Myaamia Center Receives $40,000 Grant from Henry Luce Foundation
The Myaamia Center has been awarded a $40,000 grant from the Henry Luce Foundation to support the Akimaansa: Myaamia Young Ambassador Internship.
April 7, 2025
Oxford, OH – The Myaamia Center has been awarded a $40,000 grant from the Henry Luce Foundation to support the Akimaansa: Myaamia Young Ambassador Internship. This initiative, set to begin in May 2025, aims to empower Myaamia Heritage students by providing hands-on leadership experiences that deepen their engagement with Myaamia culture, language, and community.
The Akimaansa internship will offer students immersive learning experiences that bridge academic study with real-world application. The grant’s funds will be used to train Akimaansa participants to share Myaamia language, culture, and history at events throughout the summer, including; the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma’s National Gathering events, the Eemamwiciki Summer Programs, the Smithsonian Folklife Festival, and more!
“We have limited time to engage with our Myaamia students during the academic year,” said Kara Strass, Myaamia Heritage Program Coordinator. “This program will allow us to dig deeper into cultural topics, including leadership from a Myaamia perspective, and prepare the students to act as ambassadors at this summer’s Smithsonian Folklife Festival.”
The Henry Luce Foundation, known for its commitment to advancing knowledge and fostering innovative approaches to cultural and educational initiatives, has long supported Indigenous-led efforts. This latest grant underscores the foundation’s dedication to sustaining and expanding programs that uplift Indigenous voices and leadership.
In addition to the funding provided by the Henry Luce Foundation, the program will be supported by the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma, the Smithsonian Folklife Festival, and Miami University’s Center for Student Engagement, Activities, and Leadership.
The Myaamia Center, a Miami Tribe of Oklahoma initiative located at Miami University, directs the Myaamia Heritage Award Program, a four-year undergraduate experience for Miami Tribe citizens to learn about their cultural heritage while attending the university.
For more information and media inquiries, please contact Kara Strass: strasskl@miamioh.edu
