Inspiring creativity, eco-friendly practices, and rematriation in Siouxland through community-based public art projects and green space regeneration.

Protecting Our Waterways

Community Based Public Art Project

A series of public artworks, inspired by conversations with the people of Siouxland, that explore our relationship with the environment, express our connection to nature, and inspire environmental activism.

This project is focused on bringing attention to storm drains that line the streets of downtown Sioux City and educating the public about their impact on local waterways.

Protecting Our Waterways is organized by local artists and environmental enthusiasts in collaboration with the Sioux City Environmental Advisory Board, the Iowa Environmental Council, Red Sky Nation, NWIA Group Sierra Club, Vangarde Arts, SUX Pride, and The Dailey Collective.

Join our public community meetings on Monday evenings in April and May, 2025!

Free, all ages, all people are welcome!

No experience necessary, curiosity encouraged!

Meetings held at The Dailey Collective 1004 4th St. Sioux City, Iowa

5:30: Pre-party Hang out

Show up early, grab a beverage from Hardline Coffee, and connect with others!

6:00: Presentation

Learn about environmentalism in Siouxland from our local experts!
Find resources, connect with local organizations, and learn how to get involved!

6:45: Workshop & Discussion

Explore your personal relationship with nature and the topics of the week!
Share stories, thoughts, feelings, and ideas!
Listen to others speak about their experiences and learn more about the people of Siouxland!

7:30: Design Team Meeting (Optional)

Stay late, continue the discussion, and help piece together the mural design!
Draw pictures, tell stories, sing songs, write poetry, or any creative medium of your choice!
All are welcome to stay, regardless of age, creative abilities, or experience!
Get your voice in the mix and help steer the direction of the artwork!
Join our volunteer-based mural painting team and help paint a series of storm drain murals during the month of May!

Week 1: Monday, April 14th

Topics:

Indigenous Past, Present, and Future
Local Landscape and Waterways

Speakers:

Trisha Rivers (Red Sky Nation)
Karina Pedroza
David Hoferer (NWIA Group Sierra Club, Briar Cliff University)

Event info on FB: RSVP here

Week 2: Monday, April 21st

Topics:

Local Issues and Initiatives
Unlearning Environmental Myths

Speakers:

Lexi McKee-Hemenway (Iowa Environmental Council, NWIA Group Sierra Club)
Lauren White

Event info on FB: RSVP here

Week 3: Monday, April 28th

Topics:

Nature and Mental Health
Learning to Express Yourself

Speakers:

Sam Dailey (The Dailey Collective, Sioux City EAB)
Martina Shakers (SUX Pride)

Event info on FB: RSVP here

Week 4: Monday, May 5th

Topics:

Community Based Art
Art in Activism

Speakers:

Trisha Rivers (Red Sky Nation)
Jessica Hammond (Vangarde Arts, Community Built Association)
Others TBA

Event info on FB: RSVP here

POW Week 1 recap:

We learned about the history and evolution of our local landscape, as well as the communities that have been living in this area for thousands of years!

We learned about the storm drain system in downtown Sioux City, which flows from the street, into the underground channels of Perry Creek, and then directly into the Missouri River. Anything that is collected by the storm drains, including litter, will end up in the Missouri River.

Pollution that flows into the Missouri River from Sioux City affects communities south of us along the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers, as well as contributing to the “dead zone” in the Gulf of Mexico.

Both the Winnebago and Omaha Tribal Nations are located between Sioux City, IA and Omaha, NE. These communities are directly impacted by the polluted waters flowing south from Sioux City.

We also learned about Sioux City’s “Adopt a Storm Drain” program, which is open to anyone in the community who wants to adopt a storm drain in their neighborhood!

Adopt a Storm Drain Program

Protecting our Waterways: “Indigenous Past, Present, & Future” and “The Local Landscape”

Presentations by Trisha Rivers, Karina Pedroza, and David Hoferer

April 14, 2025