Written by Jared Nally It’s spring in Myaamionki, and sap is flowing, making it easier to peel the bark from wiikapimiši ‘basswood’, oonseentia ‘tulip poplar’, and ašaahšikopa ‘slippery elm’ trees. This time is a reminder of the ecological relationships associated with Myaamia textiles. The inner bark of these trees provides early-season fibers for Great Lakes…
Category: Revitalization
Lacrosse in Historical Sources
As winter turns to spring, Myaamiaki ‘Miami people’ and their friends put down the threads of winter stories. With the other hand, they pick up lacrosse sticks. Peekitahaminki–lacrosse–is an ancient game in Indian Country, including among Myaamiaki ‘Miami folks.’ There are old records from the colonial period in which Europeans recorded their observations of Miami…
Naming as a Source of Resiliency
By Kiišikohkwa ‘Haley Shea’ and Meemeehšhkia ‘George Ironstrack’ My (Kiišikohkwa – Haley) journey toward receiving a Myaamia name reflects the growth and change that I have experienced within my own Myaamia identity. Before I began attending tribal educational programming, I knew my father had a “Native name” that we were told was not Myaamia but…
About the Relationship Between the Miami Tribe and Miami University
In 2022, the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma and Miami University will celebrate the 50th anniversary of their unique relationship. The relationship began when Chief Forest Olds visited Miami University in 1972, and it has since evolved from relationships between individual people into a multi-layered collaboration built on trust, respect, and a shared commitment to education. …
A History of Eewansaapita
This past summer marked the fourteenth year of the Eewansaapita Summer Youth Educational Experience. Eewansaapita means ‘sunrise’ and is a metaphoric expression for community rebirth, renewal, and empowerment. It is the flagship youth education program of the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma for tribal citizens ages ten to sixteen. The focus of the program is to…
Aacimotaatiiyankwi 