The mission of the Miami Tribe Relations office is to advance Miami University’s educational partnership with the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma and provide ongoing support for Myaamia students at Miami University.

Miami University is located in the traditional homelands of the Miami Tribe, an area of the Northwest Territory that was ceded in the Treaty of Greenville in 1795. In October 1846, the Myaamia people were forcibly removed from their homelands to lands west of the Mississippi River, eventually landing in what became the state of Oklahoma. Sharing a common name and place, the connection between the University and the Tribe has evolved into a multi-layered collaboration built on trust, respect, and a shared commitment to education.

Miami Tribe Relations serves as the liaison from Miami University to the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma, coordinating a variety of activities that occur in Oxford, Ohio and in Miami, Oklahoma. Miami Tribe Chiefs have been guest speakers at the 2009 Bicentennial Celebration and at 4 Miami University presidential inaugurations. Other tribal officials and visitors have graciously given of their time to come to Oxford for special events and conferences, to visit classes, and to meet in small groups with students sharing information about Miami Tribe history and contemporary affairs.

In March 2006, the Chief of the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma and the President of Miami University signed the first Memorandum of Understanding that officially agreed to expand the already strong and trusting relationship by supporting educational and developmental needs and committing to further exchanges and projects of mutual interest.

The first Myaamia students came to Miami University in 1991, and since that time nearly 150 Myaamia students have attended Miami University. 85 students have earned 85 bachelors degrees and 8 masters degrees. Miami Tribe Relations provides support to the Myaamia students, and helps them to access University resources in order to be successful.

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.

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