Miami Tribe of Oklahoma
| Regions with significant populations | |
|---|---|
| United States (Oklahoma) | |
| Languages | |
| Englisch | |
| Religion | |
| Christianity, traditional tribal religion | |
| Related ethnic groups | |
| Peoria, Kaskaskia, Piankashaw, Wea, Illinois, and other Algonquian peoples |
The Miami Tribe of Oklahoma is a federally recognized Native American tribe of Miami Indians. An unrecognized band of Miami Indians live in Indiana today.[1]
History
The Miami Tribe of Oklahoma is Eastern Woodland tribe, traditionally spoke the Miami-Illinois language, a language of the Algonquin family, but no tribal members speak the language today. There have been recent and ongoing attempts at a revival of their 'sleeping' tongue, which is particularly well-documented in early sources (including a complete Illinois-French dictionary) [2] The tribe's name for itself means, "Cry of the crane." They originally lived south of Lake Michigan.
Miami society was divided into clans, led by hereditary chiefs. They settled in village of long houses. They were farmers and were known for a unique type of white corn. Traditionally, they played double ball, the moccasin game, and darts.[1]
Like all Oklahoma tribes, the Miami endured their communal lands being broken up by the Dawes Act and their tribal government destroyed by the Curtis Act of 1898. They persevered and organized their own tribe, independent of the Peoria under the Oklahoma Indian Welfare Act in 1940.
Heute
The headquarters of the Miami Tribe are Miami, Oklahoma. Of the 3553 enrolled tribal members, only 812 of them live within the state of Oklahoma. Floyd E. Leonard is the elected chief, currently serving a three-year term. The Miami Tribe issues its own tribal vehicle tags and operate their own housing authority.[3] The Miami jointly own a casino, The Stables, with the Modoc Tribe of Oklahoma.[4] Their annual economic impact is estimated by the Oklahoma Indian Affairs Commissions to be $11.4 million dollars.[3]
Atotankiki Myaamiaki is the Miami Nation quarterly newspaper.[5] The tribe is in the process of building the Myaamia Complex, for the benefit of tribal elders, to house the food program and tribal library.[6]
In the interest of providing economic development for the community, the tribe created Miami Nation Enterprises, which oversees tribally-owned companies such as Miami Business Services, which provides personnel, information technologies, and business supplies; Miami Designs, which provides graphic art and promotional materials; Miami Cineplex, a movie theater and arcade; and ServiceWorld Computer, which provides computer networking and support, as well as video surveillance.[7]
The tribe has partnered with Miami University of Oxford, Ohio to create the Myaamia Project. The two organizations are working together to conduct research projects to revitalize Miami language and culture and to offer university students opportunities to visit and study the tribe.[8]
The tribe holds an annual powwow early in June and a stomp dance every winter.[1]
Notes
- ^ a b c Koenig, Pamela. Miami. Oklahoma Historical Society's Encyclopedia of Oklahoma History & Culture. (retrieved 24 Feb 09)
- ^ Anderton, Alice, PhD. Status of Indian Languages in Oklahoma. Intertribal Wordpath Society. 2009 (24 Feb 2009)
- ^ a b Oklahoma Indian Affairs Commission. 2008 Pocket Pictorial. Page 20
- ^ Economic Development. The Sovereign Miami Tribe of Oklahoma. (retrieved 24 Feb 2009)
- ^ Atotankiki Myaamiaki: Miami Nation Newspaper. The Sovereign Miami Tribe of Oklahoma. (retrieved 24 Feb 2009)
- ^ Special Projects. The Sovereign Miami Tribe of Oklahoma. (retrieved 24 Feb 2009)
- ^ MNE Companies. Miami Nation Enterprises. (retrieved 24 Feb 2009)
- ^ Statement of Purpose. The Myaamia Project at Miami University. 2009 (retrieved 24 Feb 2009)
External links
