Aacimotaatiiyankwi

This year’s National Gathering Week and Annual Meeting were a great success.  

The week began with the Eugene Brown Memorial Art Show opening on June 12th and concluded on June 24th. It featured nearly 70 works submitted by Myaamia community members in a variety of mediums and categories. Awards were given in each category, including photography and digital graphics; mixed media; sculpture; drawing and painting; jewelry and accessories; clothing and textiles; performance and creative writing; customary cultural items; cultural theme award; and best in show. Throughout the week, many visitors enjoyed viewing the work of their fellow community members.  

Wednesday, the week’s activities began at the Ethel Miller Moore Cultural Education Center with two hands-on workshops. Nearly 50 people came to participate in or observe the Finger Weaving workshop led by Jared Nally and the Hairbow Making workshop led by Scott Shoemaker. All were introduced to the history, process, and techniques of finger weaving and hairbow making through presentations followed by a brief Q&A. Finger weaving is a process where yarn or a similar fiber is woven together just using your hands to create textiles. Hairbows are created using an hourglass shaped base of wood that is then covered in fabric, is embellished, and is then worn vertically in your hair. After the presentation, workshop participants began hands-on instruction and work on their chosen activity.

In the evening, Jarrid Baldwin, Myaamia Language Coordinator, hosted an hour of myaamiaataweetaawi ‘let’s speak myaamia’ before dinner. Guests volunteered or were called on from the crowd to participate. They then worked in small groups to practice Myaamiaataweenki in short break-out sessions. Afterward, everyone enjoyed dinner featuring venison meatballs with meat provided by Tribal Member Kyle Lankford and catered by Mariah Tyner and her team. Door prizes and games were also enjoyed throughout the rest of the evening.  

On Thursday, Game’s Day took place at the historic Drake House property from 10:30 am to 5:30 pm. Games and competitions included archery, lacrosse, and tomahawk throwing. The weather remained sunny and warm throughout the day, but still pleasant for guests. Grilled hotdogs were prepared for lunch by MNE Employees and the Miami Tribal Police.  

The Myaamia Makerspace also hosted an activity table at games day for those who preferred to stay in the shade or try various craft activities. This year featured a button maker, loom weaving, and “sun prints” with cyanotype paper that created art with object shadows after setting in the sun. The buttons were incredibly popular, and all ages enjoyed all activities.

The community enjoyed dinner Thursday evening, including smoked chicken and ribs prepared by Tribal Member Colby Lankford. After nightfall, many stayed for a community stomp dance where women could practice shaking for the first time, and men could join in song. Mariah Tyner and George Ironstrack also took the time to instruct in dance etiquette and technique. It was a beautiful night in song and dance around the fire.   

Family Day on Friday began with breakfast, followed by a community lacrosse game on the lacrosse field behind the pow-wow grounds. The game was divided into four 15-minute quarters and an additional quarter of overtime until a team finally scored. Players ranged in age from 5 to 75, and the teams made for around 50 players at one point during the game. Fans included fellow family members, friends, community members, and employees. Despite the heat, everyone enjoyed the friendly competition and playing lacrosse with wooden sticks made by tribal member Doug Peconge and tribal spouse and father, Larry Hedeen.  

In the afternoon, community members were able to learn more through several presentations about recent educational events and an upcoming history book. The first presentation was about Nate Poyfair, George Ironstrack, and Jarrid Baldwin’s recent trip to visit with wampum belts and other wampum decorated items in Seneca Nation territory in New York. Next, George Ironstrack and Scott Shoemaker discussed on their recent trip to Paris where they visited with minohsayaki ‘painted hides’ in the Musée du quai Branly. Then, Cam Shriver presented on his soon-to-be-published history book which discusses the relationship between the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma and Miami University. Finally, Miami Nation Junior Princess Sophie Olds gave a presentation that introduced Pow Wow etiquette and information in preparation for the event.

Following the presentation, the Pow Wow officially opened with a Gourd Dance at 6 pm Friday evening. The night continued with grand entry at 8:30; Steve Lankford Tiny Tot Exhibition; adult contests; jingle dress, fancy shawl, grass, and traditional; golden age women; all categories combined; and exhibition dances. Several vendors also came to the event. It was another evening filled with guests, community, song and dance.  

Saturday morning of each year is dedicated to the Annual Myaamia General Council Meeting, where tribal members can vote for open positions and participate in an open forum. This year’s positions open for election were that of a grievance committee member, Junior Princess, and Secretary-Treasurer. We are pleased to announce this year’s results; Nate Poyfair was elected as a first-time member of the grievance committee; Moohseensa, Katie Cavender was elected as Jr. Princess; Donya Williams was re-elected by acclamation as Secretary Treasurer.  

In attendance this year, the youngest child was Charlotte Shea, the child of Haley and Tim Shea, and the oldest male member was James Battese, with Nellie Brandt as the eldest female. Eight Myaamia elders, aged 75 years and older were honored with blankets, a one-time gift only for those attending Annual Meeting. Several veterans were also honored with a vanity plate featuring our Myaamia veteran’s flag design. 

The second night of Pow Wow began in the afternoon, with a Gourd Dance at 4 pm on Saturday. The night continued with grand entry at 7 pm; adult contests; buckskin, cloth, fancy, and straight; golden age men; all categories combined; and finally, exhibition dances. At the end of the night, awards were given to competition dancers, and the evening wrapped up around 11 pm.

Throughout the week, several meals were kindly catered by Mariah Tyner, a local member of the Absentee Shawnee Tribe, and her team. Tyner is well known for her Indian fry bread, corn soup, beef and hominy, and grape dumplings. Those in attendance throughout the week enjoyed beef and hominy, turkey meatballs, wild rice and gravy, Indian tacos, fry bread, and venison meatballs prepared by Tyner with the venison provided by Kyle Lankford, son of Akima Lankford.  

The National Gathering Week and Annual Meeting have grown into a great event. This annual week of events would not be possible without the great leadership of the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma’s Business Committee; the hard work of employees and staff; the support of tribal members, the local community, and guests. Once again, this year brought new shared memories and relationship-building within the community. The Miami tribe looks forward to celebrating Myaamia sovereignty, community, and culture again next year and for many generations to come.