The University of Southern Indiana College of Liberal Arts is proud to present “Neepwaantiinki – Partners in Learning†at 2 p.m. Wednesday, April 19. The event will be held in Kleymeyer Hall, located in the lower level of the Liberal Arts Center, and will feature a discussion on the unique and reciprocal relationship between the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma and Miami University.
The term “Neepwaantiinki†describes this special relationship, which is grounded in a shared commitment to learning from each other. The partnership has played a pivotal role in the Miami Tribe’s language revitalization efforts and has led to the first generation in almost 100 years learning to speak the Myaamia language. Attendees will learn about the cultural exchange and its impact on the community.
The presenter for the event is George Ironstrack, a citizen of the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma, who has participated in Myaamia language renewal projects since the mid-1990s. Ironstrack received a master’s degree in origins and history of the United States from the Department of History at Miami University, where his graduate work centered on the Miami Indian village of Pickawillany. He continues to regularly research and write about Myaamia history and is a tribal educator and former public school teacher.
The presentation is open to the public at no charge. For more information or questions, contact Dr. Kristalyn Shefveland, Associate Professor of History, at kmshefvela@usi.edu or 812-461-5434. Visit USI.edu/distscholar for more information.
