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🌟Celebrating Native American Heritage Month: Spotlight on Modoc Nation🌟 We are proud to highlight the resilient and resourceful Modoc Nation, originally known as Captain Jack’s Band of Modoc Indians. 🌟A Journey Through History The Modoc people's ancestral lands extended over 5,000 square miles along the California-Oregon border, with a history spanning over 14,000 years. They thrived as skilled hunters, fishermen, and gatherers until the arrival of European settlers in the early 19th century, which led to increased land demand and attempts to displace the Modoc, exacerbated by the 1849 Gold Rush. In response to violence and disease caused by settlers, the Modoc sought peace in Yreka and negotiated the Valentine’s Day Treaty of 1864, allowing them to maintain their homelands while coexisting with settlers. However, this treaty was rejected, leading to the Treaty of Council Grove in 1864, which forced the Modoc and other tribes onto a joint reservation. Life on the reservation was harsh, prompting Captain Jack to lead a return to their homeland, resulting in the Modoc War against U.S. forces. The conflict lasted eight months, causing significant casualties on both sides. After the war, Captain Jack and five warriors were tried for war crimes, leading to Captain Jack's execution and the transportation to a reservation. On October 12, 1873, a group of 155 Modoc people—comprising 42 men, 59 women, and 54 children—were loaded onto 27 wagons and set off from Fort Klamath, Oregon. Initially to Yreka, California, followed by Redding, California, and then headed to Fort D.A. Russell in the Wyoming Territory. Due to upcoming military campaigns, Modoc prisoners were redirected from Fort D.A. Russell to Fort McPherson, Nebraska, arriving on October 29th. Captain Hasbrouck transferred them to Captain Melville C. Wilkinson, who oversaw their relocation. The Modoc were then placed on an island in the Platte River, where they set up camp to hunt and fish. Their harrowing journey spanned 2,000 miles and involved an uncomfortable early winter ride in railroad cars meant for transporting cattle. This arduous trek concluded on November 16, 1873, when 153 Modoc men, women, and children arrived in Baxter Springs, Kansas, weary and famished. The Modoc faced severe hardships, including high mortality rates due to neglect. Despite challenges, they adapted by finding work and engaging in agriculture. They prioritized education, with children attending a nearby boarding school and adults learning literacy. The Modoc became active in the church established for them, the Society of Friends, and converted to Quaker faith by 1881. In 1891, the Society of Friends acquired a building and relocated near Modoc Cemetery, adding living quarters for the missionary's family. Sunday services and Wednesday night prayer meetings were held until the last worship meeting in fall 1978. Following the Act of March 3, 1909, the U.S. government permitted 29 Modoc Indians to return to Oregon, while most remained in Oklahoma, where their culture faced suppression. Federal supervision ended in 1954, and the Modoc established a non-federally recognized government, with Bert Hayman as the first chairman. 🌟Leadership Despite many challenges, the Modoc Nation persevered, eventually gaining federal recognition in Oklahoma in 1978, under the leadership of Chief Bill G. Follis. His leadership from 1973 to 2022 was instrumental in re-establishing a tribal land base and initiating numerous economic programs. In 2022, the Modoc Nation elected Robert Burkybile as their new Chief, continuing the legacy of strong leadership and community development. To discover more about their rich history and ongoing initiatives, visit their website: https://modocnation.com/ Join us in celebrating the Modoc Nation's enduring legacy and contributions to our shared history this month and beyond! #NativeAmericanHeritageMonth #ModocNation #Heritage #TribalHistory #OklahomaHistory #USHistory #MiamiPublicLibrary #MoreThanYourGrandmasLibrary

