UI's 29th Annual Powwow Celebrates Native American Culture

The University of Iowa's Native American Student Association brings hundreds together for Indigenous celebration after a year-long hiatus.

Apr. 19, 2026 at 2:40am

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A high-contrast, silkscreen-style illustration featuring a repeating pattern of a feathered headdress in bright, neon-like colors, conceptually representing the joyful energy and cultural pride of the UI's powwow event.The vibrant colors and repeated patterns of traditional Native American regalia take on a bold, modern pop art aesthetic, reflecting the enduring cultural significance of the UI's annual powwow celebration.Iowa City Today

The University of Iowa's Native American Student Association held its 29th annual powwow, an event celebrating Indigenous culture, food, and community. The powwow, which had been canceled in 2024 due to funding issues, returned this year with the theme 'Here: Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow,' representing the resilience of Native peoples. The event featured traditional dance, music, and recognition of graduating Native students.

Why it matters

The UI powwow is an important annual event for the local Indigenous community, providing a space for cultural celebration and connection. After a year-long break, the return of the powwow is significant, as it helps to preserve and honor Native American traditions in the face of ongoing efforts to erase Indigenous histories and experiences.

The details

The powwow ran from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on April 18 at the UI Field House, a new location after previously being held at the Iowa City Fairgrounds. The event featured a Grand Entry dance, speeches by university representatives and community members, and a special ceremony recognizing Native American students graduating from the UI this spring. Organizers had to rebuild the event 'from the ground up' after the 2024 cancellation, recruiting volunteers, vendors, dancers, and guests.

  • The UI's Native American Student Association held its 29th annual powwow on April 18, 2026.
  • The powwow was canceled in 2024 due to funding issues, but returned this year.

The players

Joe Maxwell

The president of the UI's Native American Student Association, who organized the 2026 powwow after the event was canceled the previous year.

Ryan Kinser

The chair of the UI's mathematics department, who gave a speech at the powwow on behalf of the university.

Madelyn Luna Deutsch

A UI graduate student who was one of four Native American students recognized at the powwow's graduate ceremony.

Adam Potter

A human resources specialist at the UI and powwow advisor, who led the graduate ceremony.

David Maxwell

The father of Joe Maxwell, who volunteered at the powwow and spoke about the importance of celebrating Indigenous culture.

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What they’re saying

“'We took a break last year just because we were navigating some changing landscapes, but we're so happy to be back this year with the theme 'Here: Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow,'”

— Joe Maxwell, President of the UI's Native American Student Association

“'No matter what happens politically, environmentally, there's one thing that all people can be confident in, and it's Indigenous people. The people who care for the land are always going to be here.'”

— Joe Maxwell, President of the UI's Native American Student Association

“'We're thankful for all of you and especially the students. You being here is so important.'”

— Ryan Kinser, Chair of the UI's mathematics department

“'It's nice to be here and to see faces of people who helped me and have been there for me and my family.'”

— Madelyn Luna Deutsch, UI graduate student

“'The focus on people of color and the disregard for their lived experiences really just amplifies the importance of these types of events where there is a celebration of the original inhabitants of the land. Our culture is still here, and there have been many attempts to wipe out the culture of indigenous people. We're still here, and that is what this celebrates.'”

— David Maxwell, Father of Joe Maxwell

The takeaway

The return of the UI's annual powwow after a one-year hiatus is a testament to the resilience and importance of Native American culture and community. By bringing together hundreds of people to celebrate Indigenous traditions, the event helps to preserve and honor the histories and experiences of the original inhabitants of the land, even as efforts continue to marginalize and erase those narratives.