Lawilowan American Indian Festival Inc.

Meet Our Team

Lawilowan American Indian Festival Inc.

Our Team

Arvil LAIF team member. President, Founder

Arvil (Beaver Who Works) Meisenhelter (President)

Arvil was born in Hawaii and traveled extensively across the U.S. due to his father’s Air Force career. In 1973, his family settled permanently in Pennsylvania, where Arvil, of Lenape heritage, began to immerse himself in his culture. He honed his skills in Native crafts and traded them at Powwows, learning to dance and setting up as a vendor. After 25 years as a vendor, Arvil transitioned to coordinating the two Native American Powwows hosted by LAIF today. He remains passionate about sharing and teaching his culture to others.

Allie Fogas (Vice President)

Allie, originally from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, now calls Gettysburg, PA, home. A U.S. Navy veteran who served as a Hospital Corpsman, he later earned a B.S. in Physical Therapy from the University of Wisconsin and recently retired after 37 years in the field. His passion for Native American cultures began in college and continues through his love of music, particularly the Native American flute. Allie volunteers at LAIF, where he’s been involved since 2013, and plays with the Pennsylvania Native American Flute Circle at Indian Echo Caverns in Hummelstown, PA.

Allie Vice-President team member at Lawilowan American Indian Festival Inc
Gail Secretary and Treasurer for Lawilowan American Indian Festival Inc

Gail Meisenhelter (Secretary/Treasurer)

Gail, a native of a small town in Southern Pennsylvania, has always cherished the close-knit community of rural life over the hustle of big cities. Though she doesn’t have Native American ancestry, she deeply embraces Native American beliefs and culture in her daily life. With a career rooted in office administration, Gail brings invaluable skills to our organization, handling paperwork, finances, and various administrative tasks. Since 2013, she has dedicated countless hours to volunteering at both of our annual events. Outside of her work with LAIF, Gail enjoys spending time with her loved ones, exploring the outdoors, walking on the beach, and traveling across the United States with her pup.