Join the Meskwaki Cultural Center and Museum, the Cedar Falls Public Library, the Hearst Center for the Arts, and the University of Northern Iowa as we launch a community book circle centering Indigenous culture, history, and perspectives.

The evening's event will feature a panel discussion with Tieranny Keahna, Meskwaki Tribal Historic Preservation Officer, along with author of Red Earth Nation: A History of the Meskwaki Settlement, Eric Steven Zimmer, whose book will serve as the foundation for four seasonal community discussions held in Fall 2026, and Winter, Spring, and Summer 2027. This cycle of gatherings gives participants a chance to consider the beginnings of the Meskwaki Settlement, Cedar Falls, and UNI, and to better understand these places as neighbors. 

Each season will also feature smaller reading circles – to deepen reflection and conversation – for those who wish to explore titles by Indigenous authors of poetry, fiction, and non-fiction. These smaller gatherings will be facilitated by community members and UNI faculty, offered in a variety of schedule options, and hosted at locations throughout Cedar Falls, including the Public Library, the Hearst Center, and UNI. Upcoming details will be posted and available at the launch.

Whether you're familiar with Indigenous history and culture or just beginning to explore, all are welcome. 

No registration required for launch event (registration may be required for upcoming Indigenous Book Circle events).

Funded by our collaborators and Friends of the Cedar Falls Public Library.