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Humble Gumption: Cam Shriver’s Insight on Myaamia Survival and History

Humble Gumption: Cam Shriver’s Insight on Myaamia Survival and History
By: Dave Berry, Chautauqua Wawasee

Survival of the Myaamia-Cam Shriver

On a brisk September morning, about 40 people attended Cam Shriver’s presentation on the survival of the Myaamia people, hosted by Chautauqua Wawasee.

Cam Shriver is a Senior Research Associate in the Myaamia Center at Miami University in Ohio. His research focuses on Indigenous history, with a particular emphasis on the Myaamia experience across the last four centuries.

1846 as a turning point

Cam’s discussion began by establishing the year 1846 as a reference point. In 1846, 350 tribal members were removed from Indiana to Kansas. Part of the talk focused on the tactics used by the U.S. government to coerce members of the Myaamia nation into ceding most of their land in Indiana to the United States, both before and after 1846.

Participant questions and discussion highlights

The conversation then moved into participant questions, including:

  • Myaamia farming practices

  • Miami University’s role in supporting the Miami Tribe’s work to re awaken the dormant Myaamia language

  • Stories of tribal leaders Peepakicia (Papakeechie) and Waawiyaasita (Wawasee), along with their descendants

“Nothing about us, without us” and community engaged scholarship

Given the history of non Native people pursuing research detached from living Native Americans, some Myaamia officials have adopted the phrase: “Nothing about us, without us.”

In this spirit, Cam summarized his approach to community engaged scholarship as “humble gumption.” As a non Myaamia person, he aims to remain humble enough to understand that Myaamia leaders have their own priorities, that the nation has limited resources, and that he is only one of many well meaning people who request Myaamia perspectives. Yet, he still has the gumption to develop long term relationships that enable collaboration and allyship with the ongoing Myaamia cultural renaissance.

Learn more

Cam suggests perusing the Myaamia community blog, Aacimotaatiiyankwi, as a strong starting point for learning more about Myaamia history, culture, ecological perspectives, and events:
https://aacimotaatiiyankwi.org/

Looking ahead

Chautauqua Wawasee will host Logan York, Tribal Historic Preservation Officer, at the WACF Ruddell Pavilion on September 6, 2025.

And for those of you who cannot get enough history

Take a look at this. Our three day Digging Through History Series starts tomorrow. Get the full details here: [LINK HERE]

 

Digging Through History 2024

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Three-Day Native American “Digging Through History” Program

Annual Three-Day Native American “Digging Through History” Program

Chautauqua-Wawasee and Syracuse-Wawasee Historical Museum are collaborating to offer the fourth annual series of programs that explore the local history of northeastern Indiana. The series offers three FREE programs, September 12-14. The September 12 and 13 programs are being hosted at the Syracuse Community Center, while the September 14th program will be outdoors at WACF’s Ruddell Pavilion. Each program features presenters with expert knowledge and provides an interactive environment for discussion and hands-on examination of artifacts.

Trevor Tipton presented here in 2021, and returns on Thursday, September 12, to discuss “Tools and Weapons of the Indigenous Peoples.” (6:30-7:30 p.m. at the Syracuse Community Center)

Have you ever wondered how mankind survived thousands of years ago? What animals did they hunt? How did they kill their prey? What tools were used by prehistoric man? This will be the focus of Trevor Tipton’s presentation. His artifact collection, found mostly in Noble County, will be on display. Attendees will be able to handle weapons from centuries ago.

Then, on Friday, Dr. Mark Schurr, a professor in the Department of Anthropology at the University of Notre Dame, will speak on the topic “Archaeology of the French in Northern Indiana – Does it Exist?” (6:30-7:30 p.m. at the Syracuse Community Center)

The first historical record of the French presence in northern Indiana dates to 1679 when Réné Robert Cavalier, Sieur de Lasalle traveled along what is now the St. Joseph River to the Kankakee River using the portage in South Bend. However, the French established only one permanent settlement in the northern
Indiana (Fort Miami in what is now Ft. Wayne). Very little archaeological evidence is available about the French presence in the region. Historic records and a few site investigations show what kind of evidence we should look for if we want to document evidence of French activities in northern Indiana, including in
places like Kosciusko County.

On Saturday, September 14, seven individual activities and experts share information on what life was like back in the 1800s. (10:00 a.m. – Noon, WACF’s Ruddell Pavillion)

These include a demonstration of the Atlatl tool, flint knapping, and presentations by a 1754 French Marine, Indiana Department of Natural Resources Archaeological Division, metal detecting, and others.  With so much to see and do, this Saturday program has been incredibly popular with children and families.

