The Ioway Tribe Creates the Largest Tribal National Park in the United States
The Ioway (or Iowa) Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska is establishing the largest tribal national park in the US, an initiative that will serve as a sanctuary for hiking, camping, and bird-watching. More importantly, this park aims to protect the land for future generations of the Ioway Nation, while preserving the rich stories and heritage of its people.
Overview of the New National Park
Spanning 440 acres, this park will be situated on the border of Kansas and Nebraska, offering breathtaking views of the Missouri River just south of Rulo. Notably, it is the second tribal national park established in the US and the largest, following the creation of Frog Bay National Park in Wisconsin, which opened in 2011. This land is a part of the Rulo Bluffs Preserve, featuring a unique blend of deciduous forest and Great Plains prairie. Consequently, it provides an ideal habitat for migrating songbirds, as well as nesting sites for forest-dwelling birds, including woodpeckers and warblers.
Cultural Significance and Ecological Importance
As a tribal national park, this area not only preserves the cultural traditions of the Ioway people but also safeguards its delicate ecosystem and natural resources. Furthermore, the park is set to become a recreational haven for outdoor enthusiasts seeking sustainable, ‘leave no trace’ experiences.
A Historic Landscape
This land is steeped in history; it is home to the Leary archaeological site, a National Historical Landmark recognized by the National Park Service. This landmark is the largest Oneota site west of the Missouri River, showcasing 3000-year-old burial mounds and remnants of a trading village utilized by bison-hunting plains tribes between the 13th and 15th centuries.
“We’ve been here for a thousand years now and, unlike other people who can buy and sell land and move away, we can never move away,” stated Lance Foster, the vice chairman of the tribe, in a quote to the Associated Press (AP). “This is our land forever. And we’ll be here for another 1000 years.”
For further information about the Ioway Tribal National Park, visit their official page here.
