The Iowa of Oklahoma

The Iowas, pronounced I-O-Ways, get their name from a Sioux word, "ayuhwa" that
means "sleepy ones". According to legend and tribal history, the Iowas were once
residents of the lower Great Lakes region and were one nation with the Otos, Missourias
and Winnebagos.

Supposedly, the Iowas split from the Winnebago by following the buffalo herds to the
mouth of the Iowa River. Later still, the Otos and Missourias split with the Iowas and
headed west. The Iowa remained in the area around where the Iowa River meets the
Mississippi (ENAT, 102-103).

Even before the white man appeared, the Iowas were forced to move because of
pressure from other tribes. By 1700, the Iowas lived in southwestern Minnesota near the
site of Pipestone National Monument.

This was a major quarry for Native Americans because it was and is an important
source of Catlinite, the soft, carvable deep red stone that is used in the making of the pipe
tips for Calumets. Trade amongst Indian nations in this precious material extended from
the quarry region to both coasts even as early as the time the Iowas arrived there.

With the influx of whites, the Iowas moved south to what is now the Kansas and
Nebraska area. Some Iowas remain in those two states to this very day. In 1883, the bulk
of the Iowa nation was moved to Oklahoma.

The flag of the Iowas that reside in Oklahoma is red. It bears the tribal seal in
the center (seal provided by Annin & Co., Roseland, NJ). On top of the seal in black
letters is the name "Iowas of Oklahoma". Within the seal are two symbols common to
many Native American peoples, the headdress, which appears in light blue, red, white
and black and the peacepipe in black. Below these two items is a black representation of
an old plow recalling the agricultural basis of tribal life in Oklahoma. The circular seal
represents and Indian shield and from it hang four eagle feathers alluding to the four
prime directions, a recurring theme in Indian symbolism.

Behind the shield and visibly sticking out from either side is a ceremonial lance
decorated with streamers. These streamers, as well as those hanging from the calumet
appear in yellow.

The color of the streamers brings together the four primary colors in Native
American art, the black, yellow, red and white. These colors are said to represent the four
races of man and the four prime directions of the compass. With its use of color and its
chosen emblems the flag of the Iowas may be the most typical of all Native American
flags.

Go on to the flag of the Iroquois