Miami University and the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma first connected in 1972 when Chief Forest Olds, having heard about a university in Ohio that shared a name with his Tribal nation, showed up on campus unexpectedly during a visit to Cincinnati. What came of that surprise encounter is a now 50-year-long partnership between the two Miamis - one they plan to commemorate throughout 2022 including with this series of webinars.  Join us to learn more about the Miami Tribe, the relationship between the Miami Tribe and Miami University, as well as the relationship outcomes, including the work of the Myaamia Center and the Myaamia Heritage Program.

Myaamia Webinar Series
Examining the Impact of Language and Cultural Revitalization on Myaamiaki

The ongoing language and cultural revitalization within the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma, known as myaamia eemamwiciki ‘Miami Awakening’ has had ripple effects on the tribal community. This presentation will summarize the findings of the Nipwaayoni Acquisition and Assessment Team (NAAT), whose goal is to examine the impact that this myaamia eemamwiciki has had on the tribal community. Since its inception in 2012, NAAT has focused primarily on three populations: Heritage Students at Miami University, participants in the summer educational programs, and the general community at tribal events.

Presented by Susan Mosley-Howard, professor and dean emerita, has worked with the Myaamia Center in various capacities for nearly 20 years. She serves along with Haley Shea, Tracy Hirata-Edds and Paul Branscum (KNH) on the Myaamia Center’s assessment team, which is responsible for researching and documenting the impact of language and cultural revitalization for the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma.  This alumni session will present some of the findings of the assessment team’s work.