The Meskwaki Annual Powwow originated from the traditional religious and social beliefs of the Meskwaki Tribe. The modern-day Meskwaki Powwow 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 held during crop harvesting, generally in August or, if the corn crop matured late, in September.
The event is held at the Meskwaki Powwow Grounds in Tama, Iowa. The Meskwaki people, whose name means “Red Earth People,” are unique among Native Nations in the United States. Rather than being placed on reservation land assigned by the federal government, the Meskwaki returned to Iowa in the 1850s and began purchasing their ancestral homeland acre by acre. Today, the Meskwaki Settlement remains privately purchased tribal land and a sovereign nation.
Today, the Meskwaki Annual Powwow is the only one of its kind in Iowa. It is a four-day event celebrating the end of summer. As the color and intrigue of it all have drawn the most attention from the outside world, the Meskwaki Annual Powwow features dancing, singing, hand-made crafts, food, games and fun. Although dance styles and content have evolved over the years, the Meskwaki still consider the event a time of reaffirmation and hope, of kinship and friendship, and of celebration.
The four-day festival and celebration begins on Thursday and occurs on the 2nd full weekend of August each year. With Grand Entry beginning at 1 PM and 7 PM daily, it's a time of laughter, dancing, singing, remembering and reconnecting with friends, family and the community each year.
They are thankful for the opportunity to share a part of who they are as Meskwaki with you. Most importantly, they hope you walk away with open minds and open hearts, able to respect and learn from different cultures, including theirs.
While visiting, you can stay at the Meskwaki Bingo Casino Hotel, a full-service destination resort featuring hotel accommodations surrounded by rolling Iowa countryside. Enjoy live entertainment, dining and gaming.
