One Miami creation story states that the Miami came out of a pool of water at "Sakiwayungi" or the "coming out place" which was their name for South Bend.

The Miami also called the St. Joseph River "Sakiwasipiwi" or "coming out river."

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When the Miami came out of the river they told each other to grab onto nearby tree limbs. They did and then formed a village.

Some Miami names come from the story of their origin. Examples include Sakakwatah ("she takes hold), Sakaonang ("he grabs it"), and Sakakokwa ("holding woman").