Iowa Central Hosts Third Annual Native American Heritage Festival

Emily Denholm, Public Information Office
11/21/2025

Iowa Central Community College marked Native American Heritage Month with its third annual Native American Heritage Festival on Wednesday, offering students and the community an opportunity to celebrate and learn about Native culture, history, and traditions.

The festival showcased a variety of activities, including traditional dances, storytelling, and authentic Native American foods such as fry bread and wojapi, a sweet berry sauce. Students and attendees could also explore information about different tribes, including the Meskwaki Nation, which is based in Iowa and hosts an annual powwow in Tama each August.

Performers from Native Pride Productions, including dancers from the Meskwaki Nation, shared dances that honor Native traditions while promoting unity, respect, and cultural understanding. “I’m a jingle dress dancer. I have the cones, the feathers. It’s an Ojibwe dress made for healing. My mother is a traditional dancer,” said Meskwaki dancer Sophie Shuckahosee. “The dances are passed down through generations, and it’s amazing to be able to express it and be in public when our ancestors weren’t allowed to do that. A lot of people don’t know about Native people, and being able to show that we’re still here and that we have our own unique culture, to other people who probably never met a Native person before, it’s amazing to bring that to them.”

Joe Wright, Iowa Central Criminal Justice Coordinator, emphasized the festival’s educational value. “I think it’s important to focus on this part of our history in America during this month. To honor these cultures, to honor the traditions that they have, the dance that they do, the culture that they bring and the food that they bring. It’s just important to do that because it’s a part of all of our history. It’s important for students to know that and learn a little bit more about that.”

The event provided an engaging and interactive experience for all attendees, giving students a deeper appreciation for Native American contributions to history and culture. By bringing these traditions to campus, Iowa Central continues to foster understanding, respect, and connection across diverse communities.