Miami Public Library️ 2 hours ago

🌟Celebrating Native American Heritage Month: Spotlight on the Ottawa Tribe of Oklahoma🌟 As we celebrate Native American Heritage Month, we are honored to spotlight the Ottawa Tribe of Oklahoma, a community with a rich history of trade, resilience, and education. 🌟A History of Trade and Alliance🌟 The name "Ottawa" originates from the word "adawe," meaning "to trade," reflecting their extensive trading relationships with other tribes and the French. In 1615, Frenchman Champlain documented his encounter with the Ottawa near the French River in Canada. The Ottawa played a vital role in the fur trade, exchanging goods with other tribes and trading with the French. Traditionally allied with the Huron and French, the Ottawa lived in wigwams and wore buckskin clothing. One of their most notable leaders was Chief Pontiac, head of a confederacy that included the Ottawa, Ojibwa, and Pottawatomies. After migrating from Canada to Michigan, the Ottawa settled around Fort Detroit and the Maumee River in Ohio. With the Indian Removal Act of 1830, the Ottawa reluctantly relocated to Kansas, where nearly half perished shortly after. 🌟Commitment to Education and Resilience🌟 The Ottawa recognized that their children's education was vital for their survival. In 1862, they were granted 74,000 acres of land. Of that, the Ottawa allocated 20,000 acres to be utilized and sold, generating funds to establish a Baptist school for both white and Indigenous students. This university was named in honor of the Ottawa. An agreement was made with the university to provide education to Ottawa children at no cost. The reservation where the Ottawa resided was designated as a township named after them, and they lived there until 1867. In 1956, the tribe faced termination by the U.S. government, a challenging period in their history. However, the Ottawa didn't give up, and in 1978, they were restored as a federally recognized tribe. The Ottawa Council and U.S. Congress ratified their Constitution in 1979, reestablishing their government structure with elected officials. To learn more about the Ottawa Tribe of Oklahoma and their enduring legacy, visit https://www.ottawatribe.gov/ Join us in celebrating the Ottawa Tribe's rich history and contributions to our shared heritage this Native American Heritage Month! #Heritage #OklahomaHistory #NativeAmericanHeritageMonth #NativeAmericanHistory #OttawaCountyOK #MiamiPublicLibrary #MoreThanYourGrandmasLibrary

Miami Public Library️ 20 hours ago

Don't forget to join this month's Adult Reading Challenge: This November, practice an attitude of gratitude! Log your reading throughout the month to earn prizes. The challenge will be completed after logging 600 minutes. All reading counts! Register on the Beanstack app or at the library. #NovemberReadingChallenge #Beanstack #MoreThanYourGrandmasLibrary

Miami Public Library️ 1 day ago

🌟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