Who are we, and what are we all about you ask?
Well, the Thunderbirds originally were founded in or around 1988 by Nora "Red Squirell" Foutes, Karen Sparrow, Truman and Gladys Cogswell, and other like minded indeviduals, to respect Mother Earth and her Children, as well as promoting American Indian culture. The Thunderbirds as we are today has evolved over the years in to a vibrant and dynamic group of mixed and full blood Natives, as well as other races and ethnicities who are loosely based around the Keokuk, Iowa area, an area rich with American Indian history. We have members from all over the Tri State area, from as far North as Mediapolis and Cedar Rapids Iowa, and as far south as St. Louis, Missouri.
We routinely give educational programs on American Indian culture, and history around the area, as well as appearing at various civic functions, powwows, etc.
We also sponsor an exhibition powwow in January every year in conjunction with the Keokuk Iowa Area Tourisim Bureau, called "Bald Eagle Appreciation Days". Every year we invite a Host Drum, and honor an Elder who is chosen for their dedication to Native causes, as well as their involvment in the group, and their activities in the Native community.
This years powwow will be held at the Keosippi Mall, in Keokuk Iowa on January 19th and 20th. Be sure to visit our powwow page for more information about the powwow!
For more information about the Thunderbirds, please email thunderbirdsiowa@yahoo.com