Miami Tribe of Oklahoma

Miami Tribe of Oklahoma

Miami Tribe of Oklahoma flag
Total population
(3,908)
Regions with significant populations
United States (Oklahoma)
Languages
Myaamia, English
Religion
Christianity, traditional tribal religion
Related ethnic groups
Peoria, Kaskaskia, Shawnee people, Wea, Illinois, and other Algonquian peoples

The Miami Tribe of Oklahoma is the only federally recognized Native American tribe of Miami Indians in the United States. The people are descended from Miami who were removed in the 19th century from their traditional territory in present-day Indiana, Michigan and Ohio.

Tribal members traditionally spoke the Miami-Illinois language, one of the Algonquian languages, but few do today. The tribe is working with Miami University of Ohio to set up the Myaama Center and programs to revive their 'sleeping' tongue. It is particularly well-documented in early sources (including a complete Illinois-French dictionary). 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 work with the tribe on various projects.

The headquarters of the Miami Tribe are based in Miami, Oklahoma. Of the 3,908 enrolled tribal members, 775 live in the state of Oklahoma. Enrollment in the tribe is based on documented lineal descent; they do not have a blood quantum requirement.

Douglas Lankford is the Chief of the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma. The Miami Tribe issues its own tribal vehicle tags and operate their own housing authority.

Aatotankiki Myaamiaki is the Miami Nation quarterly newspaper. 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.

In the interest of providing economic development for the community, the tribe created Miami Nation Enterprises, which oversees tribally owned companies. These include 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. Additionally the tribe owns one smokeshop and two casinos (Prairie Sun and Prairie Moon). Their estimated annual tribal economic impact is $16,700,000.

The tribe holds an annual powwow late in June and a stomp dance every winter in late January. The Myaamia Center continues research directed by the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma to revitalize language and culture.