Aacimotaatiiyankwi

The Miami Tribe of Oklahoma held its Annual General Council Meeting on Saturday, June 28, in noošonke siipionki ‘Miami, OK’ to hold elections and share important updates with Tribal citizens. This year, two seats on the Business Committee and three seats on the Grievance Committee were up for election. 

The meeting opened with a prayer, the Myaamia community song, and a round dance, followed by Akima ‘Chief’ Douglas Lankford’s State of the Nation Address. Aacimwa ‘Secretary-Treasurer’ Donya Williams presented the financial report before Daryl Baldwin shared updates on the Myaamia Center, the Tribe’s research office at Miami University. Finally, Lance Theobald, Myaamia citizen and CEO of Miami Nation Enterprises, shared updates on the Tribe’s businesses. 

With 229 voting members present, elections began promptly after the updates. Akima Lankford was re-elected to his position as Chief, a 3-year term, uncontested. Nate Poyfair was elected as Aacimwa ‘Second Councilperson’, a three-year term. Nate, a 2019 graduate of the Myaamia Heritage Program at Miami University, a member of the grievance committee, and the Tribe’s ARPA projects manager, will be a great addition to the Miami Tribe’s leadership team. Many in attendance, including Akima Lankford and Nate Poyfair, expressed extreme gratitude for the work of Scott Willard, who served the Miami Tribe in this position for 15 years. 

Nate’s election to the Business Committee meant his seat on the Grievance Committee was now up for election in addition to the two that we’re already scheduled for this year. Michael Watson, Nick Henson, and A.J. Alsbaugh were each elected to these positions. 

As votes are counted by a team just off the stage, members of the Business Committee raffled off door prizes to the crowd waiting for results to be announced. Lucky winners left the meeting with lacrosse sticks, community flags, wool blankets, and other prizes.

The final election of the day was for the Jr. Tribal Ambassador, a position for a young female leader to represent the community at public events, often alongside the Tribal Ambassador. Hazel Malinski Shoemaker was elected as the Jr. Tribal Ambassador for a one-year term. Hazel is a long-time participant in the Eemamwiciki Summer Youth Programs: Saakaciweeta and Eewansaapita.

As the meeting wrapped up, everyone was invited to the Prairie Sun Event Center just down the street for a community meal, before the Miami Nation’s Annual Pow Wow in the evening. While the General Meeting takes place on Saturday, events are hosted throughout the week for citizens and their relatives to spend time with one another, celebrating Myaamia culture. 

Starting on Wednesday, June 25, Myaamia community members gathered to learn about ribbonwork with Kristina Fox, Myaamia education coordinator. About 15 participants learned to craft a ribbonwork keychain, a project that is generally small enough to finish in one workshop while still teaching many of the important basics of the craft. On the same day, Myaamia citizen Jody Gamble led a seensiweenki ‘bowl game’ workshop at the Myaamia Makerspace, where participants had the opportunity to design their own set of pieces and a bowl for the game.

That evening, Myaamia community members were invited to the opening reception of the Eugene Brown Memorial Art Show at the Myaamia Heritage Museum and Archive. This biennial event celebrates the creativity of Myaamia artists of all ages, with works submitted in various categories and mediums. Awards were given in each category, and visitors spent time admiring the talent of their fellow community members. 

On Thursday, June 26, Family Day was hosted at the Miami Tribe’s lacrosse field. Friendly competitions in archery and lacrosse drew all ages, while others tried their hand at non-competitive tomahawk throwing. Multiple rounds of each activity allowed everyone to join in, and the fun continued well into the evening.

After dinner, a fire was lit for stomp dancing. The dances began with the Lead Caller starting a song and the Shakers keeping rhythm with their cans. The other dancers fell behind them as their ever-growing line spiraled around the fire. After several songs, the Shakers and Callers grew tired and wrapped up their dancing. 

The next morning, Friday, June 27, community members gathered at the Tribe’s lacrosse field for the annual community lacrosse game. Despite the summer heat, Myaamia people of all ages played a spirited game, with intense moments often followed by the sounds of laughter from the players. Following the game, everyone was invited back to the Prairie Sun Event Center for a well-deserved meal and cultural education presentations. 

This year’s presentations included updates on the Tribe’s newly constructed building in Fort Wayne, Indiana, which will serve as a hub for community gatherings, educational programs, and office space for the Cultural Resource Extension Office. Nate Poyfair also gave an insightful talk on the Tribe’s relationship with the Peewaalia ‘Peoria Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma’ throughout history.

That evening, the Miami Nation’s Annual Pow Wow began with the Grand Entry at the Prairie Sun Event Center, due to the weather. Dances and food went late into the night before everyone went home to rest for Saturday’s events. 

While voting for leadership is a crucial part of exercising tribal sovereignty, participating in opportunities to learn about Myaamia culture continues to strengthen bonds within the community. This annual week of events would not be possible without the support of the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma’s leadership, the hard work of employees and staff, and the support of tribal members, the local community, and guests. 

Once again, this year brought new shared memories and relationship-building within the community. Looking forward, tribal members should keep an eye on miamination.com for more opportunities to gather, learn, and create together, like the Winter Gathering in January 2026.