UNI Donates Cultural Items to Meskwaki Nation
On September 23, the University of Northern Iowa (UNI) visited the Meskwaki Cultural Center & Museum to donate cultural items that had been in the university’s collection for decades. The donation represents an important step in honoring and strengthening the relationship between UNI and the Meskwaki Nation.
The process began when the museum reached out to Tieranny Keahna, Meskwaki Tribal Historic Preservation Officer (THPO), for assistance. Keahna then coordinated with the Meskwaki Cultural Center & Museum to facilitate the donation, building on initial efforts started years ago by Johnathan Buffalo, Historic Preservation Director. Both Buffalo and Keahna emphasized that making the donation public benefits not only the museum but also the Meskwaki Nation by affirming respect for its cultural heritage.
Leading UNI’s delegation was President Mark Nook, accompanied by Oksana Grybovych Hafermann, Chief of Staff; Theresa Westbrock, Dean of the Rod Library; Daniel Hartwig, Associate Director of the Rod Library; Nathan Arndt, Museum Director; Jen McNabb, Department Head of History; and Angela Waseskuk, former faculty member, artist, and educator.
Buffalo spoke on the importance of the donation, noting that the return of these cultural items strengthens community connections and ensures they are preserved and honored in their rightful place.
Following the donation, UNI representatives toured the Meskwaki Cultural Center & Museum, learning more about Meskwaki history, culture, and ongoing preservation efforts. The gathering was marked by gratitude and excitement for future collaboration between the university and the Meskwaki Nation.
-Tierranny Keahna, Tribal Historic Preservation Officer