Through the initiatives of the Myaamia Center, including cultural revitalization efforts, there are increasing opportunities to deepen the understanding of the significance of the relationship between Miami University and the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma. This project explores kitahkinaani, or ‘Our Garden’ at Miami University, and its connection to the Myaamia cultural revitalization efforts. Kitahkinaani serves as both an educational and cultural space that highlights the significance of Indigenous plants and their roles in local ecology, while also acting as a point of connection between the Myaamia Center, Myaamia Heritage students, and the broader Miami University community.

Kitahkinaani offers an opportunity for leadership from students in the Sustainability in Practice (IES 474) course, as well as volunteer opportunities for students in Italian Food Cultures in Context (ITL/IES 231), an experiential learning course. All students involved gain an understanding of Myaamia ethnobotany, Myaamia language revitalization efforts, an introduction to the Miami Tribe and Miami University relationship, as well as sustainable gardening practices. In addition to this, current students who have tended kitahkinaani, will have the opportunity to voluntarily participate in a survey about their experience. The objectives of the case study and survey research are to explore the value of kitahkinaani in experiential learning, to increase knowledge about Myaamia ethnobotany, and to tend a sustainable campus garden. Through this project, we plan to support the continued care and expansion of kitahkinaani and further improve its role with experiential learning and Myaamia cultural revitalization efforts.

Providing opportunities for Myaamia and non-Myaamia students to connect with Indigenous plants and learn about Myaamia culture is a primary goal for the collaborative kitahkinaani project. The land on which Miami University stands is within the traditional Myaamia homelands. The Myaamia people were removed by force from their homelands to Kansas and then to Oklahoma, where the Tribal government is based today. The Miami Tribe of Oklahoma and Miami University started on the path to partnership in 1972 with the first campus visit by Chief Forest Olds. Then in 2001, the Miami Tribe and University created the Myaamia Project (now the Myaamia Center) to focus on Tribally-directed priorities. The Myaamia Center has contributed deeply to the research, education, and outreach on Myaamia language and culture (ILDA; Mosley-Howard et al., 2015).

Initial discussions between three Miami University students, the Myaamia Center, the Institute for the Environment and Sustainability, and the Physical Facilities Department, resulted in a collaborative effort to establish a Myaamia ethnobotany demonstration garden on campus. In 2021, installation began on kitahkinaani in front of Boyd Hall on Western Campus. The name ‘kitahkinaani’ was decided upon by the Myaamia Center’s Language Team, and it means ‘our (inclusive) garden’ in the Myaamia language. It was created as a space for all to learn more about Myaamia culture and Indigenous plants.

Myaamia ethnobotany addresses the relationships between Myaamia people and plants using traditional ecological knowledge (Gonella, 2007). Myaamia ethnobotany information has been made accessible through mahkihkiwa, the online Myaamia Ethnobotanical Database. Mahkihkiwa includes information about the cultural significance of different plants for the Myaamia people, including food, medicinal, material, and other traditional uses. All the plants in kitahkinaani have signs with QR codes connecting to their mahkihkiwa entry. Student volunteers at kitahkinaani spend time learning about Myaamia ecological knowledge and the plants in kitahkinaani along with other plants listed in mahkihkiwa.

Through this project, we developed stronger teamwork, leadership, and communication skills. We collaborated closely to prepare kitahkinaani for the growing season, took initiative in organizing and guiding volunteer efforts, and deepened our connection with students and the Myaamia community. These experiences not only made us more effective as a team but also helped us build meaningful and lasting relationships.

Coleman, E. B. (2025). Cultivating Myaamia Food Sovereignty in Miami, Oklahoma, and Fort Wayne, Indiana (Order No. 32112106). Available from Dissertations & Theses @ Miami University; ProQuest Dissertations & Theses A&I. (3204569242). Retrieved from https://proxy.lib.miamioh.edu/login?url=https://www.proquest.com/dissertations-theses/cultivating-myaamia-food-sovereignty-miami/docview/3204569242/se-2

Indigenous Languages Digital Archive [ILDA]. (2026). National Breath of Life, Archival Institute for Indigenous Languages. ILDA Software Suite, Miami Tribe of Oklahoma, Accessed at https://mc.miamioh.edu/ilda-myaamia/dictionary. 

Mahkihkiwa. (2026). Miami Tribe of Oklahoma. https://mc.miamioh.edu/mahkihkiwa/about

Mosley-Howard, G. S., Baldwin, D., Ironstrack, G., Rousmaniere, K., & Burke, B. (2015). Niila Myaamia (I Am Miami): Identity and Retention of Miami Tribe College Students: Identity and Retention of Miami Tribe College Students. Journal of College Student Retention: Research, Theory & Practice, 17(4), 437-461. https://doi.org/10.1177/1521025115579249 (Original work published 2016),