When the Iroquois Art Festival first started, the Chrisjohn family wanted to create a venue which focused on the art side of the Native American craft world. They wanted to eliminate imported, mass produced, and plastic items, and to get away from the how commercial the area pow wows were becoming. They were getting tired of being treated as just another money source for the promoters, promoters who were adding more and more vendors, with little care about who they were or what they sold, or if they were even Native American at all.

      Today the focus is on showcasing some of the most talented and skilled artisans in the Native American community, as well as educating the general public about their rich cultural heritage. The Chrisjohn family wants to show how Native Americans are not like the stereotypes seen in old movies. They don't all walk around in long headdresses and live in tee pees. They want everyone to learn there are many different Native American nations, and each nation (sometimes referred to as tribes) have their own distinct beliefs and heritage.

Spirit Dancer by Brandon Chrisjohn	snipe effigy spoon by Noel Chrisjohn-Benson	earthenware sculpture by Jessica Wyant

      The Iroquois Art and Cultural Festival focuses on the 6 nations of the Iroquois Confederacy, but there are many other nations represented at the festival. Come and join us as we celebrate our culture and beliefs.