By BARBARA BARBIERI
The subject for the August gathering of Lunch & Learn, sponsored by the Friends of Ouabache State Park, was the Miami Indians that once lived in this area.
Presenting the program was Dani Tippman, a citizen of the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma. The Miami people, she explained, came out of the St. Joe River near South Bend to live in the area now called northern Indiana. When the Europeans came and tried to claim the land it led first to trading — and then to war.
Miami leader Little Turtle was both a great warrior as well as a great peacemaker, assisting with the Greenville Treaty of 1846.
It was after this treaty that much of Ohio and this area of Indiana was taken from the Miami. It happened during the presidency of James K. Polk, the 11th president of the U.S. Most of the Miami people, unless they owned a piece of property, were sent west by river barges to the Kansas Landing, an area now known simply as Kansas. Still the trek was not over as they hiked more than 20 miles to a settlement area. Later they were forced to move on to Oklahoma, where Tippman explained there is a large Miami Indian Museum.
There was much loss of life as this move took place, as documented by accounts of the journey.
Tippman also explained that Chief Richardville, a nephew of Little Turtle, also was called a peace leader. (Richardville’s home is on Ind. 1 in Waynedale, where programs are offered about the Miamis.)
Education of the Miami children was undertaken by Christian groups and allowed them to better understand both cultures. A current program includes sending Indian students on to college at Miami University in Ohio, where the graduation rate for native American students is 86 percent.
Tippman also explained that a 50-acre site has been secured near Fort Wayne to help preserve some of the Miami culture. It includes a pond for fishing skills and land to plant gardens for raising native plants. It is hoped this site will help Miami descendants to understand their culture better.
The next Lunch & Learn event will be held on Thursday, Sept. 8, when Sandy Voglewede from the Adams County Soil and Water Conservation District will discuss soils in the area. To reserve a spot to the free program call 260-341-1971 or email to friendsofouabache@gmail.com
barb@news-banner.com
