Native American Heritage Month
Native American Heritage Month
November is Native American Heritage Month. Miami University derives its namesake and land from the Miami Tribe that once inhabited the Miami Valley region. This month, we will spotlight events that showcase Native American cultures, identities, and experiences.
This heritage month is a time to recognize and celebrate rich and diverse cultures, traditions, and histories and to acknowledge the important contributions of Native peoples. We aim to educate the general public and raise awareness about these identities, experiences, and contributions.
Upcoming Events
For a full list of upcoming events, please visit our University Events calendar page.
Resources
Miami Tribe Relations Office
Miami University carries the name of a Tribal Nation, and is located within the historic homelands of the Myaamia people. The special relationship between the Miami Tribe and Miami University started almost 50 years ago. Neepwaantiinki, the Myaamia word meaning “learning from each other," is a rich interpretation of “partners in learning," a phrase that Miami University and the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma have used for years to describe their reciprocal relationship. The Myaamia Heritage Logo references the traditional Miami Tribe art form of ribbonwork and symbolizes the unique relationship between the University and Tribe. At Miami, we celebrate this very unique partnership as we celebrate Native American History month. We encourage all Miamians to engage in dialogue and allyship with the Miami Tribe Relations Office. Students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to learn more about the history of the relationship and to explore possible connections. Visit the Armstrong Student Center Shade Family Room panels of photos and the display cases in the 2nd floor Smucker Wiikiaami Room. To learn more, please contact either Kara Strass strasskl@MiamiOH.edu or Andrew Sawyer sawyerah@MiamiOH.edu or call Miami Tribe Relations, 513-529-5648.
Myaamia Center
The Center, a Miami Tribe of Oklahoma initiative located within an academic setting, serves the needs of the Myaamia people, Miami University, and partner communities through research, education, and outreach that promote Myaamia language, culture, knowledge, and values.
Neepwaantiinki: Stories from Myaamia Revitalization
Neepwaantiinki ‘Learning from Each Other:’ Stories from Myaamia Revitalization discusses the almost 50-year relationship between the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma and Miami University, explores how the Tribe and university learn from each other, and explains how this relationship impacts the revitalization of Myaamia language and culture. Join hosts Kara Strass, Kristina Fox, and George Ironstrack as they explore their work at the Myaamia Center and their Tribal Nation’s revitalization efforts.
- Native American Student Association (Students)
- Myaamia Center (Everyone)
- National Congress of American Indians (Everyone)
- Lib Guide
- Center for Student Diversity and Inclusion
- Student Counseling Service
- Miami Tribe Relations
- Center for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (Regionals)
- MU Libraries Special Collections: Native Americans
- Myaamia Digital Collection
- Neepwaantiinki: Stories from Myaamia Revitalization
- StoryCorps: Voices to Honor Indigenous Peoples’ Day
- ListenWise: Podcasts for Native American Heritage Month
- First Nations Development Institute: Gather Film
- National Archives: Native American History
- PBS: Native American Heritage Collection
- Native American Heritage Month: Exhibits and Collections
- PBS: We Shall Remain
- Smithsonian: National Museum of the American Indian- Online Exhibits
Previous Events
Keynote Speaker: Geo Neptune
Monday, Nov. 14 | 6-7 p.m. | Shriver Center, John Dolibois Room ABC
Join us for our keynote speaker for Native American Heritage Month, Geo Neptune, who is a member of the Passamaquoddy Tribe from Indian Township, ME, and a master basketmaker, drag queen, activist, educator, and two-spirit—an indigenous cultural, spiritual, and gender role that holds the sacred space between masculine and feminine energies.
Sponsored by the Office of Institutional Diversity and Inclusion and the Center for Student Diversity and Inclusion.
Film Screening: Wildhood (2021)
Tuesday, Nov. 15 | 6:15-8 p.m. | Shriver Center, John Dolibois Room ABC
Join us as we watch Wildhood. A film about two brothers who embark on a journey to find their birth mother after their abusive father had lied for years about her whereabouts. Along the way, they reconnect with their indigenous heritage and make a new friend.
Wildhood Virtual Panel
Tuesday, Nov. 15 | 8 p.m. | Shriver Center, John Dolibois Room ABC
Join us as we connect with Lead Actor, Joshua Odjick and Producers Julie Baldassi and Gharratt Paon to discuss the film.
Experiences of Black/Indigenous Identity Panel
Recorded on Thursday, February 18, 6:00 pm
Join us for a discussion about what it means to be Black and Indigenous. What does it mean to hold these two identities? Hear from our panelists about their experiences and how their Black and Indigenous identities play out in their lives and in their communities.
Panelists:
- Tony Mayle
- Amber Starks
Panel discussion on Indigenous Identities
Wednesday, November 17, 2021 at noon
Panelists
- Dr. Cristina M. Alcalde, Vice President of Institutional Diversity and Inclusion
- Dasha Harris, Center for Student Diversity and Inclusion, Associate Director of Intercultural Initiatives
- George Ironstrack, Assistant Director, Myaamia Center, Director Education Office
- Kara Strass, Director, Miami Tribe Relations
- Dr. Haley Shea, Myaamia Research Associate & Visiting Assistant Professor, Department of Educational Psychology, Miami University
- Kristina Fox, Education Assistant, Myaamia Center
- Jarrid Baldwin, Myaamia Language Coordinator, College of Education, Health and Society
Christi Belcourt. The Wisdom of the Universe, 2014. Acrylic on canvas, Unframed: 171 × 282 cm. Purchased with funds donated by Greg Latremoille, 2014 (2014/6). © Christi Belcourt
"Hearts of Our People: Native Women Artists"
Thursday, November 18, 2021 at noon
Miami University Office of Institutional Diversity and Inclusion will host and view an exhibit with the Native American art curator at Philbrook Museum.
View Recorded Session
Repatriation, Reclaiming, and Indigenous Wellbeing: Braiding New Research Worlds
Tuesday, November 30, 2021 at Noon
Presenter
Dr. Sonya Atalay, Provost/Professor at U Mass-Amherst
In this talk Dr. Atalay presents their current work on a series of land-based archaeology and repatriation projects utilizing a community-based participatory research approach with Indigenous youth and elders.