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Survival of the Myaamia People

Due to last year’s overwhelming response, Chautauqua Wawasee is offering a second program to learn more about the Myaamia people and culture.  The Myaamia community is much more than just street names and artifacts. They are a vibrant contemporary people whose history has shaped many of our lives here in Indiana. Historian Cam Shriver will talk about the fight against the Myaamia nation’s removal from their Indiana homelands, and what it was like for the many families who remained in the state.

Shriver, Senior Research Associate in the Myaamia Center, works on Indigenous history, with a particular emphasis on the Myaamia experience of the last four centuries. Most recently, his research has investigated histories of colonial and Native American education and the legal and social history of Myaamia allotments.

Shriver’s scholarly research emerged from ongoing conversations with the community and the Miami Tribe’s Cultural Resources Office. In addition to various courses in early American history, Shriver frequently teaches “Introduction to the Miami Tribe” at Miami University, and he will be sharing his knowledge with us this coming September!

This Saturday program runs from 10:00 am until noon outdoors at WACF’s Ruddell Pavilion south of Syracuse at 11586 N. SR 13.  This is a FREE Event.

WHEN: Sept. 7th – 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

WHERE: WACF Ruddell Pavilion – 11586 N. State Road 13, Syracuse

COST: FREE TO ATTEND!

Follow us on Facebook, or call us at 574-377-7543 for more information! 

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Wanted: Old Home Movies from Syracuse-Wawasee for the “Syracuse/Wawasee Walk Down Memory Lane” project.

Wanted: Old Home Movies from Syracuse-Wawasee for the “Syracuse/Wawasee Walk Down Memory Lane” project.

Lights, camera, action! Chautauqua-Wawasee and the Syracuse-Wawasee Historical Museum are teaming up for a blockbuster multi-year project to collect and preserve pre-1975 ephemeral films and home movies of the Syracuse and Wawasee area. The project, titled “Syracuse/Wawasee Walk Down Memory Lane”, is on a mission to track down and immortalize historical footage of our beloved community — but they need your help!

The first phase of the project kicked off in April of last year, culminating in a show-stopping premiere of three historic films from Lake Wawasee on July 22nd at the Syracuse Community Center. The program proved popular enough that the project will continue in 2024.”Since last year, we’ve uncovered a treasure trove of new vintage material,” Ann Garceau, the Syracuse Museum’s project mastermind, noted. “In anticipation of this year’s encore on July 20, we’re putting out an all-call for additional video gems!”A glittering showcase of selected footage is scheduled for this summer’s blockbuster event at Oakwood on July 20. Don’t miss your chance to be a part of Syracuse’s cinematic history!

The project is on the hunt for home movies and ephemeral films made locally before 1975 – black and white or color, it doesn’t matter! If you’ve got video materials that could contribute to capturing the Syracuse region’s storied past, give Jamie Clemons a call at 574-457-3599 (Syracuse-Wawasee Historical Museum), or reach out to Erin Lomax at 574-238-6089 or erin.lomax@gmail.com (Chautauqua-Wawasee).

Let’s make movie magic together!

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Taps Across the Water-2024

Taps Across the Water

The annual tribute of Taps Across the Water is set for Sunday, May 26 for Lake Webster, Lake Wawasee, Syracuse, and Papakeechie Lakes. This event honors United States military personnel who died serving in the U.S. Armed Services. Trumpet players are distributed across the lakes and perform an Echo Cascading Rendition of Taps. With a staggered start, Taps is heard across the lakes for nearly four minutes from one side to the other. Participants and attendees share their experiences as reverent, contemplative, and memorable.

Dr. Matt Murdock, an educator who resides in Indianapolis and North Webster, has assembled nearly 40 bugler and trumpet players for two programs, one in North Webster and one in Syracuse. Participating musicians include members of our community and surrounding areas, including veterans, community bands, high school students and music directors, and professional musicians. Dr. Murdock makes the point “We are connected and inspired by Jari Villanueva’s Taps Across America. One of our goals is to bring awareness of the shortage of live trumpet players at military funerals. Jari retired from the U.S. Air Force, where he spent 23 years with the USAF Band in Washington, DC.” Murdock goes on to say, “As educators, it is our responsibility to instill in our students, especially those in high school bands, a sense of obligation to our communities. They may not fully realize the services they provide, whether it’s boosting school spirit at athletic events or fostering community spirit by participating in festivals. This event presents the students an opportunity to promote this experience personally with the intent of continuing community service after graduation.”

