKI ‘FORT WAYNE, IN’

wiiyaakiteeheelo February 21

weehki-kihkatwe February 28

noošonke siipionki ‘Miami, OK’

Happy MYAAMIA New Year

April 4

kiihkayonki

‘Fort Wayne, IN’

kiihkayonki ‘Fort Wayne, IN’

SPROUT ABOUT

pakitahantaawi neehi

wiihsinitaawi!

April 11

noošonke siipionki

‘Miami, OK’

‘Let’s play lacrosse & eat!’

LaCrosse

INTO

Spring

June 15-19

noošonke siipionki

‘Miami, OK’

May 2

kiihkayonki

‘Fort Wayne, IN’

a week of eemamwiciki

SUMMER PROGRAMS OKLA.

paaphsaahka niipinwiki

Mid-Summer Moon Dinner

National Gathering Week

& ANNUAL MEETING

July 13-17

kiihkayonki

‘Fort Wayne, IN’

shows, etc.

June 19

noošonke siipionki

‘Miami, OK’

June 24-27

noošonke siipionki

‘Miami, OK’

a week of eemamwiciki

SUMMER PROGRAMS IND.

kiišiinkwia kiilhswa

________

AACIMOTAATIIYANKWI

Green Corn Moon Dinner kiihkayonki ‘Fort Wayne, IN’

KAAKISITOONKIA the

August 8

Myaamia Community Blog

Myaamia Heritage Museum

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January 30-31

noošonke siipionki ‘Miami, OK’

Please keep for easy reference! See reverse for more details.

ALL EVENTS ARE OPEN TO TRIBAL MEMBERS & THEIR FAMILIES.

Events are subject to change without notice. For the most up-to-date

information please visit our website at miamination.com/events.

THE MIAMI TRIBE OF OKLAHOMA

M I A M I

N A T I

N E W S

meenapiyankwi

Myaamia Publications – Vol. 19, No. 3, Winter 2025-26 – Section C – Community – Noošonke Siipionki Myaamionki

Myaamia Moment:

My experience at saakiiweeyonki

‘the Coming Out Place’

Joshua Sutterfield

A pier at the confluence. Photo courtesy of Joshua Sutterfield, Miami Tribe of Oklahoma.

Back in September 2025, I visited one

of the locations associated with our “Coming Out Story,” also known as “Where the

Miamies First Came From,” and I wanted to

share my experience with you. I hope you enjoy my little reflection piece.

This story begins with the feel and raspy

sound of grit beneath my feet as I walk past a

pair of sand-covered rope sandals lying next

to some trash bins towards a St. Joseph’s City

Park bathroom built into the side of a large

sand dune leading to the beach. Had I not

just seen visitors exit, I would have assumed

the bathroom was closed. My anticipation

builds—not from the well-deserved relief after a long road trip, but from the realization of

what I was about to experience at this place.

You see, I was at the confluence, the place

many of us myaamiaki call saakiiweeyonki,

‘Coming Out Place.’ It is where myaamiaki

emerged or came into being. I was planning to

tell our Coming Out Story,” the story of Where

the Miamies First Came From.” There may

have been just three of us there, but it could

not have been a better group: my best friend,

Michael, whom I met at our Miami University

orientation over twenty years ago—the very

place where my myaamia identity emerged.

And another best friend, Nate, from the tribal

community. Together, Nate and I work to help

myaamia people understand and feel what it

means to be myaamia. I was about to experience one of my most significant Myaamia

Moments of my life, telling the ‘Coming

Out Story’ at the Coming Out Place, one of

those moments my mom would say is “when

myaamia is all you feel.”

Michael and I walked down the pier that

held two lighthouses, listening to the humorous ha-ha-ha-ha call of the local seagulls,

dodging the large splashes of water cascading

over the concrete as we watched the turquoise

waves crash into the pier. As we reached the

end, I lifted my head and stared into what felt

like an ocean—Lake Michigan, or kihcikami

in our language. Suddenly, the meaning of the

word became obvious. While our translation

of kihcikami may be ‘Lake Michigan,’ the

true meaning of the word reveals not only the

descriptive nature of our language but also a

window into how myaamia speakers interpret

and discuss the world. Its literal meaning, as I

understand it, is “an unfathomably large body

of water.” From what I could see—nothing—

it made total sense.

During my long stares into the void of

kihcikami, I thought about the story I was

about to tell. Like so many myaamia things,

one interpretation—one truth—does not exist. There have always been and will always

be variations in the myaamia experience, and

differences are always present. Mostly, I hear

and think about where the story takes place.

One opinion places the story at the confluence

of the St. Joseph’s River and Lake Michigan,

where I was standing. The other places it at

the south bend of the river in South Bend, IN.

When someone asks me which one is correct,

I typically answer with a sly ‘iihia,’ meaning

‘yes.’ I then explain what I see as the myaamia

understanding of multiple truths, and add,

“I’m a confluence man.”

As boat motors hummed around me, I

watched boats go in and out of the waterway

and pondered another question I often hear. It

is one that, to me, is much more intriguing:

“What does the story represent?” For me, it’s a

time when the very idea of myaamia emerges.

It is when a people came to a land, separated

themselves from a larger group known as the

Algonquians, and established a unique community. It’s a migration story. Large groups

of people came from the north. A place our

traditional stories allude to as a place where

we once lived. They traveled in large vessels

across kihcikami and took different rivers to

find a home. As I thought of my relatives who

made this trek, another phrase from the story came to mind: “matehkohkisenaakana ‘old

moccasins’.” The phrase might not mean what

you think it does. It’s not about the time a

pair of moccasins has been around. Instead,

it references the worn-out state of one’s moc-

Eemamwiciki Director

casins after a long, arduous journey—in this

case, a journey to a new home. We used this

word to describe other people we encountered

at saakiiweeyonki after establishing a town,

leaving, and returning. For the myaamia and

the ‘old moccasins’, it was saakiiweesiipiiwi,

‘the coming out river,’ from where they found

their new home. I was looking right at it. I

was standing right there.

As we walked back down the pier away

from the lighthouses, I looked at the coastline. Our conversation turned to imagining

what it may have looked like back then, without the pier, lighthouses, docks, boats, businesses, and other features. My thoughts began

to linger. “This was not the place of my ancestors, or was it? It’s a place I can envision

them coming and floating down the water. Not

under the bridges with the electric cars, but

with families, sons and daughters, brothers

and sisters, looking for a place to, as the story

says, “grab hold of tree limbs and pull themselves out.” It is a place that would become

myaamionki, ‘the place of myaamiaki’. It was

saakiiweeyonki, a place I had talked about

and told stories about but had never experienced until now—a place I now experienced

with my relatives. Not Michael and Nate, but

those who had been at saakiiweeyonki before

me, my ancestors.” In that moment, they felt

present. Not as a disconnected past, but as real

companions in a space where past and present were the same. It was a temporal space of

known occurrences, encompassing events that

have happened or are currently happening, all

categorized in the same way, which we call

awiki.

