Photos: Meskwaki Powwow 2022

After 2 years off because of COVID, the Meskwaki Powwow returns to Tama this weekend

Geoff Stellfox

Aug. 12, 2022 6:13 pm, Updated: Aug. 13, 2022 10:46 am

Mark Bear and his daughter Anistyn prepare to perform at the Meskwaki Annual Powwow on Friday, Aug. 12, 2022, at the Meskwaki Powwow Grounds in Tama, Iowa. (Geoff Stellfox/The Gazette)

Dancer Channing Whitefish prepares to perform during the Meskwaki Powwow on Friday at the Meskwaki Powwow Grounds near Tama. The 106th annual powwow, the only such event in Iowa, has “grand entries” at 1 and 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Admission is $7 for adults and $5 for children ages 6 to 12; free for children 5 and under. (Geoff Stellfox/The Gazette)

Anistyn Bear dances during the Meskwaki Annual Powwow on Friday, Aug. 12, 2022, at the Meskwaki Powwow Grounds in Tama, Iowa. (Geoff Stellfox/The Gazette)

Sidney Keahna leads male dancers as they perform during the Meskwaki Powwow on Friday on the settlement’s powwow grounds near Tama. Saturday features veteran head dancers, with performances at 1 and 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Admission is $7 for adults, $5 for children 6 to 12, and free for children 5 and under. (Geoff Stellfox/The Gazette)

Performer and drummer Hepan Azure-Mitchell smiles from behind his beaded headdress Friday during the Meskwaki Powwow near Tama. The annual powwow, now in its 106th year, was not held in 2020 and 2021 because of the pandemic. (Geoff Stellfox/The Gazette)

Meskwaki dancers perform Friday during the 106th annual Powwow on Friday at the Meskwaki Powwow Grounds near Tama. Performances are repeated at 1 and 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. (Geoff Stellfox/The Gazette)

Meskwaki dancers perform during the 106th annual Powwow on Friday on the settlement near Tama. The Powwow was not held in 2020 and 2021 because of pandemic. (Geoff Stellfox/The Gazette)

A performer takes a quick break Friday during the Meskwaki Powwow. (Geoff Stellfox/The Gazette)

Dancer Sidney Keahna prepares to perform Friday during the Meskwaki Powwow at the Meskwaki Powwow Grounds near Tama. (Geoff Stellfox/The Gazette)

Performer and drummer Hepan Azure-Mitchell focuses on his drumbeat as performers leave the arena Friday at the Meskwaki Powwow near Tama. (Geoff Stellfox/The Gazette)

A young dancer focuses before performing Friday at the Meskwaki Powwow. (Geoff Stellfox/The Gazette)