Channing Whitefish performs at a Powwow lead-up event at the Children's Museum on March 28, 2026.
Channing Whitefish performs at a Powwow lead-up event at the Children’s Museum on March 28, 2026.
Isabella Tisdale

Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow

Iowa students lead the charge to bring back the powwow following federal funding cuts.
Byline photo of Isabella Tisdale
Isabella Tisdale, Photojournalist
May 4, 2026
 

The Iowa powwow returned on April 18, 2026, following a one-year hiatus due to federal funding cuts. The leading force behind the event was two students, Joe Maxwell and Sophie Shuckahosse, who are part of the Native American Student Association. The students planned community events around Iowa City and Coralville to educate community members about the Powwow and Native American tradition. The events garnered heavy turnout and interest from locals. 

Douglas Thomas prepares to perform at the children's musuem for the powwow's first promotional event of the year. Thomas would later compete in the powwow dance competitions.
A dancer performs at the Children's Museum in Coralville on March 28, 2026.
Joe Maxwell and Sophie Shuckahosee were the main contributors to the Powwow, leading planning meetings and fundraising efforts.

On the morning of the powwow, organizers woke up in the early morning hours to set up tables and check contestants in for the competition later in the day. Despite running around with a walkie-talkie for hours, Maxwell kept a smile on his face. He had dreamed of this moment, and no matter how busy it would be, it was his. “If it’s your first or 101st powwow, I truly believe it is no mistake that we are here together today,” Maxwell said. 

A vendor brings in supplies for her booth before the Powwow. The event featured booths from vendors selling food, jewelry, clothes, and more.
Joe Maxwell directs volunteers on where to put a banner the day before the powwow.
A vendor looks through blankets as he sets up the booth the night before the powwow.

“If it’s your first or 101st powwow, I truly believe it is no mistake that we are here together today."

Joe Maxwell
Dancers participate in the intertribal dance during the Iowa Powwow at the Fieldhouse in Iowa City on April 18, 2026.
Dancers participate in the intertribal dance during the Iowa Powwow at the Fieldhouse in Iowa City on April 18, 2026.
Douglas Thomas performs at the powwow in the Junior Boys’ Traditional Category on April 17, 2026.
Douglas Thomas performs at the powwow in the Junior Boys’ Traditional Category on April 17, 2026.
Dancers participate in the intertribal dance during the Iowa Powwow at the Fieldhouse in Iowa City on April 18, 2026.
Dancers participate in the intertribal dance during the Iowa Powwow at the Fieldhouse in Iowa City on April 18, 2026.
An attendee takes a video of the grand entry at the Powwow.
An attendee takes a video of the grand entry at the Powwow.
Dancers and community membersparticipate in the intertribal dance during the Iowa Powwow at the Fieldhouse in Iowa City on April 18, 2026.
Dancers and community membersparticipate in the intertribal dance during the Iowa Powwow at the Fieldhouse in Iowa City on April 18, 2026.
Joe Maxwell has his graduation cap placed on his head during the Powwow. Maxwell will be graduating in the spring with Masters of Science in Urban and Regional Planning.
Joe Maxwell has his graduation cap placed on his head during the Powwow. Maxwell will be graduating in the spring with Masters of Science in Urban and Regional Planning.