Returning from the pier to where it meets

the beach, I gathered Michael and Nate to

share the “Coming Out Story” with them. I

went back and forth, deciding whether to

video the moment. “It was an intimate moment—a story, but not a winter story. That

means I could record it if I wanted, right?

RIGHT?” I did. Others may never see it...

Aatotankiki Myaamiaki - Community, Vol. 19, No. 3, 2025-26

MIAMI TRIBE OF OKLAHOMA

NATIONAL GATHERING WEEK 2026

The 2026 Myaamia National Gathering Week events are scheduled

for June 23-27, 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. Text notifications/updates will

go out to those who subscribe to the Text-Em-All service (see Tribal

website to sign up.)

NOTICE: ONLY THE SOCIAL DANCE AND FIREWORKS ON

FRIDAY EVENING, AND THE MIAMI NATION POW WOW ON

SATURDAY EVENING ARE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. ALL OTHER

EVENTS LISTED ARE FOR MIAMI TRIBE CITIZENS AND THEIR

FAMILIES.

Tuesday, JUNE 23 OPEN HOUSE AT MYAAMIA MAKERSPACE

(Miami Tribe Community Event - not open to the Public)

9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Makerspace/Ethel Miller Moore Cultural

Education Center - 5990 S. 520 Road, Miami, OK.

Tribal citizens and their family members are invited to visit the

Makerspace to try new arts and crafts, or bring their own in-progress

arts and crafts to continue while visiting with other community

members. All ages, however children under 12 must have a

chaperon. RSVP by email to Joshua Sutterfield at

jsutterfield@miamination.com or by phone at 918-541-1300. Watch

the Miami Tribe Facebook page and website for updates. Lunch

provided for attendees.

Wednesday, JUNE 24 MYAAMIA COMMUNITY ARTS/CRAFTS

WORKSHOP

(Miami Tribe Community Event - not open to the Public)

9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Makerspace/Ethel Miller Moore Cultural

Education Center - 5990 S. 520 Road, Miami, OK.

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.)

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.

8:00 a.m.

1:00 a.m.

12:00 p.m.

1:00 p.m.

2:30 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

Breakfast at Myaamia Community Center/Dining Hall

54535 East 65 Road, Miami, OK.

Community Lacrosse Game on the Myaamia game field

54505 East 65 Road, Miami, OK.

Lunch at Prairie Sun Event Center

3411 P. Street NW, Miami, OK.

Presentation: Social Dances and Stomp

Break

Dinner - (Arena)

EVENING SOCIAL DANCES

(Public Event)

Location: Miami Nation Dance Grounds - 54505 E. 65 Road, Miami, OK

7:00 p.m.

9:30 p.m.

Arena

Fireworks - viewed from Arena

Contacts:

Julie Olds 918-541-3131 jolds@miamination.com

Nate Poyfair 918-325-0295 npoyfair@miamination.com

Saturday, JUNE 27 ANNUAL MYAAMIA GENERAL COUNCIL

MEETING

(Miami Tribe Community Event - not open to the Public)

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

Beading workshop led by CRO Staff. All ages, however children

under 12 must have a chaperon. RSVP by email to Joshua Sutterfield

at jsutterfield@miamination.com or by phone at 918-541-1300.

Watch the Miami Tribe Facebook page and website for updates.

Lunch provided for attendees.

7:00 a.m.

Breakfast will be served at the Myaamia Community

Center/Dining Hall

9: 00 a.m. Annual Meeting of the Myaamia General Council begins

promptly at 9 a.m. in the Council House. Myaamia citizens enter

through the doors on the east side of the building for registration.

Thursday, JUNE 25 MYAAMIA FAMILY DAY (Games & Dancing)

(Miami Tribe Community Events - not open to the Public)

Location: Myaamia Games Field - 54505 E. 65 Road, Miami, OK

Events: ARCHERY - LACROSSE - TOMAHAWK THROW

Lunch:

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.

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.

LUNCH PROVIDED

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.

6:00 p.m.

Myaamia Community Dinner

8:30 p.m.

Myaamia Community Stomp Dance

Archery and Games Contact:

Scott Willard 417-317-3465 swillard@miamination.com

General Contact:

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

Friday, JUNE 26 CULTURAL EDUCATION DAY

(Miami Tribe Community Events - not open to the Public)

Events: COMMUNITY BREAKFAST - LACROSSE GAME - LUNCH PRESENTATIONS

Prairie Sun Events Center at 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

25th ANNUAL MIAMI NATION POW WOW (See flier on Miami

Nation Events Facebook page)

(Public Event)

6 p.m.

Grand Entry Miami Nation Pow Wow (Arena)

Stomp Dance

*NOTE: PLEASE FOLLOW MIAMI NATION EVENTS (PUBLIC PAGE),

AND MYAAMIAKI MIAMI TRIBE OF OKLAHOMA COMMUNITY

(PRIVATE COMMUNITY GROUP) AND THE WEB HOMEPAGE

OF MIAMINATION.COM FOR UPDATES OR CHANGES TO

SCHEDULED 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

HOTEL INFORMATION FOR MIAMI, OK

BUFFALO RUN HOTEL - 8414 S. 580 Road, Miami, OK

Phone: 918-542-2900

Buffalo Run Hotel offers a discounted Tribal room rate. When you

phone to book a room, tell them you are an enrolled citizen of the

Miami Tribe of Oklahoma booking a room for our National Gathering

Week in June. To get the discounted rate - one discounted room

per person - you will need to present your Tribal enrollment card at

check in.

Other Area Hotels:

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

MICRO-TEL - 2015 E. Steve Owen’s Blvd., Miami, OK

Phone: 918-540-3333

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

Hatley at 918-541-1300 or thatley@miamination.com. First come,

first booked! Note: No repeat guests from last year - if you stayed

in a cabin last year you are not eligible to book again this year. We

Breakfast at the Myaamia Community Center/Title 6 Dining Hall want to make sure others have an

followed by the community lacrosse game on the game field behind opportunity to stay.

Aatotankiki Myaamiaki - Community, Vol. 19, No. 3, 2025-26

Myaamia

Autism Center

Ribboncutting

Doug Peconge

Kiihkayonki ARPA Project Manager

The ribbon-cutting for the autism center took

place on Saturday, January 31st, 2026. Celebrating the creation of this center were Chief

Doug Lankford, Secretary-Treasurer Donya

Williams, Second Council Person Nate Poyfair,

Miami Nation Enterprise CEO Lance Theobald,

Mika Leonard, Vice President of Operations for

Miami Nation Enterprise, Jamie Emory, Director

of the Maddox Hill Center, Janet Cummings, and

Chelsy Laster, a behavior specialist. According

to the Myaamia Autism Center’s website, autism

is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects

communication, social interaction, and behavior. It is a lifelong neurological disorder that can

affect one’s ability to interact with others and

how they view the world. Diagnosis can come

as early as 2 years old into adulthood, though

autism disorder is usually identified around the

age of 5. There are three levels of the autism

spectrum. Those levels can include social awkwardness, difficulty communicating verbally,

challenges with change, and repetitive behaviors

that interfere with daily functioning. Centers for

Disease Control reports that 1 in 31 children and

1 in 45 adults are affected by autism. According

to the state of Oklahoma, the autism rate in Ottawa County is at 1.4 percent as of October 2022,

which makes it one of the highest in the state.

