Dover Museum hosts presentation on Native Americans in Iowa

NEW LONDON - A special presentation was given at the Dover Museum in New London concerning Native Americans in Iowa.

On Sunday, Aug. 18, a group of about 30 people gathered to hear from Julie Martineau, a member of the Sioux tribe and known among them as Ta'sunka Wakan Wambli Gleska, Spotted Eagle Horse, gave a presentation on Native Americans in Iowa. The South Dakota native explained she is a member of the Sioux nation and speaks their native tongue as well.

She grew in what she describes as 'two worlds” and was introduced to her culture by her grandmother. Martineau decided to continue her education at the University of Iowa where she received a degree in Raptor Rehabilitation and Native American studies.

During the presentation, she explained Native Americans have been in Iowa for nearly 20,000 years and the tribes, specifically the Sioux Nation of which she is a part, have formed as early as 700 years ago. There are more than 563 recognized nations and just as many unrecognized nations. She said the state of Iowa was named for the Iowa tribe and translates to 'the land.”

By day, she works at the Des Moines County Historical Society and travels the country giving presentations on her tribe and culture. She said sharing the history with people is exciting and a way to educate and remind others that Native Americans are still present in Iowa.

'We're the same as you guys. We're still here,” she said. 'To show people that we're not just the stereotype. We're not just what you see on a movie screen ... we're still here and people need to remember us.”

Martineau said she enjoys spreading the history and reminding people about Native Americans all over, not just Iowa, because they are all interconnected and it helps keep the history alive for the next generation.

'We think seven generations ahead, so what I teach today will effect my seven generations down the road,” she said. 'I'm trying to think in terms of what's going to effect them in a good way.”

Caroline Lehman, curator at the Dover Museum, said bringing in people to have an interactive look at history is what the museum is all about.

'The people that come to see the museum and see what we have, so may will say, ‘Oh I've never been in here before' so it is a draw, and once they get here, then they're surprised with all that we have,” she said.

Lehman said by bringing in people to discuss history with, it opens doors and opportunities for people to be able to bring in their own artifacts and discuss them with each other. The Dover Museum holds events every month and more information and reminders about upcoming events can be found on their Facebook page, Dover Museum.