Sac and Fox Tribe of the Mississippi in Iowa
The Sac and Fox Tribe of the Mississippi in Iowa is one of three federally recognized Native Americans in [the United States|Native American] tribes of Sac and Meskwaki (Fox) peoples in the United States. The Fox call themselves Meskwaki and because they are the dominant people in this tribe, it is also simply called the Meskwaki Nation. The Sauk people call themselves Êshkwîha or Yochikwîka, both with the meaning "Northern Sauk". They are Algonquian peoples, historically developed in the Eastern Woodland culture. The settlement, called Meskwakiinaki, is located in Tama County, Iowa.
Government and economic development
The Sac and Fox Tribe of the Mississippi in Iowa is headquartered in Tama, Iowa. They are governed by a seven-person council. They oversee more than of land, known as Meskwakiinaki, which the Meskwaki bought mostly in the 19th century. In 2005, they established a tribal court system and tribal law enforcement in 2006.The tribe publishes the Meskwaki Nation Times, a bi-monthly newspaper for enrolled tribal members. It is a member of the Native American Journalists Association.
The tribe operates the Meskwaki Trading Post, Meskwaki Bingo Casino, Prime Cut Steakhouse, Full House Cafe, Food Arcade and the Jackpot Buffet, and the Meskwaki Bingo Casino Hotel, with 400 guest rooms, all located outside Tama, Iowa.
The current tribal council members are:
- Chairman: Dawson Davenport
- Vice-Chairman: Drayton Roberts
- Treasurer: Delonda Pushetonequa
- Council Member: Clinton Bear
- Council Member: Jarvis Bear
- Council Member: Eric R. Kapayou
- Council Member: Zane Oldbear