Native American Dance Virtual Field Trip with Larry Yazzie

Hello, my name is Larry Yazzie, a proud member of the Meskwaki Nation near Tama, Iowa. We are of the Algonquin speaking dialect of the eastern woodland region. We are centrally located in the great state of Iowa. Back in 1857 our forefathers snuck up to Iowa from Oklahoma and Kansas and purchased our first 80 acres. With the help of local farmers and the Governor of Iowa at the time granted us the Meskwaki citizens of Iowa.

I’m honored to share my stories and culture with you through music and dance. We are made up of several tribes and promise to bring you the best experience possible!

As I play my flute I play in prayer for all who are going through hard times especially during this pandemic we will get through this together. We all need to pray together. I too have experienced hardships in my life, especially in my community on the Meskwaki Indian Settlement near Tama, Iowa. Earlier this summer we were hit with a Derecho storm a land hurricane with winds up to 130 mph with devastation everywhere! But we prevailed and came together through prayers and help pouring in from everywhere! So thank you!

Recommended for grades K-12.