The Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma was honored at a special dinner and program on October 15, 2016 by Friends of the Oklahoma Territorial Plaza in Perkins, Oklahoma.
Perkins Mayor Jason Schilling welcomed over 100 attendees to the tribute and an invocation was given by Bob Johnson of the Good News Community Church. A special dinner was provided by The Mutual Improvement Club and Perkins-Tryon FCCLA.
The Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma presented the main program and entertainment during the evening, with Dr. Aaron Gawhega giving an introduction on Ioway Chief Nacheninga (No Heart).
Ioway Chief Nacheninga (No Heart).
A large bronze statue of Nacheninga created by sculptor Wayne Cooper stands in the Oklahoma Terrotorial Plaza with the description "No Heart, also known as Notchimine (1792-1862), was a distinguished Chief of the Ioway and gained his name by his feats of bravery."
Audience members listened to the Iowa Tribe Flag Song performed by Michael Gawhega, and The Lord's Prayer presented by Iowa Tribal Princess Lura Cox. A traditional dance was then performed by Lura Cox and Starla McIntosh.
A Silent Auction led by auctioneer Col. Robert Sasser was held after the program, with funds raised to be used to help with the operation and upkeep of the Plaza.
The Oklahoma Territorial Plaza is a six acre park located at 750 N. Main Street, just south of the intersection of Highway 33/US 177. It is a joint project of the City of Perkins, the Perkins Community Foundation, and the Oklahoma Territorial Plaza Trust. The Plaza incorporates many methods to interpret and exhibit the history, culture, and art of our community and the evolution of Oklahoma Territory and Indian Territory into the State of Oklahoma.
To learn more about the Ioway, order the award-winning documentary series Lost Nation: The Ioway 1, 2 &3 by Fourth Wall Films HERE.
