The University of Iowa Powwow is returning to campus, in spite of state's anti-DEI push

Dancers perform at the 22nd Annual University of Iowa Powwow. — photo by Justin Torner, courtesy of the University of Iowa Native American Student Association

The University of Iowa’s inaugural powwow was held at Iowa City’s Robert A. Lee Recreation Center in April 1990. Organized by the American Indian Student Association — renamed the Native American Student Association (NASA) in 2013 — and the Chicano Indian American Student Union — now the Latino Native American Cultural Center — the powwow drew 400 people to celebrate the talents of 30 dancers, four drum groups and three vendors of Native arts and crafts.

Considered a great success, the Annual Powwow returned for 15 years straight; by 2004, there were 350 dancers, 18 drum groups and 60 vendors hailing from across the continent and featured over three days of festivities.

The Annual Powwow has continued — but not every year. Organizing such a large, free event for the community has proved difficult for student groups subject to shifting operating budgets, constant member turnover due to graduations and the occasional historic flood or pandemic. Still, UI undergrads since 1990 have had at least one powwow to attend during their four years on campus.

“I’ve been planning this event for a number of years,” said Cherie Haury-Artz, a faculty advisor. “I’m just amazed that a small group of students can put together such a large event.”

There have been 28 UI Powwows since April 1990. Unfortunately, 2025’s event was canceled — not due to a natural disaster, but a political one.

Following the lead of the second Trump administration, the Iowa Legislature and the Board of Regents have worked to eliminate programs having anything to do with DEI and DEIA (diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility) at institutions that receive public funding. New guidance was issued in 2025 prohibiting UI departments from making donations to student groups, likely as part of this anti-DEI push. NASA relied on $1,000 donations from the UI Center for Human Rights and the former Council on the Status of Women for the Annual Powwow.

But organizers haven’t backed down. The Annual Powwow returns on April 18 for its 29th iteration, with an apt theme — “Here: Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow.”

The 2026 planning committee secured new funding sources. Donations came in from the Indigenous advocacy org Great Plains Action Society and Cedar Rapids feed company Diamond V, as well as the community via crowdfunding. The powwow is also being supported by the UI Student Government and two university programs to bolster student-led, non-alcohol-centric programming, Campus Event Funding and Late Night Grant Funding.

A dancer adjusts her headpiece at the 22nd Annual University of Iowa Powwow. — photo by Justin Torner, courtesy of the University of Iowa Native American Student Association

NASA members have organized events ahead of the big show on April 18, beginning with a “Powwow Preview: Little Steps in the Circle, Dance & Crafts” program at the Iowa Children’s Museum on March 29. Three more events this month represent partnerships with the Stanley Museum of Art, the Walk It Out multicultural fashion show and FilmScene.

“I get excited and emotional seeing the dance traditions that come from all over the United States,” said Carolina Kaufman, a committee member and former UI employee. “It means a lot to support the Native students and to see them host an important cultural event for the community.”

I joined the latest planning committee Zoom meeting, headed by Joe Maxwell, a lead student organizer of the event. In addition to a review of the events (including a crafting social and a movie screening), the committee discussed at length the need for more volunteers and vendors (24 were confirmed at press time).

The color guard presents at the 22nd Annual University of Iowa Powwow. — photo by Justin Torner, courtesy of the University of Iowa Native American Student Association

Resilient, the group remains committed to presenting these celebratory programs for all ages and backgrounds to enjoy. From seeking out silent auction donations to signing up afternoon volunteers, the powwow operates at its best with participation from the wider Iowa City community. “We are always looking for a sustainable effort to keep [launching] future powwow events,” Maxwell said.

By the close of the planning meeting, I had signed up to volunteer as an arena runner. I simply couldn’t help myself; the energy of the planning committee was palpable and contagious. They are committed, and it’s easy to see why.

“I’ve had the opportunity of working with some talented graduate students [on this event],” Maxwell said with pride. “It’s been so rewarding to see the growth and gain momentum.”

“Powwow is a really big part of my life,” said Sophie Shuckahosee, lead organizer of the Little Steps event at the Children’s Museum. “Being able to put one on has been amazing.”

A young dancer performs at the 22nd Annual University of Iowa Powwow. — photo by Justin Torner, courtesy of the University of Iowa Native American Student Association
Dancers perform at the 22nd Annual University of Iowa Powwow. — photo by Justin Torner, courtesy of the University of Iowa Native American Student Association
Dancers perform at the 22nd Annual University of Iowa Powwow. — photo by Justin Torner, courtesy of the University of Iowa Native American Student Association
Dancers perform at the 22nd Annual University of Iowa Powwow. — photo by Justin Torner, courtesy of the University of Iowa Native American Student AssociationStudent Association
Dancers perform at the 22nd Annual University of Iowa Powwow. — photo by Justin Torner, courtesy of the University of Iowa Native American Student Association
Dancers perform at the 22nd Annual University of Iowa Powwow. — photo by Justin Torner, courtesy of the University of Iowa Native American Student Association
Spectators enjoy performances at the 22nd Annual University of Iowa Powwow. — photo by Justin Torner, courtesy of the University of Iowa Native American Student Association
Spectators enjoy performances at the 22nd Annual University of Iowa Powwow. — photo by Justin Torner, courtesy of the University of Iowa Native American Student Association
Spectators enjoy performances at the 22nd Annual University of Iowa Powwow. — photo by Justin Torner, courtesy of the University of Iowa Native American Student Association
Spectators enjoy performances at the 22nd Annual University of Iowa Powwow. — photo by Justin Torner, courtesy of the University of Iowa Native American Student Association
Spectators enjoy performances at the 22nd Annual University of Iowa Powwow. — photo by Justin Torner, courtesy of the University of Iowa Native American Student Association
Dancers perform at the 22nd Annual University of Iowa Powwow. — photo by Justin Torner, courtesy of the University of Iowa Native American Student Association
Spectators enjoy performances at the 22nd Annual University of Iowa Powwow. — photo by Justin Torner, courtesy of the University of Iowa Native American Student Association