Ways to Support & Experience Native American Heritage in Downtown DSM
Native American Heritage Month is here, and we’re excited to highlight ways to engage with and support the Native community in Downtown Des Moines (DSM). Throughout November, we celebrate and honor the rich history, culture, traditions and achievements of Native Americans, Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians and affiliated island communities. From advocacy work and art to traditional foods and storytelling, this month is a time to reflect on the profound influence Native Americans have had on our region and beyond. Take this opportunity to learn more about Indigenous culture and discover ways to support and experience Native heritage in Downtown DSM.
Support
Uplift and support Native American, Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiian and affiliated island communities in Downtown DSM by engaging with their rich cultural heritage. Explore exhibits highlighting Indigenous art and history or take a self-guided tour of relevant murals in Downtown DSM. It’s a meaningful way to celebrate and honor these vibrant communities, their achievements and contributions to our region.
Arts & Culture
A Social History of Des Moines - this mural, created by artist Harry Donald, is located near the Principal Riverwalk in Downtown DSM. It highlights the region’s Native American history, featuring tribes like the Sauk and Meskwaki who originally inhabited the land. The mural illustrates their lifestyle and interactions with early European settlers near the Des Moines and Raccoon Rivers. This artwork is essential for understanding the city’s origins and its relationship with Indigenous populations.
The Birthplace of Des Moines - a large porcelain tile mural by artist Hilde DeBruyne. Located near a 1840s log cabin on the west bank of the Des Moines River, it marks the city’s first non-Native American settlement in 1843. The mural, composed of nearly 500 tiles, depicts Native American life, early settlers and the area’s future. It highlights symbols like the wild rose and oak leaves and commemorates the establishment of Fort Des Moines by Captain James Allen and soldiers.
Book Chat: Native American Heritage Month - Des Moines Public Library’s Book Chat team has curated a list of books that honor the culture and heritage of Native Americans and their contributions to our nation’s rich history in celebration of Native American Heritage Month! Recommendations are available for all ages.
Iowa Native Nations Flag Display – a display at the Iowa State Capitol highlighting the rich heritage of Native American tribes in Iowa, both past and present. This permanent exhibit showcases the flags of tribes with historical and current ties to the state, including the Meskwaki, Omaha and Winnebago tribes. The display honors the Native peoples who lived in harmony with the land and acknowledges their impact on Iowa’s history and future.
Susan Uedelhofen - a local artist specializing in handmade jewelry, including bracelets, earrings and pendants crafted with intricate peyote bead weaving, inspired by Native American textile patterns. Her artistic talents also extend to small mixed-media paintings that feature bold graphic shapes, vibrant colors and organic textures. You can visit Susan’s studio on the second floor of Mainframe Studios in Downtown DSM, where she showcases her unique creations.
You Gotta Know the Territory Exhibit – this exhibit at Iowa’s State Historical Museum (pictured above) takes visitors back to pre-statehood Iowa, exploring how native people lived, worked and farmed. Learn about the settlers’ journey to Iowa, the impact on Native Americans and the relationships between traders, Native Americans and the U.S. government. Highlights include a Native American wiki-up, a Conestoga wagon used by settlers and cherished items early settlers brought to Iowa.
Additional exhibits to visit at the museum also highlighting Native American culture and history include Iowa’s People and Places, The Delicate Balance (shown at top of page) and the Visible Vault.
Experience
Immerse yourself in the rich culture and heritage of Native American, Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiian and affiliated island communities — right here in Downtown DSM. Support these communities by attending local events, exploring Indigenous cuisine at cultural restaurants and food trucks and celebrating their traditions. From special exhibits to community events, there are plenty of ways to engage and uplift these vibrant cultures in Downtown DSM.
Events
Drop-in Craft: Corn Necklace – celebrate Native American Heritage Month at Central Library with a kid-friendly drop-in craft! Create a colorful corn necklace using beads and pipe cleaners while learning about the history and importance of corn in Native American cultures.
I Spy: Native American Heritage Month - Central Library is hosting a fun “I Spy” game Nov. 25-27 and Dec. 1-8, 2024, in honor of Native American Heritage Month! Find pictures of favorite Native American authors, then stop by the Youth desk to claim your prize when you’ve spotted all the finds!
Food & Restaurants in Downtown Des Moines
Dole Whip Soft Serve Food Truck - the treat craved by people around the world from Hawaii has landed in Downtown DSM! Indulge in this delicious Hawaiian frozen dessert and feel transported to a tropical paradise. Look for them at events like the Downtown Farmers’ Market, The Winter Market, Des Moines Streetstyle Open, World Food & Music Festival, Out to Lunch and more pop-up spots throughout the city!
Hawaiian Grill Food Truck – keep an eye out for this family-owned Hawaiian barbecue food truck in Downtown DSM! Bringing authentic Hawaiian flavors to the mainland, you’ll find them at events like Out to Lunch, World Food & Music Festival, 80/35 Music Festival, Water Works Park Concert Series and more.
The Poké Company - healthy, Hawaiian-inspired poké bowls and burritos. Choose from ahi tuna, salmon or spicy tuna, paired with fresh ingredients and sauces like spicy miso, eel sauce or coconut aminos. No need to travel to Hawaii — this tasty gem is right here in Downtown DSM!
If you’re looking for additional options for poké, sushi and more, check out this list of more than 30 cultural restaurants in Downtown DSM.
Go Deeper
There are several additional local resources for your continued exploration into the history, heritage and culture of Native Americans in Des Moines and around Iowa, including:
Find tips and tricks for Downtown Des Moines (DSM) parking and navigation and more. Plus, follow @downtownDSMUSA on Instagram for additional happenings around Downtown DSM.
Greater Des Moines Partnership
DSM USA is the regional identifier for Greater Des Moines (DSM). DSM USA is a bold statement to the world: This is a welcoming, diverse and vibrant community with affordable and accessible amenities for residents and businesses. This regional identifier is the result of significant quantitative and qualitative research.
The Partnership will champion the DSM USA message, and encourages its Investors, its more than 6,500 Regional Business Members and DSM USA Ambassadors to help share the region's story with One Voice.