The Oskaloosa Indian – A Proud Heritage

Oskaloosa Indians

Oskaloosa, Iowa – Beginning in the fall of 2012 Oskaloosa Community Schools began exploring the possibility of creating an identity centered around our rich Native American history. The intention was to honor this heritage, while at the same time creating our own unique brand that would serve to identify Oskaloosa Community Schools and educate people about the Ioway people. In the past Oskaloosa had used various generic Indian images, and while they looked nice, they really didn’t have anything to do with the our specific regional Native American people. It is time to honor the people that have given Oskaloosa, and Mahaska county our sense of pride and identity.

The NEW Indian logo is based on Chief White Cloud (1784 – 1834) who is more commonly known as Chief Mahaska, and the Ioway people. Chief Mahaska was Chief of the Ioway tribe he lived near present day Eldon. His likeness stands as a sculptural testament to the Ioway people in the city square of Oskaloosa. At one time the Ioway people’s numbers rivaled that of the Sioux and stretched between the Missouri and the Mississippi rivers. In 1824 Mahaska accompanied a select party of Indian chiefs to Washington to have an interview with President Monroe. Mahaska was presented with a medal and a treaty was signed between the United States and the Iowa tribe. According to accounts of the day, Mahaska was six feet two inches in height, possessed uncommon strength. He returned to his home, after his visit with President Monroe, a man of peace. What he had seen and heard made a deep impression on his mind: He took the advice of the president, and built himself a double log house and began in earnest to cultivate his land.

Portrait of Chief White Cloud, painted by George Caitlin 1796-1872 (submitted image)

Included in the new design are significant elements which designate the OCSD Indian logo as Ioway, including the porky roach, the fingerwoven turbine, and the bear claw necklace which are all part of the traditional dress of the Ioway people.

The new Indian logo was designed by Oskaloosa Alumni, Matt Kargol, who teaches art at OHS, and is the varsity defensive line coach as well as a varsity assistant wrestling coach.

It is with great pride that we present to you, our Oskaloosa family, the NEW Oskaloosa Indian.