Kolby Lankford, a citizen of the Miami

Tribe, and his wife, Stephennie, live just outside

Miami, Oklahoma, with their two children. Kolby and Stephennie’s daughter falls on the autism

spectrum. Kolby’s daughter is mostly nonverbal,

which can make raising a six-year-old even more

challenging. Like a lot of other families, they

noticed developmental issues with their daughter

and had her assessed for autism. They searched

for services that could help their daughter with

autism and develop ways for her to communicate

and live a normal life. They quickly learned that

there were limited options in Ottawa County, with

long waiting lists. They found an autism center

in Joplin; however, Oklahoma Medicare does not

pay for out-of-state services. Kolby stated that

the cost of the out-of-state center would be as

much as buying a new car every month.

Kolby is quick to point out that the idea for

the autism center came from his wife, Stephannie, who was the one who got the ball rolling.

Kolby and Stephannie had insightful conversations with Jamie Emory, the Director of the

Maddox Hill Center, which is part of Crowder

College in Missouri. The Maddox Hill Center

provides services to children with autism, behavior challenges, and developmental disabilities. Kolby and Stephannie developed a plan for

an autism center and presented their idea to the

Business Committee, the Cultural Resource Of-

Ribboncutting at the autism center now open in Miami. Oklahoma. Photo by Doug Peconge, Miami

Tribe of Oklahoma

fice (CRO), and Miami Nation Enterprises. The

Tribe provided the space for the center, which

is a ranch house on trust land located about a

mile from tribal headquarters. Their plan was

well received, and MNE took the lead in bringing Kolby and Stephannie’s vision to life. The

house was updated with fresh paint and new appliances.

The interior of the house was designed as a

space to teach the kids ways to communicate,

cope, and complete everyday tasks at home. The

backyard has a six-foot privacy fence to keep the

children safe while they play outside. Inside the

house, one of the bedrooms was transformed into

a playroom, affectionately called the purple room

by Kolby because of the walls’ color. Another

bedroom was converted into a conference room,

and a third room will be used as an office. The

main living room has books and colorful objects.

Everything in that space is intended to teach the

kids how to listen and complete tasks. Even in

the kitchen, there are opportunities for the kids

to learn. The garage was converted into another

learning space, including a space for observing

the kids. The center will accept autistic children,

with a focus on early childhood interventions.

While the brick-and-mortar portion of the

project is finishing up, the center is working on

getting set up with Medicaid and private insurance. The hope is to have the paperwork and

approval to bill Medicaid and private insurance

within the next 30 to 60 days. At that time, the

center will open its doors to the public, with priority going to Miami Tribal citizens. The center will be able to accept 20 children into the

program, with priority given to Miami Tribal

citizens. Kolby says they will use social media

and local organizations to notify people of enrollment opportunities. Kolby wanted to express

his heartfelt appreciation to the Tribe’s Business

Committee, Miami Nations Enterprises, the Miami Tribe’s maintenance department, and the

tribal IT department for their support and dedication in creating the Autism Center.

One of the classrooms in the new myaamia autism center in Miami, Oklahoma. Photo by Doug

Peconge, Miami Tribe of Oklahoma

Another room inside the autism center. Photo by

Doug Peconge, Miami Tribe of Oklahoma

Aatotankiki Myaamiaki - Community, Vol. 19, No. 3, 2025-26

A Dream Come True: Bear Hunting in the Ouachita’s

We grabbed the necessities, and off we went.

We started the search where I had last seen the bear. Eight inches of

my arrow, with a still glowing lighted nock, was found broken off near a

In October 2020, my 12-year-old son, Hagen, and I packed our bows and sassafras tree several yards down the trail. It appeared the bear had crashed

ventured into Oklahoma’s Ouachita Mountains. We pitched our Boy Scout- straight south down the mountain. With little blood, the track was slow at

style tent near a creek, settling by an old rock fire pit. Over two nights, we first, but as the terrain got steeper and thicker, the trail of a crashing bear

hunted and scouted from mountaintops to creek bottoms, armed with little became more and more clear. Blood began to smear, and slide marks became

more than enthusiasm, some tips from Bear Hunting Magazine podcasts and longer and deeper, leading directly to a large black ball of fur.

some YouTube videos.

It was a special moment for the three of us. I regretted that Hagen wasn’t

That first year, we found tracks, old scat, and claw marks—enough to able to make it, as he and I had started this adventure years ago, but Kolby

call it a success. We didn’t expect to see a bear, but we fell in love with the and Chad’s excitement more than overshadowed the moment. We had done it!

rugged beauty of the land.

The bear had gone about 200 yards from the shot down the mountainThe next year, my younger brother Kolby joined us, followed by our side. She was about a 225 pound sow, and I had shot her through one lung

friend Chad the year after, completing our crew. We returned to that camp- before the arrow went directly through the liver and stomach, then lodged in

site often, sharing countless meals, trudging through poison ivy, filtering the back quarter.

creek water, and savoring wild mushrooms and bluegill we caught on fly

A quick field dress and some fancy rope work by my brother and Chad had

rods. One year, I even brought the whole family for a vacation. That spot by us rigged like a team of mules in an attempt to drag the bear up the side of the

the creek holds a permanent place in my heart.

mountain—a decision we quickly came to regret. At one point, Chad stumbled

One evening, a local friend joined us for dinner and tipped us off to a and fell face first on a log. We all stopped to catch our breath, and in the midst

new hunting area a few miles away. Eager to explore, we moved camp the of Chad getting back to his feet, he realized the log he fell on had a split, and

next morning. That afternoon’s scouting revealed promising sign, and we set inches from his hand, where his face had just been, was a 30-inch copperout hoping to achieve our long time goal: spotting a bear.

head coiled and ready to strike. Kolby shooed it down the mountain, and we

That evening, as I sat in a white

laughed at how close that could have

oak, Chad texted: “I just shot a

been to a disaster.

bear.” My heart raced—we’d not

An hour of torture later, and with

only seen a bear but had a shot opsweaty, wet clothes, we were loadportunity. But excitement turned to

ing the bear into the bed of Chad’s

heartache. The shot, taken at dusk

Polaris Ranger. We rushed back to

over 30 yards, yielded only a tuft of

camp and rearranged my truck to fit

black fur on Chad’s broadhead and

the bear and a large empty cooler.

a fleeting memory. We searched

With a quick phone call to the biolfor hours that night and the next

ogist, we were headed to check the

day, finding no blood or sign of a

bear in. It was interesting to see the

wounded bear. Defeated, we left

process: a tuft of hair, a small tooth,

with just a story. Yet, over time,

a couple of measurements, and more

we realized the trip was a triumph.

than a couple of laughs.

