Native American Flags: Sac and Fox Nation of Iowa (Meskwaki Nation)

Honor the proud legacy and enduring spirit of the Sac and Fox Nation through our thoughtfully selected flags and cultural merchandise. This collection pays tribute to the rich history, sovereignty, and identity of the Sac (Sauk) and Fox (Meskwaki) peoples, whose resilience continues to shape Native American heritage today.

The Sac and Fox Nation: Two Peoples, One Legacy

The Sac and Fox Nation represents the unification of two distinct but closely allied Algonquian-speaking tribes—the Sauk (Thakiwaki) and the Fox (Meshkwahkihaki). These tribes originally lived in the Great Lakes region, particularly in areas that now include Wisconsin, Iowa, and Illinois. Over time, forced removals and government pressure led to their relocation into several areas across the Midwest, resulting in multiple federally recognized tribes today.

The Sac and Fox have historically been known for their strong warrior traditions and diplomacy. Their legacy includes resistance leaders such as the renowned Sauk warrior Black Hawk, who led the 1832 Black Hawk War in defense of tribal lands. Despite centuries of displacement and upheaval, the Sac and Fox Nations have upheld their cultural practices, maintained governance, and fostered tribal identity in the face of adversity.

There are currently three federally recognized Sac and Fox tribes:

  • Sac and Fox Nation of the Mississippi in Iowa
  • Sac and Fox Nation of Oklahoma
  • Sac and Fox Nation of Missouri in Kansas and Nebraska

Sac and Fox Tribe of the Mississippi in Iowa (Meskwaki Nation)

Sac and Fox Flag: Symbols of Unity and Identity

  • Design: A two-color flag with green on the top and red on the bottom.
  • Symbolism:
      - The green represents hope, the arrival of spring, peace, and the enduring nature of life.
      - The red signifies the reality that fall follows, war threatens, and death comes. 

This flag is flown alongside the Iowa and American flags on the Meskwaki Settlement and is used during significant events, including powwows. 

Modern Presence and Cultural Strength

The Sac and Fox people continue to exercise self-governance and operate as sovereign nations. Each tribal government manages its own services including health, education, environmental protection, and cultural preservation.

Language revitalization programs and youth education initiatives help pass on traditional knowledge and keep the Sac and Meskwaki languages alive. Ceremonies, powwows, and seasonal gatherings remain vital expressions of community and spiritual life.

Economic enterprises such as casinos, smoke shops, and agricultural initiatives also support tribal self-determination and development.

Cultural Insights and Legacy

  • Sacred Fire: Central to Fox (Meskwaki) religious practice; kept alive during ceremonial cycles.
  • Notable Leader: Black Hawk (Ma-ka-tai-me-she-kia-kiak), a Sauk war leader who became a symbol of Native resistance.
  • Language: Both tribes speak dialects of the Algonquian language family, with preservation efforts active in schools and through tribal programs.
  • Homelands: Traditional lands stretched from the Great Lakes to the Mississippi River Valley, with present-day tribal lands in Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska, and Oklahoma.