A Bit Of Our History
Our History
Lawilowan American Indian Festival. (LAIF) Once known as the Red Creek Midwinter Indian Festival, run by the late Don Hockenberry and his Boy Scout Troop 71. He started this festival in February 1993 to give back to the Native American people. It was a time to shake off the cold and inactivity of winter—a time to get your regalia on and move to the beat of the drum. Feel the heartbeat of the Earth Mother. It is also a good way for the drums to get airtime before the primary Powwow season begins.
When Don decided to retire, Arvil and Noni had asked to continue the event. They promised to continue in the same spirit and love for the people that Don always brought to the dance. Hopefully, we have succeeded in doing just that. And we hope that our family continues to grow.
LAIF Inc. Is A 501c3 Non-Profit
In January of 2007 we formed LAIF . Since October of 2014 we became a 501c3 a non-profit Corporation. Arvil Meisenhelter and Noni (Many Hawks) Nickerson started this new festival. Today Arvil and his board of directors and committee run both of the events, along with many volunteers
The first event was at Saint Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church, Then it moved to Heidlersburg Fire Hall for two more years, it moved to Gettysburg College for eight years. Following the Gettysburg college, they moved to Dickinson College and stayed there for two more years. Today it’s being held at Shippensburg College Student Recreation Center building #50, 533 Lancaster Drive, Shippensburg, PA, 17257. In September of 2009. We had branched off and started our second event Muddy Run Powwow. This event is a 2-day outdoor event currently being held on the Steam-O-Rama grounds in Windsor, PA.