We’d seen a bear and found a new

When we finished with the biolhunting ground ripe with potential.

ogist, we headed to the gas station

In 2024, life got in the way. As

for ice with a handwritten bear tag

a new School Resource Officer at

hanging from my rearview mirror.

my kids’ school, I had little time off.

Back on the mountain, we made

Hagen, now a sophomore starting

quick work of the hide and carcass

on varsity football, couldn’t miss Hagen Lankford setting up camp. Photo courtesy of Kolby Lankford.

and getting it all on ice. Kolby was

games. Kolby could only spare a day

gentleman enough to skin and mask

or two, and Chad, a Kansas resident, wasn’t keen on an eight-hour drive and a out the bear, and with a little help from me and Chad, we were trimming fat

$500 bear tag for a short trip. We skipped the season, vowing to return.

and throwing meat into Ziploc bags within the hour. Layering the meat and

By spring 2025, Chad, Kolby, and I planned a week-long hunt to max- fat through the cooler, we left the hide out to cool, then rolled it up and put

imize our time in the mountains. Hagen, now a junior and a starting slot it in a large, heavy-duty trash bag before putting it in the cooler, working ice

receiver and strong safety on his 4-0 football team, opted to stay home and in and around it, careful to keep the hair dry.

hunt deer.

It was close to 1:30 a.m. when we crawled into our sleeping bags and set

On September 29, we headed south, cleared an old deer camp with weed our alarms. With two tags left in camp, we had high hopes to repeat our success.

whips and pruning shears, and set up tents and a kitchen awning. With the

The next day, we found success again. It was day two, and Kolby had

season opening October 1, we spent the first day and a half scouting oak flats found good sign on a big white oak flat early in the day and set up on it.

known for acorns and bear sign. Fresh tracks and abundant acorns fueled our Around 5:00 p.m., Kolby had shot and missed a bear, only hitting some fur

optimism.

under the bear’s brisket. He was upset but hopeful he could return to the area

On October 1, as I fried eggs and sipped coffee before dawn, I had no the next day to get another opportunity.

inkling of the day ahead. At sunrise, I reached a small white oak flat we’d

On the following day, Friday, October 3, at 11:00 a.m., I was sitting at

never scouted before. A quick loop of the area revealed fresh scat and a pad- camp when my phone rang. It was Kolby. He told me he had just shot a good

ded-down trail. I climbed 12 feet up a tree, wind in my favor, and waited.

bear. The rest of that afternoon was a rollercoaster of emotions as we searched

After four hours, I wasn’t thrilled with my shot angle. With no safety the mountainside for the bear. With little to no blood, we finally found where

harness and a sleepy midday mindset, I moved to a ground spot five yards the bear had crashed and slid for a while. Moments later, we found the bear

away, downwind, with a clear 12-yard shot to the trail. I cleared branches, half in and half out of the base of a large, hollowed-out gum tree.

propped my bow, ate an oatmeal cream pie, then took advantage of a quick

We had done it. We had killed two black bears on public land in our

midday nap.

home state of Oklahoma with our compound bows in three days’ time, and

I woke up to the almost never-ending sound of white oak acorns falling we had been there to help recover and track the bear for each other. It was

to the ground. This specific acorn was a little closer and seemed to have a dream come true. As I stood on the side of the mountain with my brother,

hit several branches on the way down. I glanced at my phone; it was close a congratulatory handshake quickly turned into a hug. It was a moment I’ll

to 2:20 p.m. The sun was shining through the thick canopy, and the wind never forget.

seemed to have calmed a little. I gave my windicator a shake, and to my

However, the next few hours of skinning, quartering, and packing an aprelief, all was still well.

proximately 300-pound bear up the mountain were nothing short of back-breakI sat there for what seemed like a minute or two, staring at the small open ing, labor-intensive work. All the same, I’d do it again in a heartbeat.

area and listening to what sounded like a hailstorm of acorns falling on the

And to add the icing on the cake, I got a call from my wife that Hagen’s

hill to the south. While still deep in my thoughts, without hearing a sound, football team was now 5-0 and had defeated Little Kansas 35-0. It was ana shiny black object appeared through the brush. There was no questioning other late night beginning with the biologist, an ice run, and a couple of

what it was. As quickly as I could process it, I saw a particularly brown face. hours of camp work getting it all iced down.

It stood near some thick brush for a few seconds.

The next day was the last day we would have to hunt. Kolby had already

My heart sank as I watched the bear throw its nose in the air; I remem- stayed a day longer than he promised his wife, so he headed north before

bered I had walked through that area scouting the pond hours ago. As quickly daylight with a cooler full of bear meat and a smile on his face. Chad and I

as my fears arose, they vanished as the bear took two or three steps forward poured a cup of coffee in the breaking light and set out to find some fresh

toward me. Without thinking, and as if I had rehearsed to the same script sign. But 12 hours later, after another all-day sit with no luck and even less

the bear had, I was at full draw and settling my top pin just behind the front daylight, Chad came off the mountain with a grin, happy for the unbelievshoulder of the bear. It was now at 12 yards.

able week we had all had.

As I squeezed off my release, I watched my arrow hit the very hair I had

We cooked a good dinner at camp, laughed, and recalled the highlights

been aiming at. With the thump of the broadhead hitting the bear’s side, it of the week, and called it a night. The next day, we loaded up and headed off

made a low woof as it leapt forward. Half a second later, the bear disap- the mountain. It’s always bittersweet to return to civilization after any trip,

peared crashing down the mountain. Had it not been for a missing arrow, I but this one was much more so.

could have convinced myself that it was a dream.

I missed my wife, my kids, and my bird dogs and couldn’t wait to see

After a minute, I called my wife and told her I had just shot a bear; her them. I was thankful for the opportunities we capitalized on, the time spent

exact words were, “No you didn’t!” I called Chad and Kolby. I felt selfish together, and for the safe week we had. Over the last few years, I’ve been

to ask, but I didn’t have to. They made it clear there was nothing I could do blessed beyond reason. I used to think, “This season can never be topped,”

to keep them from coming to help me with tracking the bear, and they al- but each season seemed to have just gotten better and better—not in a sense

most took offense that I would suggest they continue hunting. Both said they of more or bigger critters, but more along the lines that the hunts are more

wouldn’t miss it for the world.

meaningful and the company kept around my fire is of deeper connection.

