Stephanie BadSoldier Snow - Prairie Talk

Ms. BadSoldier Snow’s presentation will acknowledge our inescapable connection to the land that is now called Iowa, the most modified landscape in the United States, and likely, in the world. Such questions as “Is modern life sustainable?” will be posed through the exploration of a Native perspective on life in Iowa and specifically on the Meskwaki Settlement. Ms. BadSoldier Snow will discuss the prairie-plains indigenous culture area’s historical and cultural significance through the concept of connection to place. Original poetry and traditional songs will also highlight the woodlands, wetlands, and tall grass prairie of Iowa. 

Ms. Stephanie BadSoldier Snow was raised on the Meskwaki Settlement with traditional Meskwaki beliefs and language and is a member of the Swan Clan. She is an enrolled member of the Ho Chunk Nation of Wisconsin. Along with her Meskwaki and HoChunk heritage, Stephanie is also Lakota and Umonhon.

As an independent scholar and public speaker, Stephanie presents at schools, colleges and universities, for corporate organizations and at diversity conferences. As a performer in a local Native American song, storytelling and dance troupe she’s also had the opportunity to work with acclaimed Native American artists, performers and actors.

At present, Stephanie is the Education Coordinator for the Meskwaki Nation.  Previously she was employed as Assistant Director of Intercultural Affairs at Grinnell College, an institution known for its dedication to Social Justice around the world. Grinnell is also where she earned a degree in Anthropology with an independent focus in Native American Studies. As assistant to the director of Meskwaki Historical Preservation and Museum, Stephanie was directly involved in the inception of the Meskwaki Food Sovereignty Initiative in 2012, and continues to work closely with the program, including representing the Meskwaki Nation at the National Conference for Women in Sustainable Agriculture in 2013. Most recently, Stephanie attended virtual courses in Climate Change and Health at Harvard in 2021-22.

Stephanie is well known for her love of the environment and for tribal cultures. She is a Water Protector, Water Walker, a member of Moms Clean Air Force (both Native and Latina divisions) and has been active with the Native Farm Bill Coalition. Research in healing Individual Trauma and Historical Trauma through “indigenizing” the diet and engaging in physical activity, as well as reconnecting through ceremony, is among the many interests she pursues.