The Annual Meskwaki Powwow originated from the traditional religious and social beliefs of the Meskwaki Tribe. Today it's not so much a religious event, but more of a social gathering. Specifically, today's event is derived from the "Green Corn Dance" and other social events of the tribe in its early years. The "Green Corn Dance" was an annual event that took place during the harvesting of crops.

The "Field Days" held from 1902 to 1912, lasted about a week with dancing, games, and horse racing. It was a social gathering without a harvest. In 1912, the Chief appointed 15 men to plan for the next year. The appointed men decided to change the name from "Field Days" to "Powwow". The first powwow was held at it's present location.

Today, the Meskwaki Powwow is the only one of its kind and is held annually on the only Indian Settlement in the State of Iowa. During the four day affair, the gathered Indians celebrate and perform in full-dress regalia, dances that have been handed down for generations.

It is the dancing that has drawn the most attention from the outside world, for it is by the most colorful and intriguing aspect of the Powwow. It is a time of reaffirmantion and hope of worship and kinship and it is above all, a time of friendship and making of new friends.

**A special thanks to Johnathan L Buffalo, Tribal Historian, for his contribution of the Powwow history

Christina Blackcloud-Garcia………………………...Secretary

Delonda Pushetonequa……………………….………Member

Shoshonis Brown……………………………………...Member