USI announces Distinguished Scholars presentation on Neepwaantiinki – Partners in Learning

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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 to learn to speak the Myaamia language. Attendees will learn about 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.

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Founded in 1965, the University of Southern Indiana enrolls nearly 9,200 dual credit, undergraduate, graduate and doctoral students in more than 130 areas of study. A public higher education institution, located on a beautiful 1,400-acre campus in Evansville, Indiana, USI offers programs through the College of Liberal Arts, Romain College of Business, College of Nursing and Health Professions and the Pott College of Science, Engineering, and Education. The University offers study-abroad opportunities in more than 60 countries and hosts international students from around the globe. USI is a Carnegie Foundation Community Engaged University and offers continuing education and special programs to more than 15,000 participants annually through Outreach and Engagement. USI is online at USI.edu.