The University of Iowa’s Office of the State Archaeologist is tasked with uncovering Iowa’s Indigenous past; however, the most rewarding part for these archaeologists isn’t finding hundreds of artifacts in the ground each year, but making connections with local Native American tribes.
Donald W. Wanatee Sr. regularly spent as many as 100 hours a week away from the Meskwaki Indian Settlement as he tirelessly advocated for Native American people and issues around the country, often sparing his last dollars to get from place to place.
When he was home, he took his kids on hikes through the Meskwaki Nation s heavily wooded settlement in Tama County, Iowa. He taught them how to grow crops and, being a hobby cartographer, how to navigate forests, said Donnielle J. Wanatee, one of his eight children. As a social worker, he understood kids needs and instilled in each of his own children a lifelong sense of individuality, she said.
Apr 23, 2021
Donald Wellington Wanatee Sr., 88, of Tama, passed away peacefully Wednesday, April 21, 2021 at his home on the Meskwaki Settlement in rural Tama under the care of his family and UnityPoint Hospice-Grinnell.
Traditional Graveside Services will be held Friday, April 23, 2021 at 2:00 PM at the McIntosh Cemetery on the Meskwaki Settlement in rural Tama with Larry Lasley Sr. as speaker. Head Pallbearer-Wayne Pushetonequa and Pallbearers-Lucius Bear, Bryant Bear, Richard Wolf, Cordell Bear, Larnell Bear, Jarvis Bear, Trevor Mauskemo and Adonis Lasley. Head Cook- Avis Bear. A Traditional Wake will be held Thursday evening at the Eagle Clan Ceremonial Building on the Meskwaki Settlement.