Content Warning: This post discusses specific names of Myaamia people impacted by Removal. It is possible that you may have a personal connection with some of those individuals.
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The relationship between the Eel River band of Myaamiaki and the Miami Tribe had been contentious for decades. When Removal came, the Eel River band claimed they should not be removed, as they were not to be part of the Miami Tribe. The U.S. government accepted their argument. Many from the Eel River band, however, identified as citizens of the Miami Tribe and therefore were removed. This list includes only those from the Eel River band who claimed a separate identity from the Miami Tribe and remained in Indiana or returned immediately after Removal.
Using letters, records and genealogical information, Myaamia citizen John Bickers compiled the following list of members of the Eel River band living in 1846. In these lists of Myaamiaki and throughout these blog posts, linguist David Costa has verified that Myaamia names are written with current spellings, whenever possible.
Eel River Band
| Myaamia Name | English Name | Married Surname(s) |
|---|---|---|
| Ceenkohšinka | ||
| Meesancihkwa | Godfroy | |
| Šinkohkwa | Catherine Godfroy | Aveline |
| Waapaahkosihkwa | ||
| Waapimaankwa | Tom Smith | |
| Mihtekihkwa | ||
| Seekaahkweeta | Susan Dixon | Sassasquah Bruell |
| Waakaahkonanka | Dixon | |
| Sah-kau-quih* | Dock Dixon | |
| Mihtekoonhsa | ||
| Aciipihkihkwa | Mary Louise | Benjamin |
| Waapaahkosihkwa | Lucy | Lafalier Martin Miller |
| Young child | ||
| Waahseehkamohkwa | ||
| Seekaahkweeta |
Additional information about the individuals named in the tables above is available in a Google Spreadsheet for viewing.
The next blog post on October 27 will provide a list of Myaamiaki who were taken to the new reservation months after this Removal.
Post written by Diane Hunter, Tribal Historic Preservation Officer for the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma. Diane can be contacted at dhunter@miamination.com.
Aacimotaatiiyankwi 