Miami University recognizes Miami Tribe members removed from homes 175 years ago

Credit: Miami University

Credit: Miami University

“This ground beneath our feet is home, a place where countless generations of our ancestors left footprints as they lived their lives until a fateful period in the history of this country,” Chief Lankford said. “And though Myaamia people had lived in this vast homeland region since time immemorial, the stroke of (President Jackson’s) pen permanently altered our destiny.”

On Monday morning, more than 350 Miami Tribe citizens, who refer to themselves as “Myaamia” in their heritage language, and campus community members gathered at Miami University’s “A Tribe Named Miami, A Surveyors Stake, a Town Named Oxford” sculpture, commemorating the 175th anniversary of the Miami Tribe’s removal.

“We shudder to imagine the scenes, the tears, and cries,” Lankford said. “Think of it — Miami University was born before the Removal Act was signed, and classes were likely in session when those boats passed by taking our ancestors away to a foreign land.”

Credit: Miami University

Credit: Miami University

The shadow of the removal of and brutality toward Native people still hangs over the United States, but Chief Lankford said, “We have emerged from that darkness, surviving to this new day of restored knowledge, vitality, governmental strength, and self-determination, made possible by the reclamation, restoration and revitalization of our language and culture.

“From removal to this day, our healing journey has not been without support and allies and friends. We are so thankful for the incredible partnership we share with Miami University.”

After Chief Lankford spoke, the Day of Remembrance continued with a Walk of Reflection through Miami’s Arts Quad toward the Bonham House, which houses the Myaami Center, the research arm for the Tribe.

Colored fabric was tied to trees along the route, commemorating each of the nearly 330 Tribe members removed 175 years ago. Black strips represented the men, red calico for the women, solid blue for the young men, and blue calico for the young women.

The removal of the Myaamia Tribe is a “historical trauma that has contributed to persistent inequities and injustices across generations and today,” said Cristina Alcalde, Miami vice president for institutional diversity and inclusion. “We are committed to supporting the culture and language revitalization efforts as well as other efforts that come from within the Miami Tribe and Myaamia Center in our role as partners who are working to contribute to a stronger, more inclusive future.”

Next year, the university will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Miami University and Miami Tribe partnership when then Chief Forest Olds and then-Miami University President Phillip Shriver. That partnership led to a number of advancements for the Tribe, including the Myaamia Heritage Award Program, in which the 100th Myaamia Tribe member graduated in May. This fall saw the largest incoming class of Miami Tribe students.

“The Miami Tribe and Miami University are forever connected,” said Miami University President Gregory Crawford. “Like tending a fire, the university and the Tribe have a joint responsibility to continuously maintain this relationship, respond to challenges that might arise, and nurture it for future growth. A future that we will continue to journey together.”