North Webster

A Memorial Service is planned for 6:15 p.m. at the Lake Webster Town Park. Participants and sponsors include the American Legion Post #253 and Dixie Sternwheeler. Following the service, musicians leave by pontoon for their designated locations around Lake Webster. Taps will be performed from piers at 6:30 p.m.
Following the Taps remembrance, a Trumpet Ensemble Concert of patriotic music will be performed at 7:00 at the Town Park. The Ensemble is composed of the trumpet players who sounded Taps during the ceremony. After the concert, many of the performers will travel to Syracuse to participate in the Wawasee, Syracuse, and Papakeechie Lakes program.

Syracuse

Chautauqua-Wawasee, Syracuse American Legion Post #223, and approximately 40 trumpet players, are collaborating for a Memorial Day weekend tribute on Lakes Wawasee, Syracuse, and Papakeechie.

The event starts with a trumpet ensemble concert of patriotic music at the Oakwood Resort gazebo on Sunday, May 26, from 8:10 to 8:40. Then the 40 musicians move to their designated locations distributed strategically around the three lakes to play Taps simultaneously at 9:09 pm. We ask that all guests observe one minute of silence at 9:08 p.m.

 

We are providing these maps as a guide, and ask that you please keep in mind that we put a lot of effort into carefully planning these locations. However, the direction of the wind can sometimes affect how the sound travels, and we’ve been made aware that it can make it difficult to hear. We’d also like to mention that many of our buglers are high school students with busy schedules. We apologize if you miss out on hearing the tribute as planned, but we are sure you can understand that many young people don’t have much control over their schedules and therefore may find themselves in a position in which they would possibly have to choose another obligation over the Taps Across the Water event at the last minute.

We genuinely appreciate your understanding and thank you for your patience, as so many things, including the fact that it’s a busy holiday weekend, can be a factor in hearing (or NOT hearing) this beautiful tribute despite our very best efforts.

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2024 “Lake Wawasee, Then & Now” Cruise

Chautauqua-Wawasee is repeating last year’s successful “Lake Wawasee, Then & Now” cruise, narrated by local historian Ann Garceau of the Syracuse-Wawasee Historical Museum.

As Ann shares interesting stories about historic structures that stood around the lake, you will be able to better visualize them with the aid of a provided pamphlet, Then and Now, picturing what you are hearing about while enjoying what is built there now. Among the places that Ann highlights will be the numerous hotels, marinas, entertainment venues, neighborhoods, and historic homes.

This event will sell out so buy your tickets early by clicking HERE!

WHEN: Thursday, September 26, 2024 from 1-3 p.m.

WHERE: The Frog Tavern-1116 South Harkless Drive Syracuse, IN 46567

Boarding begins at 12:45 at The Frog Tavern.

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Super Star Shanna Zolman Mahaley Returns to Syracuse

Super Star Shanna Zolman Mahaley Returns to Syracuse

Former Wawasee High School standout and WNBA player Shanna Zolman Mahaley returned to Syracuse on May 7 for two special programs at Wawasee High School.

Earlier that day, Zolman spoke to students during a school assembly. Later, at 7:00 pm, she appeared at a Chautauqua Wawasee-sponsored program in the Wawasee High School gymnasium. The evening event was free and open to the public.

From Local Star to National Recognition

During her time at Wawasee High School, the Warriors compiled a 74–19 record. At the same time, Zolman led the state in scoring all four years. She finished her high school career as an All-American, Indiana Miss Basketball, and co-MVP of the McDonald’s All-American Game. In addition, she became Indiana’s all-time leading scorer for girls’ basketball at the time, with 3,085 career points.

Shanna Zolman Mahaley at WHS

She continued her success at the University of Tennessee, where she now ranks ninth in career scoring. After college, Zolman played four seasons in the WNBA with the San Antonio Silver Stars and Tulsa Shock. She averaged 7.9 points per game and shot 41 percent from three-point range. Unfortunately, two knee injuries later shortened her professional playing career.

Shanna Zolman Mahaley

Life Beyond Basketball

Today, Zolman lives in the Seattle area and works in ministry and mentoring through the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. During her Chautauqua Wawasee program, she shared her faith journey and her work in ministry. She also explained how her basketball background continues to serve as a platform for connection.

“I’m trying to share my passion and love of Jesus,” Zolman said. “That’s what makes me click. I really enjoy speaking around the country and sharing my experiences.”