As the minutes passed and the adrenaline started to wear off, the evThe hide is now at the tannery being made into a rug, and I plan to

er-so-common, gut wrenching feeling of doubt started to creep in. I went display it in my office at the school where I work. The school, Wyandotte,

back to camp, ate a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, and tried to collect my- Oklahoma, just happens to have a school mascot of the Wyandotte Bears.

self the best I could. Kolby and Chad made good time getting back to camp.

Kyle Lankford

Community Submission

Aatotankiki Myaamiaki - Community, Vol. 19, No. 3, 2025-26

We are your tribally-owned,

community-driven indoor market

featuring Oklahoma-made products, local

foods, fresh meats, and seasonal goods.

TRY OUR TRIBAL BEEF

SUNDAY

12PM - 6PM

MON - SAT

6AM - 7PM

Fattened on grass and grain, these animals are born, raised, and

processed on tribal lands. No artiﬁcial growth hormones or

antibiotics are used in the production of our beef.

Our goal is to be the source of beef for our families and provide a

superior homegrown meat at a great price. Remember to bring in

your tribal membership card to Prairie Sky Market and get your

discount, which includes no sales tax.

ON FACEBOOK AT PRAIRIE SKY MARKET | (918) 541-1444 309 N. MAIN ST., NORTH MIAMI, OK 74358

Aatotankiki Myaamiaki - Community, Vol. 19, No. 3, 2025-26

toopeeliyani ‘You accomplished it!’

peenaalinta

Michael Dow

Community Submission

Sophia

Archangel Lapp

September 15,

2024

Myaamia Scholar Lilly Dow Earns Top

Academic Honors at Miami University

Tribal citizen Lilly Dow has achieved the

highest academic distinction at Miami University, earning a place on the President’s List for

the Fall 2025-2026 academic year. This honor is

reserved for students who finish in the top three

percent of their undergraduate division, a milestone Lilly achieved with a perfect 4.0 GPA.

Lilly is currently pursuing a degree in

Pre-Medical Studies. Her journey at Miami University is supported by the Myaamia Heritage

Award and the Casino Economic Development

Education Award, which have been instrumental in her academic path.

Reflecting on her achievement, Lilly expressed deep gratitude for the leadership and

staff who have championed her education:

“I want to deeply thank the Miami Tribe

and Tribal Leadership for their forethought and

their dedication to our Tribe. Their hard work

with the university and the scholarships covering my tuition have been life-changing. I also

want to thank the Myaamia Center and the tribal

members on the university staff; they have been

vital in helping me succeed both academically

and personally. I am so thankful to the Tribe for

the continued support.”

Lilly is proud to represent her heritage as Lilly Dow, citizen of the Miami Tribe of Oklahoshe works toward her future career in medicine. ma and recipient of top academic honor at Miami University. Photo courtesy of Michael Dow.

Neewe to the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma!

Local Student Shines in Tribal Health

Experiential Internship Seminar (THESIS)

Jamison Short

THESIS Program Coordinator

Atalie Sherman, a citizen of the Miami

Tribe of Oklahoma and a sophomore at Oklahoma State University majoring in Psychology

and Pre-Med Biology, made a significant impact during the eight-week Tribal Health Experiential Internship Seminar (THESIS) program.

THESIS is a virtual internship focused on promoting Tribal public health and is funded by

the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

(CDC) Office of Minority Health and Health

Equity through its Lewis Scholars Program.

As one of seven organizations in the Lewis

Scholars Program, THESIS operates under the

Southern Plains Tribal Health Board in Oklahoma City. Interns delve into Native American

culture, resilience, and various aspects of public health, including epidemiology and research.

Their intensive eight-week journey culminates

in the creation of research posters, which they

presented at the THESIS Showcase in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

Atalie’s research topic was Meeting the

Need: How Native American Health Profession

Pathways Address Primary Care Gaps in Rural

Areas. Reflecting on her THESIS experience,

she shared, “These past eight weeks with THESIS have been a defining chapter in my journey toward serving tribal communities through

healthcare. I entered the program with a basic

understanding of public health and a desire to

explore how my future as a physician could

contribute to tribal well-being. I leave with not

only clarity, but conviction. I now understand

how intentional, one-on-one decisions made in

the clinic can ripple outward to impact entire

communities. I’ve come to see health as a holistic integration of mind, body, and spirit—one

that must be nurtured through culturally compe-

‘One who is born’

Josh and Gloria

(Tippmann)

Lapp

welcomed

their

daughter

Sophia

Archangel Lapp on

September

15th,

2024. She joins older sister, Josie. Sophia is descended from

Takamwah, Archangel Godfrey, and Mary

(Strack) Swenda.

waanantakhšinka

‘Lying quietly’

David L. Grant

Feb. 15, 1941 Aug. 13, 2025

David L. Grant, 84,

of Chetopa, passed away

on Wednesday, August

13, 2025, surrounded

by loved ones at Galena

Nursing Center.

David was born on

February 15, 1941, in Miami, Oklahoma to Leo Grant and Mary Josephine

(Trinkle) Grant.

In 1959, David graduated high school in Joplin, Missouri, where he enjoyed several hobbies

with his favorite being football. In his early years,

David worked in the inventory control field before

transitioning to carpentry. He also worked at B&D

Lumber inside the store for several years. David

served in the US Army Reserves for seven years.

David was known for being a faithful Servant

to the Lord, as well as for his love of woodworking. David was a Deacon to the church for over

27 years.

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 SN

A N N O U N C E M EO T

& OT H E R H O N R S

Atalie Sherman, citizen of the Miami Tribe of

Oklahoma and participant in THESIS. Photo

SUBMIT

courtesy of Jamison Short.

tent care, the very kind I aspire to provide.

This experience has deepened my respect

for research, especially the responsibility we

hold in protecting and honoring sacred data that

guides community health decisions. THESIS

has been more than educational—it has been

transformational. I am endlessly grateful to the

Southern Plains Tribal Health Board staff, to

the inspiring speakers and mentors, and to my

fellow interns, whose stories reminded me that

public health is not just professional—it’s deeply personal.”

For more information about THESIS and

the Lewis Scholars Program, visit https://thesis.

spthb.org.

We would also like to congratulate

Kyle Lankford for having this story

published on a podcast and in a

magazine. Learn more at:

podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/

ep-421-this-country-life-expectations-and-reality/

bear-hunting.myshopify.com/collections/back-issues/

products/2026-issue-1-january-february

dpi

Photo resolution: 300

”

Minimum size: 3” x 3

psd

Formats: tif, jpg, pdf,

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

Aatotankiki Myaamiaki - Community, Vol. 19, No. 3, 2025-26

waanantakhšinka

‘Lying quietly’ cont.

He was a proud member of the Miami Tribe

of Oklahoma.

When he wasn’t listening to his wife talk,

David was an avid Western watcher with many

hours spent in his recliner watching GRIT. He

also enjoyed many afternoons on the farm playing

“workup” with his children and grandchildren.

On July 9, 1960, David and Joyce Ann Brown

were united in marriage in Chetopa, Kansas. She

survives of the home.

