TWIGH TWEE - HEARTBEAT OF OUR NATION
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The Miami Nation of Indiana Tribal Drum is the Twigh Twee. She is brought out during closed tribal functions that are explicitly spiritual and/or tribally sensitive to our culture.
The Miami Nation has several Drums located throughout the tribe. There are currently 4 family drums and the Twigh Twee.
There are several men that give their time to particpate all throughout the State and sometimes even span across to Michigan, Illinois and Ohio. Meet these individuals:
Chief Brian Buchanan is the Principal Chief and usually participates at every function. Chief Buchanan was gifted Grandmothers Song (Godfroy Drum) by his parents in which his Brother , Steve Buchanan, keeps in his home. Chief Buchanan is a Product/Process Engineer for the Development Group at BAE Systems. He works on Engine and Flight Controls for the company. He is a single Father of 2, son (Daniel) and daughter (Katelyn), whom are now grown.
Vice Chief John Dunnagan is the Vice Chief and participates and contributes his family drum , the Mississenewa, to most of the community functions. Vice Chief Dunnagan has made the decision to donate his Drum to these numerous community functions to help educate the public. Many school children have had the opportunity to sit on his drum and learn the protocol and history.
Shane Fox holds a Grandfather Council Seat for the Peconge Clan. He is married and has 3 children and resides in Beech Grove, Indiana. He is an Engineer at Eli Lilly Corporation in Indianapolis. Shane is a Lead Singer for Twigh Twee and travels to many events to share and sing the Miami Nation of Indiana Drum Songs.
Councilman Charlie Bridenthal is married to Krista, we have three children, Eli age 10, Sammy age 8, and Maddie age 6 (November 2014). I currently reside in McCordsville, Indiana. I’m a Professional Landscape Architect registered in the State of Indiana actively practicing since 2002. I’ve collaborated on several Site Architecture projects across Indiana. The past couple of years I’ve independently consulted while also studying medical imaging. I’m actively involved in sharing Miami culture/history through programs or events such as the Annual Miami All Nations Gathering, Land Use Planning, Annual Summer Solstice Celebration (Mounds State Park), and many Educational/Drumming presentations. From 1988-1999 I served in the United States Air Force as a jet engine mechanic working on F-15 aircraft. In total I served four years active duty and 7 years with active reserves. Duty assignments included two years at Bitburg AFB West Germany, 3 Months at Dhahran AFB Saudi Arabia in support of operation Desert Storm, and 2 years at Seymour Johnson AFB, North Carolina. Following active duty I served 7 years in the active reserves operating from Ft. Wayne International Airport while attending college. I graduated from Marion High School, Marion, Indiana with the class of 1988. Afterward I received technical training through the Community College of the Air Force from 1988-1999. While serving in the reserves I studied and earned a degree in Landscape Architecture from Ball State University Class of 1998. Currently I’m working toward a degree in Medical Imaging. Interests and Activities include Fishing, Art, Cultural Landscapes, History, Native Plants, Design, Restoration, Youth Sports Coaching-Basketball/Baseball
Shawn Dunnagan is the Miami Nation Pipe Carrier and often leads the tribe in the Mens dancing events. Shawn also helps Lead many songs while playing the Drum. He is married and has 3 children, Shawn dedicates his time to drumming events on a regular basis.
Daniel Buchanan- Tribal member from the Godfroy Clan, Daniel is an Test Engineer at United Technology in Huntington, Indiana. He has played the drum for several years and is one that keeps the beat.
Christopher Bowyer is a student at Miami University of Ohio, and grew up in Peru, Indiana.
Steve Buchanan is tribal member of the Godfroy Clan, He resides in Rockville, Indiana and is married to Linda Buchanan. They have 4 children, Shannon, Brad, Hannah and Holly. Steve has been studying with Wap Shing, the Miami Spiritual Leader, for approximately 10 years. He attends many Drum events and belongs to numerous Faith Based Organizations teaching about Miami Spirituality.
Bill Buchanan is tribal member of the Godfroy Clan, He is retired and resides in Lizton, Indiana and is married to Joyce Buchanan. They have 2 children, Troy and Trevor.
Trevor Buchanan - I have been playing the drum for many years. I thank my grandfather, Francis Buchanan for introducing me to playing. I am thankful that I can pass this onto my children. Besides drumming, I enjoy being outside, especially hunting and being at the lake with my wife and children.
Nathan Evans - Proud member of the Pimyotahmah Clan, Has been playing with the Miami Drum since receiving his Miami name Eesopana,(Raccoon) back in 1998. Enjoys playing at Pow wows and Tribal events with his brother Jami, and Nephew Isaac, every chance he gets..
Timothy Jamison ( Jami ) Marks
Proud Miami and member of the Pimyotamah Clan. Loves his heritage and shares his passion with his Children: Isaac, Alaina, Jazmine, and wife Christy. Jami has enjoyed crafting his family drum with care and love, and participating with his Tribe and family at every opportunity and carrying on his cultural traditions.
Rex Engle - BIO soon to be posted.
Wyatt Engle - BIO soon to be posted.
KYLE DUNNAGAN - Kyle resides in Wabash County. He has been drumming since he could walk. He learned to drum watching his father, Steve. Kyle has a full time job and also works at the Tribal Center calling Bingo. In between those times, he tries to be available for drumming events that he can support.
BRAD BUCHANAN - Brad lives in Parke County and runs the family business, The Tiki Hut. Brad has been drumming for about 10 years. Through all of the demands of being a Representative on many County Boards, he still finds time to support the drum when needed.
TROY BUCHANAN - Troy is a resident of Lizton, Indiana. Troy is the Grandson of the late Francis Buchanan. Troy has been drumming for about 10 years and is available when needed. Troy is married and has 3 children and enjoys coaching his kids in his spare time. He enjoys boating, hunting and camping.
NATE MONGOSA - Nate is a resident of Miami County and is employed by the Miami Correctional Facility. Nate has been drummin for about 10 years and tries to be available for drumming events as possible.
In memory of Clyde Hayslett:
In memory of Tanner Hayslett:
