Cultural Events and Programs

Chief Brian Buchanan is the principal chief and usually participates at every function. Chief Buchanan was gifted grandmothers song (Godfroy Drum) by his parents; his brother, Steve Buchanan, keeps it 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 two, son (Daniel) and daughter (Katelyn), who are now grown.

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 numerous community functions to help educate the public. Many school children have had the opportunity to sit by his drum and learn the protocol and history.

Shane Fox holds a Grandfather Council Seat for the Peconge Clan. He is married and has three 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, and they have three children, Eli, Sammy, and Maddie. He resides in McCordsville, Indiana. He is a Professional Landscape Architect registered in the State of Indiana, actively practicing since 2002. Currently, he’s working toward a degree in Medical Imaging. He’s 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.

Shawn Dunnagan is the Miami Nation Pipe Carrier and often leads the tribe in the men’s dancing events. Shawn also helps lead many songs while playing the drum. He is married and has three children. Shawn dedicates his time to drumming events on a regular basis.

Daniel Buchanan is a tribal member from the Godfroy Clan. He is a 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 a tribal member of the Godfroy Clan. He resides in Rockville, Indiana, and is married to Linda Buchanan. They have four 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 two children, Troy and Trevor.

Trevor Buchanan has been playing the drum for many years. He thanks his grandfather, Francis Buchanan, for introducing him to drumming. He's thankful he can pass this on to his children. He also enjoys being outside, especially hunting and being at the lake with his wife and children.

Nathan Evans is a proud member of the Pimyotahmah Clan. He has been playing with the Miami Drum since receiving his Miami name Eesopana (Raccoon), back in 1998. He enjoys playing at Pow Wows and Tribal events with his brother Jami and nephew Isaac, every chance he gets.

Jami Marks is a proud Miami and member of the Pimyotamah Clan. He loves his heritage and shares his passion with his children, Isaac, Alaina, and 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.

BIO soon to be posted.

BIO soon to be posted.

Kyle resides in Wabash County. He has been drumming since he could walk. He learned to drum by 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 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 is a resident of Lizton, Indiana. He 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 three children and enjoys coaching his kids in his spare time. Also, he enjoys boating, hunting, and camping.

Nate is a resident of Miami County and is employed by the Miami Correctional Facility. Nate has been drumming for about 10 years and tries to be available for drumming events as possible.