Other survivors include: One son – David

Grant, Jr., and his wife, Janet, of Chetopa, Kansas.

One sister - Patricia Morgan, and her husband,

Don, of Diamond, Missouri. Five grandchildren

– Josh Grant; Jacob Grant; Jessica Smith and

her husband, Charles; Parker Grant; and Colton

Grant and his wife, Paige. Two great-grandchildren – Harper Smith and Paisley Grant. One niece

- Michelle Johnson. One great-niece - Dani. One

great-nephew - Tyler.

David was preceded in death by his mother,

father, and his son, Mark Grant.

The funeral service was held at 10:00 a.m.,

Monday, August 18, 2025, at the Bath-Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home, 605 Locust, Chetopa. Burial

followed at Fairview Cemetery in rural Chetopa.

Memorials are suggested to the Alzheimer’s

Association. These may be left at or mailed to

Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 374,

Parsons, KS 67357.

Richard Milton

Menefee

Apr. 4, 1956 Aug. 28, 2025

Richard Milton

“Coach” Menefee, Jr., age

69, passed away on August 28, 2025, in Jacksonville, Florida. Born

on April 4, 1956, in Fort

Wayne, Indiana, Richard

lived a life marked by creativity, mentorship, and

unwavering faith.

A graduate of Southside High School in Fort

Wayne, Richard went on to attend Motlow State

Community College in Tullahoma, Tennessee.

In 1990, he further honed his craft by graduating

from Scarborough Enterprises Rug Manufacturing School. His talent as a custom area rug

maker was widely recognized and reflected his

artistic spirit and dedication to craftsmanship.

Beyond his professional accomplishments,

Richard was best known as “Coach” - a title

he wore with pride and purpose. For 35 years,

he devoted himself to coaching boys’ baseball

across numerous organizations including Brierwood Athletic Association, San Jose Athletic

Association, Mandarin Sports Association, and

at the middle school level with Southside Middle

School, Darnell Cookman Middle School, and

Fort Caroline Middle School. He also coached at

Wolfson and Paxon High Schools.

Through these decades of service on the

field, Richard became a mentor and role model

to countless young athletes who affectionately

called him “Coach.”

In May 1993, Richard was honored with the

Arlington Optimist Club Respect for Law Award

- a testament to his integrity and commitment to

community values.

Richard accepted Christ as his personal Lord

and Savior and remained steadfast in his faith

throughout life’s challenges. Even during times

of illness, he prayed for God’s will to be done - a

reflection of his deep spiritual conviction.

He is survived by his beloved wife Rhonda

of 47 years; daughter Leah Menefee; son Jared

Menefee (Patty); and grandchildren Kaylie, Kendra, Alana, Allison, Matthew, Evelyn and Eleanor. He is also remembered by his siblings: Brian

Menefee (Barb) of Flower Mound, Texas; Dean

Menefee (Conella); Glenn Menefee (Mindi): and

Lugena Platt (Dave) of Fort Wayne, Indiana.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents Richard Menefee, Sr. and Marcella; brothers

Wayde Menefee and Eric Menefee; and his fatherand mother-in-law Dr. Stanford Kruse and Evelyn.

A talented artist whose work extended beyond the canvas into every aspect of his life

- from the rugs he crafted to the players he

coached - Richard leaves behind a legacy of

love, leadership, and faith.

May his memory bring comfort to those

who knew him.

Sister Edwina Pope

May 18, 1945 –

Dec. 25, 2025

On Christmas night,

December 25, 2025, Sister

Edwina Pope, ASC, died

under hospice care at Via

Christi St. Francis Hospital in Wichita. She had

celebrated her 80th birthday in May and 45 years

of vows as an Adorer in September of this year.

Sister Edwina was born May 18, 1945, in

Kansas City, Missouri, and she was baptized into

Calvary Baptist Church at the age of seven. Two

years later, she had her first experience with a

Catholic Sister who was at her grandfather’s bedside when he died. By the time she was a senior

in high school, her thoughts were to be a Sister.

As a college freshman, she took instructions in

the faith and joined the Catholic Church on July

4, 1964.

Sister Edwina worked in the kitchen of the

Catholic Hospital in Pratt, Kansas, where she got

to know the Sisters of St Joseph. In 1973, after

ten years of going to school part-time, she graduated with a degree in history from Sacred Heart

College (now Newman University).

She joined a prayer group, where she was

handed information about a vocation inquiry

weekend at the Adorers of the Blood of Christ

convent. After extended discernment, she entered

the ASC community at the age of 33. She made

first vows on September 14, 1980, and final vows

on September 14, 1986.

Her apostolic experience took her to St.

Mary’s Hospital in Enid, OK., and 23 years of

ministry at Ryan Library on the Newman University campus. In 2004, she became Community

Life Assistant at the Columbia Center in Lancaster County. For five years and over 100,000

miles, she took Sisters to medical appointments,

hospital visits and airports. She also enjoyed

taking out-of-town and international sister-guests

to Washington and other historic sites. Her last

ministry was serving 12 years as U.S. Region Archivist. During this time, she oversaw the transfer of the archives from the former Columbia

province to Wichita where they were integrated

into the U.S. Regional Archives.

Sister Edwina enjoyed running, completing

short SK races and participating in the Chicago

Marathon. She also completed Bike Across Kansas, a 500-mile trek from the western to eastern

border of the state.

In 2022, Sister Edwina completed her service

as U.S. Region Archivist. Until health issues

diminished her energy, she continued to be engaged with ASC community life.

Sister Edwina was preceded in death by

her parents and her siblings. She is survived

by nieces, nephews and cousins and the ASC

community.

The Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated

at the congregation’s center in Wichita on December 30 with burial in the ASC cemetery in Wichita.

Mary Louise Gatton

Dec. 6, 1952 Jan. 20, 2026

Mary L. Gatton, 73,

of Fort Wayne, IN, passed

away peacefully on January 20, 2026, she was

born in Whitley County,

IN, to the late Augustus

and Catherine Nagy.

Mary spent more than 30 years as an Insurance Underwriter with Lincoln Financial Corporation, and after retiring, she continued serving

her community through her work with Fort

Wayne Community Schools.

She was a faithful member of St. Patrick

Catholic Church of Arcola and a proud member

of the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma.

Mary embodied a true hippie spirit through

her love of music, embracing peace, love, and

acceptance with a free heart, a warm smile, and a

fondness for a good dessert.

Mary is survived by her loving children,

Sasha (Tim) Henry, Ian (Tamara Drew) Gatton,

and Leah Gatton; seven grandchildren, Jacob,

Wyatt, Max, Drew, Mathias, Dorian, and Penelope; siblings, Laura Nagy-Couch, Cathy Mowry,

Julie Rhodes, and Matt Nagy; and sister-in-law,

Sue Nagy.

She was also preceded in death by a son-inlaw, Joe Bahr; and her brother, Chris Nagy.

Memorials may be made to PBS For Wayne

or to The Parkinson’s

Foundation.

Clayton A. Hale

Nov. 10, 1959 Feb. 15, 2026

It is with heavy hearts

that we announce the pass

ing of Clayton A. Hale, Jr.,

who went home to be with

the Lord on February 15,

2026, surrounded by the

love of his family.

Clayton was born on November 10, 1959,

in South Bend, Indiana, to Clayton Hale Sr. and

Sandra (Goodsell) Hale-Benjamin.

Clayton was an over-the-road truck driver and

loved nothing more than traveling this country.

The open road was not just his job — it was his

passion. He took pride in his work and the life he

built through dedication and perseverance.

He lived a life defined by strength, loyalty,

humor, and an unwavering love for his family.

He was the kind of man who showed up —

whether you needed advice, a helping hand, or

simply someone to sit beside you. His strong

work ethic, quick wit, stubborn streak, and generous heart made him unforgettable to those who

knew and loved him. He had a way of making

people feel safe, supported, and deeply loved.

He was a devoted husband to Sherrie Hale; a

proud father to Samantha Hale (Carlyle Brown),

Austin Hale, and Aaron Hale; and a beloved

grandfather to Shalynn and Landon Bell, and

Bailey and Kaia Hale. His family was his greatest accomplishment and his deepest joy.

In his final days, he was surrounded by those

who loved him most. It was both a blessing

and an honor to walk beside him as he took his

last breath. His legacy lives on in the lessons

he taught, the love he gave, and the strength he

instilled in his family.

He is survived by his loving wife, Sherrie

Hale; his mother, Sandra (Goodsell) Hale-Benjamin; his daughter, Samantha Hale; and his sons,

Austin Hale and Aaron Hale.

He was preceded in death by his father, Clayton Hale Sr., and his siblings, Irene Roof, Mary

Wiedenkofer, Samuel (Lonnie) Hale Sr., and

Michael Hale.

A celebration of life will be planned for a

later date.

Though our hearts are broken, we find comfort knowing this is not goodbye — it is simply

“see you later.”

Justin Ryan Leonard

May 9, 1998 - Jan. 7,

2026

Justin Ryan Leonard,

27, Nevada, MO passed

away on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at Nevada

Regional Medical Center.

Justin was born in El Dorado Springs, MO on May

9, 1998, to Byron and Michelle (Reiff)Leonard.

Justin was raised in rural Milo and attended

Nevada High School. He was an auto mechanic. Justin worked at David’s Tire Service for

8 years and Ozark Automotive Clinic the past

2 years. He was a member of the Miami Tribe

of Oklahoma. He loved fishing, hunting and

racing at Nevada Speedway and Electric City

Speedway in Butler.

Survivors include his father, Byron Leonard

(Tammy), Nevada, MO; his mother, Michelle

Zilliox (Damon), Moundville, MO; a son, Jimmy Eugene Leonard, Nevada, MO; two brothers, Cody Leonard (Savannah) and Matthew

Leonard, both of Nevada, MO; grandparents,

Cindy Leonard, Milo, MO, Cindy Sandoval,

Nevada, MO, and J.R. Sandoval, Homer, AL;

step-brother, David Bly, North Kansas City,

MO; step-sister, Sebrina Haynes, Nevada, MO;

and several aunts, uncles, and cousins. Justin

was preceded in death by his grandfather, Cliff

Leonard.

Visitation was held from 5:00-7:00 on

Thursday, January 15, 2026, at Ferry Funeral

Home in Nevada.

Aatotankiki Myaamiaki - Community, Vol. 19, No. 3, 2025-26

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 selection 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. 19, No. 3, Winter 2025-26 – Section D – Myaamia Center – Noošonke Siipionki Myaamionki

Myaamia Center Celebrates 25th Anniversary This Year

accessible to any tribal citizen, anywhere. The Center has also expanded

its research beyond just language and culture to evaluate health and wellThis year marks the 25th anniversary of the Myaamia Center, a milestone ness, helping understand the impacts of revitalization on the community.

that allows our staff to reflect on our past while looking towards the future.

There were countless individuals, too many to list in this article, who

What began in 2001 as the “Myaamia Project” was a small, exploratory made the Myaamia Center and its work possible since its inception. We

initiative designed to see how the unique relationship between the Mi- are endlessly thankful to those individuals from both the Miami Tribe

ami Tribe of Oklahoma

and Miami University

who ensured Myaamia

could serve our people.

people could benefit

With just one staff memfully from the ongoing

ber, Daryl Baldwin, and

relationship with the

three years of funding,

University.

the goal was to discovThe Myaamia Cener how the Miami Tribe

ter is an outcome of the

could leverage academic

unique relationship beresearch to support lantween the Miami Tribe

guage and cultural reviof Oklahoma and Miami

talization.

University. One of the

In the years since,

most notable things is

that small seed has blosthat the work is directed

somed into a thriving inby the Tribe, and not by

terdisciplinary team of

the University, meaning

26 dedicated staff memthe work of the Center

bers. While Myaamia

strives to benefit the

students have been atTribal community first

tending Miami Univerand foremost. Many

sity since 1991 through

people talk about the

a scholarship program,

Myaamia Center as bethe development of the

ing the research and edCenter has provided a

ucational development

dedicated path of suparm of the Tribe, workport and education for

ing hand in hand with

those students.

the Cultural Resources

Within a year of

Office.

starting at the UniverAs we look toward

sity, Baldwin began dethe next 25 years, the

veloping a three-course

growth of the Myaamia

series, which eventually

Center’s work, probecame a core requiregrams, and increasing

ment of the Myaamia

number of Myaamia

Heritage Award prostudents on campus has

gram. When George

presented new challengIronstrack, a Myaamia

es, most significantly

citizen,

joined

the

with our campus workMyaamia Center team in

space. The historic Bon2008, he used his backham House has been a

ground in education to

great home to us, but the

reorganize and build

growing staff is beyond

upon the curriculum.

capacity.

The course series

To ensure we continteaches Myaamia stuue this work for the next

dents about their lan25 years and beyond, the

guage and culture while Myaamia Center 25th Anniversary commemorative poster design. Design by Madalyn Richardson. Myaamia Center, with

pursuing a degree at the

the help of University

University. In 2021, the 100th Myaamia student graduated from Miami Uni- Advancement, is launching a major capital campaign to expand the Myaamia

versity, proving that when youth are supported by a curriculum that honors Center’s workspace. There are many ways to contribute, both small and

their heritage, they thrive academically.

large. If you are interested in supporting this growth, please visit our webEarly in the research process, the linguistic team recognized a need to site (miamioh.edu/myaamia-center) and click “Support the Center” to view

organize the vast collection of language data being analyzed, leading to the the campaign webpage.

creation of the Miami-Illinois Digital Archive (MIDA) in 2012. Supported

by the National Endowment for the Humanities, this tool evolved into the

Indigenous Languages Digital Archive (ILDA), a sophisticated platform

that reached 100,000 entries by 2024. Connected to the online Myaamia

dictionary, this data powers many of the community’s learning tools.