Event Details

What: An Evening with Shanna Zolman Mahaley
When: May 7, 7:00–8:00 pm
Where: Wawasee High School Gymnasium, Syracuse, Indiana
Cost: Free and open to the public

This program has concluded. Information is preserved as part of Chautauqua Wawasee’s historical programming archive.

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John Wooden Presentation

It is remarkable how little many Hoosiers know about the history of our state and the amazing people it has spawned. Some of the greatest athletes, composers, entertainers, entrepreneurs, innovators, leaders, musicians, philanthropists, politicians, preachers, public servants, scientists, teachers, and writers in U.S. history were nurtured by this soil.  Chautauqua-Wawasee has embarked on an annual series to highlight Hoosiers who have impacted America. John Wooden will lead off this series with a presentation by Dr. Richard Gunderman, author of the book “Hoosier Beacons”. When you hear his presentation, you will be amazed at the nature and accomplishments of the man discussed and you will want to be a better person by simply hearing about Wooden’s long and successful life.

WHEN: July 13, 2024, beginning with refreshments at 4:30 PM followed by the presentation from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM.

WHERE: Oakwood Resort, located at 702 E. Lake View Road, Syracuse Indiana.

COST: FREE to attend!

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Ask Ben Franklin Chautauqua Wawasee
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Ask Ben Franklin: In His Own Words

Meet Benjamin Franklin

Benjamin Franklin stands among the most influential Americans of his era, earning recognition for an extraordinary range of achievements. He worked as a printer, inventor, scientist, politician, musician, writer, and civic leader. His innovations include the Franklin stove, lightning rod, glass armonica, and an early odometer. Franklin also helped establish the first fire department in the American colonies and founded the University of Pennsylvania.

Throughout his life, Franklin traveled extensively across the Colonies and abroad. His diplomatic work in Paris, France, helped shape international support for American independence and cemented his reputation as a symbol of ingenuity and leadership.

About the Performer

Since 2005, Barry Stevens has portrayed Benjamin Franklin as part of a Revolutionary War reenactment company. He brings history to life through an interactive performance style that combines factual detail, humor, and storytelling. His approach invites audience participation and connects listeners of all ages with Franklin’s life and legacy.

Event Details

What: Ask Ben Franklin: In His Own Words
When: June 30, 4:30–5:30 pm
Where: Wawasee High School Auditorium, Syracuse, Indiana
Cost: Free and open to the public

Following the program, the Fort Wayne Philharmonic Patriotic Pops Concert took place at 7:30 pm on the lawn at Oakwood Resort.

Guests also visited the Chautauqua tent to receive a free flag and glow light. This family-friendly program highlighted Chautauqua-Wawasee’s ongoing commitment to educational and cultural offerings.

For more information, visit us on Facebook or call 574-377-7543.

This program was presented as part of Chautauqua-Wawasee’s Patriotic Speaker Series. Dates and details are retained for historical reference and may change for future presentations.

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Pawasee Dog Parade. June 22 at Oakwood Resort.

Pawasee Dog Parade. June 22 at Oakwood Resort

Come paw-ty at the fur-st Pawasee Dog Parade hosted by Chautauqua Wawasee on Saturday, June 22. The parade will follow a one-quarter-mile route within the grounds of Oakwood Resort. This family event is really about showing off your best friend in our dog-loving community.

Participants are encouraged to decorate carts, wagons, strollers, and leashes, as well as dress up with their dogs. Awards will be presented to the best-dressed dog, best dog trick, best tail wag, and other categories…

Fur-real. Special O.P.S. K-9 Academy will provide an obedience demonstration along with a few tricks. They will also show off some special dog grooming ideas and hand out dog froyos (frozen yogurt formulated for dogs).

You can learn more about Syracuse’s own New Hope Pet Rescue and its efforts to rescue dogs and cats and place them with loving families. They will also be available to discuss how you can adopt a pet.

Syracuse-Wawasee Trails will provide information about our community’s dog-friendly trail system. They will also have a dog kissing booth and a local dog biscuit maker on hand.

Oakwood Resort will partner with Tito’s Vodka, the dog lover’s vodka, to sponsor a pop-up bar and will match their proceeds to support New Hope Pet Rescue. They will also provide dog tag engraving and other goodies.

Lakeland Animal Clinic will also be on hand to scan your dog’s microchip implant.

This event is free, but participants are encouraged to make a $15 donation. All of the money raised will go to New Hope Pet Rescue.

When: Saturday, June 22, 11:30 – 1 pm
Where: Oakwood Resort, Syracuse, Indiana
Tickets: Free…please register at the event.

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