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Language Reclamation, Food Systems, and Ethnoecological Revitalization: A Case Study on Myaamiaki Ethnobotany and Community-Based Participatory Research

Melzer, Annie Maria
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1416569796

Abstract Details

2014, MA, University of Cincinnati, Arts and Sciences: Anthropology.
This study explores relationships between a 17th century ethnohistorical text, traditional botanical knowledge (TBK), and contemporary educational resource development within the contexts of Native American ethnoecological language reclamation and cultural revitalization. Community-based participatory research (CBPR), as well as a diversity of applied and engaged anthropological, ethnobotanical, and linguistic approaches were implemented throughout the course of the research program. The research approach is grounded in the idea that a community should have both control of its own resources and the ability to provide input on the research needs of their own community. Data collection and analysis focused on exploring the traditional myaamiaki (Miami community) food system, historical and contemporary community-based ethnoecological relationships, and botanical use categories as guided by the linguistic and ethnoecological needs of the community. This study focuses particular attention on traditional food plants. The specific research goals of the study were (1) to use a 17th century ethnohistorical text to reclaim myaamiaki ethnoecological terms and phrases; (2) to apply ethnographic methods to assess modern myaamiaki traditional botanical knowledge (TBK); and (3) to combine ethnohistorical research findings with the ethnographic study to contribute to myaamiaki ethnobotanical educational resource development and the revitalization of Miami Ecological Knowledge (MEK). To further validate the agency and voices of a small sample of Miami community members, an inventory of contemporary TBK was collected and a needs-assessment was conducted to gauge the community’s interest and insights on educational resource development on the topics of garden cultivation and the harvest and use of wild food plants. The myaamiaki are an ecologically-based cultural group whose language had previously moved through a state of dormancy between 1963 through 1995. Initiatives associated with language and culture reclamation, maintenance, and the revitalization of MEK and TBK have been important in the tribe’s ongoing cultural preservation and educational programming. Traditional myaamia ethnobotanical and ethnoecological knowledge is embedded within the myaamia community’s historical and contemporary cultural traditions, is integrated into the traditional food system, and significantly impacts current indigenous identity formation.
Susan Allen, Ph.D. (Committee Chair)
Clement Jeffrey Jacobson, Ph.D. (Committee Member)
117 p.
Cultural Anthropology
Cultural and Applied Anthropology; Native American; Ethnoecology and Ethnobotany; Myaamia; Community-Based Participatory Research; Language, Culture, and Education

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Melzer, A. M. (2014). Language Reclamation, Food Systems, and Ethnoecological Revitalization: A Case Study on Myaamiaki Ethnobotany and Community-Based Participatory Research [Master's thesis, University of Cincinnati]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1416569796

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Melzer, Annie. Language Reclamation, Food Systems, and Ethnoecological Revitalization: A Case Study on Myaamiaki Ethnobotany and Community-Based Participatory Research. 2014. University of Cincinnati, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1416569796.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Melzer, Annie. "Language Reclamation, Food Systems, and Ethnoecological Revitalization: A Case Study on Myaamiaki Ethnobotany and Community-Based Participatory Research." Master's thesis, University of Cincinnati, 2014. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1416569796

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

ucin1416569796
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This open access ETD is published by University of Cincinnati and OhioLINK.