By 2013, the success of the research and the growing number of

Myaamia students on campus made it clear that the “Myaamia Project”

needed a permanent home, leading to the official establishment of the

Myaamia Center.

Integral to student support and the establishment of the Myaamia Center was Bobbe Burke, who had been working with the Miami Tribe as Coordinator of Miami Tribe Relations since the early 1990s. Burke used her

campus knowledge to help form long-standing relationships between the

Myaamia Center and various campus departments, including Student Affairs and Athletics. Kara Strass replaced Burke when she retired in 2020,

with the position title renamed “Director of Miami Tribe Relations.”

This marked a significant moment for the Myaamia Center as its entire

executive team, Baldwin, Ironstrack, and Strass, was now made up entirely

of Myaamia citizens. As of 2026, nearly half of the Center’s staff is made

up of Myaamia people. All of which either attended the Eemamwiciki

Summer Youth Programs, the Myaamia Heritage Award Program, or both.

Today, the Miami Tribe, through the Myaamia Center, shares the

ILDA software with other tribal nations through the National Breath of

Life Archival Institute. The work of the Myaamia Center has contributed

significantly to the Miami Tribe’s Summer Youth Programs, the creation

and distribution of the Myaamia Lunar Calendar, and Šaapohkayoni, a

new educational portal that moves learning materials into digital spaces

Myaamia Center Staff

Aatotankiki Myaamiaki - Myaamia Center, Vol. 19, No. 3, 2025-26

From the Archives: How We Revitalize the Myaamia

Language

Aacimotaatiikyankwi Blog

November 5, 2025

When Daryl Baldwin and his family began learning Myaamiaataweenki ‘the Miami language’ after it had been silent for 30 years, they faced a

major challenge. No learning materials existed. There was no “Myaamia

dictionary” or publications about the language.

However, with the help of Dr. David Costa, Daryl would soon learn

that a plethora of information about the language was stored in archives

across North America.

Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, Daryl and David, with support from

Julie Olds from the Miami Tribe’s Cultural Resource Office, uncovered

large collections of documents on Myaamiaataweenki, spanning 250 years.

Today, using those historical records to create learning materials is at the

heart of the Myaamia Center’s mission. But how does that actually happen?

The process involves careful research, linguistic analysis, and community collaboration, driven by a team of linguists, researchers, and educators

from the Myaamia Center and the Miami Tribe’s Cultural Resource Office.

An example of an archival document containing Myaamia cultural

information from the archive of the National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, D.C., 2025. Photo by Stella Beerman, Myaamia

Center.

and to understand the grammatical rules of the language. This is where

the intricate building blocks of the language are rediscovered.

6. Interpretation

Linguists, language speakers, and community members work together to determine how these words and phrases can be best used in our

current context. This step bridges the gap between the historical record

and the living community.

7. Share

Language revitalization wouldn’t be possible without sharing this information with the community. The words and phrases are added to the

Daryl Baldwin visits the archive of the National Museum of the Amer- online Myaamia dictionary, making them available to everyone in the

ican Indian in Washington, D.C., 2015. Photo by Karen Baldwin, Miami community. Educators from the Miami Tribe also use the online dictioTribe of Oklahoma.

nary to create new, engaging learning materials for all ages.

From Document to Dictionary

1. Find

Since the 1600s, various people have recorded information about

Myaamia language and culture. These records are kept in libraries and

archives across the United States and Canada.

2. Copy

Once the team locates these documents, they make high-quality photos and scans. This allows the researchers to study the records without

the original copies leaving the archives. The Myaamia Center has gathered thousands of pages of these digital copies so far!

3. Transcribe

Old handwriting can be messy, faded, and very hard to read. In this

step, team member Carole Katz carefully types every word exactly as it

appears in the original record. This “transcription” turns the messy script

into a clear, digital text that is ready to be analyzed.

4. Translate

Many of these historical records aren’t in English, but instead were

written by French speakers hundreds of years ago. A crucial step is to

translate these French documents into English so that today’s researchers

and linguists can understand them.

5. Study

Once we have a clear, translated text, the linguistic experts get to

work. They analyze the words and sentences to determine their meanings

ILDA: Our Digital Homebase

Every step of this process is saved in the Indigenous Languages Digital Archive (ILDA).

The archive side of the database serves as a digital home base, preserving every scan and translation for community researchers. Meanwhile, the online Myaamia dictionary serves as the public-facing learner

tool for everyone in the community.

As of October 2024, this effort represents over 30 years of work, and

the ILDA database holds more than 100,000 Myaamia words and phrases. But the true measure of this work isn’t a number in a database, it’s the

sounds of Myaamiaataweenki being spoken throughout our community.

This “archive-to-dictionary” pipeline is how we reconnect with our language and bring it home.

The revitalization of Myaamiaataweenki would not be possible

without the work of the Office of Language Research at the Myaamia

Center. This is an intersectional team with two linguists, Dr. David

J. Costa and Dr. Hunter Thompson Lockwood, and a transcriptionist,

Carole Katz. They regularly collaborate with Michael McCafferty from

Indiana University, who performs translation work, and the team is

overseen by Daryl Baldwin, executive director of the Myaamia Center.

Education and language publications produced by the Myaamia Center

at Miami University. Photo by Karen Baldwin, Miami Tribe of Oklahoma.

Art project created by Myaamia youth at the Eemamwiciki Summer

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

Aatotankiki Myaamiaki - Myaamia Center, Vol. 19, No. 3, 2025-26

Preparing the next generation of Miami Tribe of

Oklahoma leaders

Myaamia Heritage

Award Program at Miami

University plays key role

Margo Rutledge Kissell

University Communications and Marketing

(UCM) at Miami University

Heritage Program alumni step into Miami Tribe

of Oklahoma leadership positions

Several alumni of the Myaamia Heritage Award

Program at Miami University are now in leadership positions with the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma.

These positions exemplify how the program

contributes to the next generation of leaders with- Myaamia Heritage Students led by Daryl Baldwin in a class. Photo by Scott Kissell, Miami University.

in the Tribe. Created in 1991, the program provides a tuition waiver and a four-year undergraduate college experience elected,” Poyfair said.

for Miami Tribe students.

“Now that I have been

Nate Poyfair ’19 was elected this summer as the Miami Tribe’s second in office for a little over

councilperson on the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma Business Committee. This four months, I am at the

means he holds one of five elected positions in the Tribe’s leadership struc- stage of continuously

ture and is the first Heritage Award Program alumnus to be elected.

reminding myself of my

Lance Theobald ’10 and Mika Leonard ’06 serve as the chief exec- duty to my community.”

utive officer and vice

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