[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 122 (Thursday, July 31, 2014)]
[Senate]
[Page S5308]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   MESKWAKI TRIBAL POWWOW CENTENNIAL

 Mr. HARKIN. Madam President, from August 7 through August 10 
the Meskwaki will be celebrating the 100th anniversary of their tribal 
powwow, and I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate them 
on this occasion. This is a unique event held annually on the only 
Indian settlement in the State of Iowa. During this celebration the 
tribe members celebrate and perform dances that have been handed down 
for generations. It is a time of reaffirmation and hope and a time of 
friendship.
  The Annual Meskwaki Powwow originated from the traditional religious 
and social beliefs of the Meskwaki Tribe. This annual event is derived 
from the ``Green Corn Dance'' which originally took place during the 
harvesting of the crops. From 1902 to 1912, the tribe held the ``Field 
Days'' which would last for the week, with dancing, games, and horse 
racing. And then in 1912, the tribe made the decision to change the 
name from ``Field Days'' to ``Powwow''. This historic celebration 
continues to be held at the original location.
  I would like to congratulate the Meskwaki on this joyous occasion and 
hope they will continue to celebrate their powwow for many more years 
to come.

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