Meskwaki Powwow

Meskwaki Powwow

Mid-August

The Meskwaki Powwow is held annually on the second weekend of August at the home of the Meskwaki Tribal Nation in Tama, Iowa. It is Iowa's only all-Indian powwow, held at the only Native American settlement in the state. Traditional dancing is at the heart of the event. Featured performers in colorful tribal regalia execute such ceremonial dances as the Victory Dance, which honors soldiers and veterans, and the Buffalo Dance, which reaches back to the tribe's days as active hunters. Among the other dozen or so showcased dances are the Friendship Dance, War Dance, and Pipe Dance. The event also offers arts and crafts and special exhibits. All are welcome to attend.
The annual Meskwaki Powwow has been held since 1913. It grew from the tribe's Green Corn Dance, which accompanied the harvesting of crops each year. From 1902 to 1912, the Meskwaki nation held "field days," a week-long festival of dancing, horse-racing, and games that did not accompany a harvest. In 1912, the Meskwaki chief asked a group of men to plan the following year's field days. In 1913, the event, now called a powwow, was held at the same location it occupies today. More social than spiritual, the present-day powwow still is a reaffirmation of hope, kinship, and friendship, according to tribe members.

CONTACTS:
Meskwaki Tribal Nation
Sac and Fox of the Mississippi in Iowa
349 Meskwaki Rd.
Tama, IA 52339
641-484-4678 or 800-944-9503; fax: 641-484-4321
www.meskwaki.com