2022 is the 50th Anniversary of the relationship between the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma and Miami University. Much has been accomplished in this time, and we want to make sure that both the Myaamia and Miami University communities take the time to acknowledge what we have built together. You can learn more about the history of the relationship in our previous post.
A team of people from the Tribe and University has been working hard to create an entire year-long celebration, both in Miami, Oklahoma, and Oxford, Ohio. The celebration year will include presentations, events, and exhibits, all focused on some aspect of the relationship and what has been accomplished in the last 50 years. We hope that many of you will be able to join us for some of our events (either in person or online) in 2022.
Events
Winter Gathering — January 28-29, 2022
The kick-off to the 50th anniversary will take place at the Miami Tribe’s Winter Gathering in Miami Oklahoma on January 28-29, 2022. Miami University takes students, faculty, and staff to this event every year, but there will be an even larger group than normal this year to help us recognize the start of the 50th anniversary.
Myaamiaki Conference — April 9, 2022
Every two years, the Myaamia Center hosts the Myaamiaki Conference, where Myaamia Center staff present on the work that they have accomplished. This year, the conference will be held on Saturday, April 9th in Armstrong Student Center.
Celebrating Miami Week — Fall 2022
Each year, Miami University has a week in athletics that is dedicated to celebrating the relationship between the Miami Tribe and Miami University. In 2022, the week will be expanded to include the entire campus. The week will include academic presentations, student activities, athletic events and more. We will announce the date in the early spring.
Webinar Series
Together with Miami’s Alumni Office, we will be hosting a six-part webinar series throughout the year that will cover the History of the Tribe, the relationship between the Tribe and the University, the work of the Myaamia Center, and the experience of our Myaamia students.
Commemorative Projects
50th Anniversary Blanket
The Tribe and University came together to design a wool blanket to celebrate the 50th anniversary. The blanket was inspired by Myaamia ribbonworked wearing blankets and incorporates two turtle designs–the Myaamia community symbol and the Myaamia Heritage Logo turtle. The blanket will be available in early 2022 through campus retailers as well as through the Tribe’s gift shop.
Docuseries
The Myaamia Center is working together with Miami’s E-Learning Office to create a docuseries that will tell the story of the relationship between the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma and Miami University. The docuseries will be released in fall 2022 and will be available for everyone to watch virtually.
Publication
Cameron Shriver, Myaamia Research Associate, and Visiting Assistant Professor in the History Department, is working on a publication that will tell the story of the connection between Miami University and the Miami Tribe with a special focus on the 50-year relationship. The book is expected to be released in 2023, but there will be presentations about the book’s findings during the 50th anniversary year.
Learn More
If you would like to learn more about the 50th Anniversary celebrations or attend an events, look for more information on the Myaamia Center’s social media (facebook, twitter, or instagram). Additionally, we will be starting a Myaamia Center newsletter in January which will include information about upcoming events. If you would like to sign up for the newsletter, email Kara Strass at strasskl@miamioh.edu.
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