Niila Myaamia (I Am Miami)

Abstract

Some Native American college students, like many college students, engage in a complex process of identity formation that involves discovering their culture. This ongoing identity formation process impacts various aspects of their lives including academic achievement and sense of belonging. This study examined the process of one cohort of Native American college students, Myaamia Tribe (Miami Nation), as they matriculated through a predominantly White institution that shares their tribal name. Results suggest that identity is influenced through a series of courses designed to provide deeper learning about tribal culture and language. The relational bonds to other tribal students and the cultural knowledge that emerged from the series of culture courses not only influenced identity development but also contributed to academic retention and success.

Indigenous cultural development and academic achievement of tribal community college students: Mediating roles of sense of belonging and support for student success.

“…One institutional support often cited in the literature is the inclusion of Indigenous perspectives in the curricula, embracing Native-centered views on history, science, and culture (Alejandro et al, 2020). In a study of Miami students at a NTCU, coursework centered on Indigenous culture and relationality was associated with greater development of students’ cultural identity and community building (Mosley-Howard et al, 2016). Another practice to foster both cultural relevance and responsiveness (Museus et al, 2017) for Indigenous students is the intentional creation of Native-based spaces on campus (Springer et al, 2013).…”

Language Activism

“…This has also been evidenced in other higher education contexts where groundbreaking choices were made to change educational norms. Just a few examples include the Indigenous teacher education program at PROEIB Andes in Bolivia (Hornberger 2009) and other 'Intercultural Bilingual Education' initiatives in Latin America (Maurial and Suxo 2011), the establishment of the Myaamia Center at Miami University in the United States (Mosley-Howard et al 2016), and the Indigenous Language Revitalization programs at the University of Victoria, Canada (Czaykowska-Higgins et al 2017), among others. In order to sustain this process, connections among colleagues across institutional spaces can be helpful in providing role models as well as solidarity and understanding for the challenges that all innovators are likely to face.…”

The impact of historical loss on Native American college students’ mental health: The protective role of ethnic identity.

“…Institutions could support local efforts of self-determination, decolonization, and nation-building through strategic partnership (Norman & Kalt, 2015). These collaborations vary in scope and aim but at the institutional level can include the establishment Tribal Liaison Offices, Advisory Councils, or formalized Advisor positions to liaise with Tribes, advocate for students, and advise University leadership (Shotton et al, 2013) or the formation of Memorandum of Agreements on admissions, retention strategies, and language programs (modeled by the long-standing partnership between the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma and Miami University; Mosley-Howard et al, 2016).…”