Join us TONIGHT at Miami Public Library for an exciting discussion about the book "Killing Orders" by Sara Paretsky. 🗓 Date: Thursday, November 14, 2024 ⏰ Time: 6 PM 📍 Location: Miami Public Library, 200 N Main St, Miami, OK Our discussion will be led by the Oklahoma Scholar, Dr. Emily Dial-Driver, who will guide us through the twists and turns of this thrilling novel. This event is part of our "Private Investigations: Hard-Boiled & Soft-Hearted Heroes" series from Let's Talk About It, and it's sure to spark engaging conversations and new insights. 📖 "Books, services, and other materials for this series are provided by Let’s Talk About It, a project of Oklahoma Humanities. Generous funding and support for this series was provided by the Kirkpatrick Family Fund and Oklahoma City University. Any views, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in these programs do not necessarily represent those of the National Endowment for the Humanities or Oklahoma Humanities." Bring your curiosity, your love for mysteries, and maybe even a friend or two! We can’t wait to see you there! 📚💬✨ #BookDiscussion #SaraParetsky #KillingOrders #MysteryLovers #LetsTalkAboutIt #OklahomaHumanities #MoreThanYourGrandmasLibrary

🌟Celebrating Native American Heritage Month: Spotlight on the Eastern Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma🌟 In honor of Native American Heritage Month, the Miami Public Library is proud to highlight the rich history and culture of the Eastern Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma. The Eastern Shawnee Tribe is one of three federally-recognized Shawnee tribes, alongside the Absentee Shawnee and the Shawnee Tribe, each with a unique story of resilience and heritage. 🌟A Journey Through Time🌟 The Eastern Shawnee once inhabited the vast territories east of the Mississippi River, including parts of present-day Alabama, the Carolinas, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, and beyond. Known as Eastern Woodlands Indians, the Shawnee were a nomadic people, living in traditional dwellings called Wigiiwa. Their society thrived on seasonal cycles, with the men known for their prowess in hunting and warfare, and the women as skilled planters and gatherers. 🌟Cultural Significance and Resilience🌟 The Shawnee were highly mobile, known for their strategic movements across their territories. Important ceremonies like the spring bread dance and the green corn dance marked their agricultural cycles. One of the most celebrated leaders, Tecumseh, sought to unite various tribes to resist European-American encroachment on their lands. Although the defeat at the Battle of Tippecanoe and Tecumseh's eventual death in the War of 1812 marked significant challenges, the spirit of the Shawnee endured. 🌟From Past to Present🌟 The Eastern Shawnee Tribe, originally part of the Lewistown Band of Shawnee, faced numerous relocations but eventually established a home in Oklahoma. In collaboration with the Seneca Indians, they formed a community that continues to preserve their vibrant culture and history. To delve deeper into the Eastern Shawnee Tribe's history and ongoing cultural contributions, visit their official website. https://www.estoo-nsn.gov/history Join us in recognizing and celebrating the Eastern Shawnee Tribe's enduring legacy and their vital role in our shared history. #OttawaCountyOK #ESTOO #EasternShawneeTribeOfOklahoma #NativeAmericanHeritageMonth #CelebrateHistory #Heritage #MiamiPublicLibrary #MoreThanYourGrandmasLibrary

It is Tell Us Tuesday! What is the best book you have read this year? #TellUsTuesday #BestBooks #MoreThanYourGrandmasLibrary

Miami Public Library will be 𝑪𝒍𝒐𝒔𝒆𝒅 today, November 11th, in observance of Veterans Day. You can access our online resources anytime on our website: https://miamipl.okpls.org/electronic_resources/ #VeteransDay #ElectronicResources

News and More

New Books 10/9/17

Oct 5, 2017

Libraries transform lives in many ways.  Several of this week’s new books can make your life better!  Whether you need to overcome perfectionism, better understand your personality type, strengthen your spiritual life, or find a new job, it’s only a book away (if you apply what you read!) The Blind by A. F. Brady As accomplished Manhattan psychologist Sam James gets pulled into patient Richard’s…

Classical Guitarist to Perform at the Library

Sep 28, 2017

Classical guitarist, Peter Fletcher, will be performing at the Miami Public Library on Thursday, October 12, at 6:30 p.m.  Fletcher, who plays to packed houses at Carnegie Hall, has  performed at the library several times and has always provided a stellar program.  This is an exciting addition to the 66 Cultural District programming for 2017. He began guitar study at the age of seven under…

New Books 10/2/17

Sep 28, 2017

If you are a fan of sci-fi, this list is for you!  A post-apocalyptic thriller, a war on the moon, waking up in a cloning vat with no idea how it happened, and a scientist-turned-drug pirate whose plans to bring cheap medicine to the poor backfires are all a part of the line up of new books this week.  If reality science is your interest…

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